Foliage
Crescent has been through significant changes since I last visited the woods in mid-fall. Almost all of the deciduous trees in Crescent have lost their leaves entirely. However, some of the American beech trees and Norway Maples have stubbornly held on to their foliage. The leaves still remaining on these trees have become discolored, brown, and dry. Very few species have held on to their fruits and vegetation, and I saw clusters of nuts and berries littering the ground.
Decomposition
The leaf litter on the ground has also gone through changes; what used to be an extremely dense carpet of multi-colored leaves has now become a thin layer of rotting foliage. The decomposition of the leaf litter has exposed green, shrubby plants such as garlic mustard, ferns and ivy on the forest floor.
I also observed other instances of the decomposing process; fungus and mushrooms seemed a lot more prevalent than earlier in the year, polypores and moss in particular. I also noticed that the fallen trees have grown soft and damp and have many holes and tunnels created by decomposing insects.
Animal Activity
Since Crescent Woods is so close to an urban, developed area, animal activity has always been scarce. However, I have paid close attention to the bird calls in the woods and I noticed the calls had decreased in volume. One call that was noticeably absent was the honk of geese flying overhead. I hypothesized that I had heard the calls before because the Geese were passing over Crescent during their migration, but now that its later into the winter, they have already made their way down South and are no longer passing Crescent. Instead, I mostly heard a chirp heard and there of small songbirds. I also observed large holes in tree trunks that could have been created by pileated woodpeckers or other animals.
I also noticed multiple squirrels during my visit to Crescent this time, which was an animal I did not see as much in my previous visits. The increase in squirrel activity could be a result of squirrels preparing for the thick of winter by collecting and burying nuts and grabbing foliage to create warm nests with.
My Favorite Aspect of Crescent Woods
Since this is my last blog post about Crescent Woods, I want to reflect on my experience exploring this phenology spot. There are many aspects of Crescent woods I enjoy; the creek, the diversity of species, the manmade bridges and structures integrated into the landscape, and the mental peace and escape the woods brought me. If I were to pick one aspect that I enjoyed the most, it has to be that despite Crescents small size, I always noticed something new every time I visited. There are multiple trails that crisscross through Crescent Woods and each one leads you to a new undiscovered and magical area of the forest. In this way, Crescent kept me curious and excited to return again and again. Even though I was visiting the same neighborhood forest each time I came, it felt as if I was discovering an entirely new and unfamiliar place. I know this will not be my last time visiting Crescent Woods; I plan to return anytime I need a break from life stressors in order to pause and discover more about this beautiful space.
