Changes over Time
Over my first year at UVM, I have seen Crescent Woods change over time; both phenologically and due to the impact of outside forces. Phenologically, I have noticed the biggest changes in the understory., where understory flowers have started budding and blooming, saplings have grown taller and now have buds of their own, and in general, ground cover plants have grown denser and greener. The amount of bird calls that can be heard in the woods has also changed over time, going from a loud cacophony in the fall to a much quieter winter to a more timid but present bird song in the early spring. As far as storm changes present in the woods, I noticed many trees had broken and fallen to create a pointed triangle shape with a standing trunk and a fallen top half. Additionally, the consistent rising and falling of the creek water level based on the amount of precipitation has caused the stream bank to erode more and more. The stream bank is now more muddy and less steep as the water rises and the creek widens. Humans have also contributed to the changes I have documented in Crescent Woods. Many logs clearly cut by human hands lay in piles around the woods and standing stumps from cut trees can be found. Humans have contributed to changes in the amount of dead wood and live trees present in the woods.
Landmarks
I have grown to be quit familiar with landmarks present in Crescent Woods. Some of these include the stone walls surrounding the path closest to Shelburne Road, the various wooden bridges created as stream crossings, the stone steps that serve as an entry way into the woods, the creek itself, the dirt walking path through the woods, the huge culver at one end of the creek and the ginormous tree I once climbed that lies right next to it. These landmarks demonstrate the human uses of this wilderness landscape in efforts to both enjoy, preserve and benefit from what the woods has to offer.
Culture
Nature and culture intertwine is a few visible ways in Crescent Woods. I have seen people in the neighborhood adjacent to Crescent Woods use it as a place to walk their dog, run, meditate, or simply enjoy nature. The culture of appreciating nature in a more suburban space and using it to benefit human health is on display on this way. Since the people in this neighborhood have such a strong kinship with Crescent Woods, the culture of valuing and protecting nature is also apparent by looking at aspects of Crescent Woods. A little painted cardboard sign with a picture of a tree that states “Trees are Holy” is just one example of this sentiment. Another example is the presence of bridges and planks as measures to protect fragile ecosystems and allow people to easily transverse the woods without harming wildlife.
My Place in Crescent Woods
It is hard to say what type of relationship I have with Crescent Woods. I certainly feel very connected to the place. One time I went down there with a book of Jewish meditations I had recently acquired. I sat by the creek reading the book and felt completely at peace and fully a part of the ecosystem. It was a very spiritual experience for me and something that rarely happens in my life but when it does, its always in nature. However, I can not say I always feel a part of the Crescent woods ecosystem. Physically, I do not interact with the woods very often and when I do its usually for an assignment. This geographic distance and mental separation from the woods makes it hard to feel fully integrated in the ecosystem throughout my life. However, I have intentionally and thoroughly examined Crescent Woods more than I have most natural spaces in my life, making me feel closer and more connected to this place than many others.
