During my final visit to my phenology spot, I find myself staying a bit longer and left more sad than I usually do. I found the bird calls to be incredibly loud today, and took the time to listen and record their sounds. I wasn’t able to find the birds but the Merlin Bird ID app identified a Tufted Titmouse and a Northern Cardinal call. I saw lots of new emerging buds and trees as well, including: Striped Maple buds, sprigs of Eastern White Pines, European Reed, Red Osier Dogwood, and Colt’s Foot. My spot is looking a lot more vibrant than it did just last month…I get a little teary-eyed thinking I have to leave it so soon. 

My spot behind Trinity, albeit small, provides an important natural area for the residents of Trinity Campus. Theres a defined trail, bird boxes and man-made branch temples (a sweet touch from the people of Trinity). When it’s warm, my friends and I will venture into the area and sit on blankets at night. This is a perfect place to observe hillside phenology, pines, and break a sweat while doing so. I hope through the proposal to expand Trinity campus (note: without restoring the existing buildings), that this incredible natural area is not destroyed.

During my first year here at UVM, I have developed a strong sense of pride for the natural communities surrounding me, especially my phenology spot. It’s incredibly accessible and there for me after a hard day at school. Despite being placed on Trinity, I have come to appreciate the plethora of natural space we have at our dispersion. I consider myself a being of this place, and responsible for any harm done to it in the future.