Last time I visited my spot, it was winter and there were little signs of life. Now, hints as spring are visible with budding on the Norway Maple, American Beech, and Sugar Maple. These trees in my spot have become major landmarks I’m familiar with, along with the big log and Eastern Hemlocks towards the back. The entire clearing area of my phenology spot is also a major landmark in my opinion. The smaller Barberry plant and Christmas and Intermediate Woody ferns are smaller landmarks I’ve taken the time to notice by spending time in my phenology spot. Also, I noticed for the first time a small Ostrich Fern sprouting!
My spot, and especially Centennial Woods are a great example of the intertwining of culture and nature. The spot is a natural area that’s protecting from urbanization and being cut down to create parking lots of new buildings. People go to Centennial for nature and birding walks, it’s a place to escape the hustle and bustle of a city. Centennial creates a culture of nature lovers and peace seekers, especially for UVM students searching for a wooded oasis lacking any classrooms or crowded dining halls.
I’ve been visiting my phenology spot for two semesters now, over half of a year. I’ve definitely changed from the person who first found my phenology spot, but good change. I would definitely say I am a part of my place, but not in a disruptive of inhibitory way. I’ve never seen anyone else take the time to look at my spot, so it’s really special to me and feels like something I am a part of.