Going back to the original site for the final time after spending all year there was bittersweet. The most obvious phenological changes were the changes in foliage and the pond’s water level. Below is my sit-down sketch, instead of the water level being high enough to cover most of the area, there is now a little stream. I would have thought this would have been reversed with all of the rain we’ve had recently and the melting snow. I have become pretty familiar with this spot, the major landmarks are the pond and bridge I try to see if there are any prints in the mud each time I visit but the majority of the time it seems to just be dog prints. While walking there I always pass by the same woodpecker holes as well.
nature and culture are intertwined here because its a place people can come to appreciate the natural world. Same with any space you would consider part of the environment or green space including a potted plant can create a deeper connection to nature. It also allows us to reflect on where we are. My spot, for example is on Abenaki land and I am able to understand the history and culture of Vermont and grasp an even deeper connection after what Iv’e learned in this class. I do consider myself as part of my place. By visiting it it has encouraged me to come more and more often and I genuinely enjoy my time here. By spending time in this spot I have an impact on the land and feel a need to make sure its taken care of.
It was really nice to start seeing progress and green leaves and buds popping up. There were also so many plants I hadn’t seen in the fall semester like this red trillium.