12/7, 1:15pm, Cloudy- Snowing, 27°F
This is the first substantial snow of the season!! I can’t believe how early it happened. I’m used to major snow events in January or February, but seldom in December. Everything seems quiet in the snow, and today was no exception. There was little in terms of wildlife activity, but maybe there was more going on beneath the snow’s surface that I wasn’t keen on. While walking to my spot, I observed many different flocks of geese, mostly Canada though I could’ve sworn that there was a flock of snow geese above as well.
While the world seems to slow after a snowfall, there are almost always woodpeckers hard at work on a dead tree.
Some Norway Maples and American Beeches are still holding steadfast to their leaves. I could hear them rattling with every gust of wind. While walking to my spot, I accidentally fell into a gap between the boards, and, suffice it to say, the wetland is still there.
I’m impressed with the ferns’ abilities to survive. I guess I never took notice of how long they persist into the season, but this fern in particular has been holding on for a long while. Even as it gets pounded by brutal Vermont temps and precipitation, it remains a staple in the forest landscape.
I accidentally brushed off the fresh coating of snow when I got to the rock I usually perch on, and I noticed that the mosses and lichens that call it home were also still alive and well. Perhaps it was because the snow was so fresh, but I do know from prior research that mosses never stop growing- they’re actually considered evergreen plants! As long as there is moisture, they’ll continue to grow and disperse.
I was eager to set out after I saw how much snow had fallen to potentially indulge in some winter wildlife tracking, however, I was disappointed to find that there were no tracks visible besides the ones left by dogs and their owners. I hope next time I’m able to get back out to Centennial there is a coating of snow and ample time for critters to leave prints.
Until next time! I can’t believe the semester has already ended and I had the privilege of seeing this beautiful landscape ebb and flow with the seasons as I have into my first season of college.