This was the last time I visited my location for the year. However, it is a great location, and proximal to my dorm next year, so I expect to be back in the fall. While vegetative species haven’t had the time to change and evolve over the months that I’ve been visiting the area, many phenological changes have occurred as we went from fall into a long winter and now the emergence of spring. Within the spot, there are a few “landmarks”, such as the path, which generally serves as the only area with significant human impact, and the fallen Eastern White Pine, which creates a complex canopy with its root ball. In this spot nature and culture intertwine as this small corridor of forest is very close to the dormitories of a large university and one of the few golf-courses in a city. The areas around this forest are quite busy, so this forest serves as an outdoor escape for many. This is evident through the path, which is very compacted down by consistent human use. Abutting my area of the forest is a fire pit, with a few fallen logs serving as seats surrounding it. I’ve seen many students sitting around this area to connect and unwind after busy weeks. I’ve also smelled recently burned wood originating from the ash pile a few times when stopping, which always reminded me of the outdoors. While I most likely visit this place more than the average person who lives in Redstone or the surrounding neighborhood, my part of this place is small compared to the many animals, insects, and mycelia that live there. My only hope is that I serve as just an observer and haven’t disturbed the natural processes at play.
