Human History of Centennial Woods Phenology Spot
Centennial Woods has gone through many drastic changes over the years, varying in size, uses, and ownership. After Euro-American settlement in the 1600’s much of Vermont was cleared for open land and by the 1850’s Vermont reached the height of deforestation. Although Centennial Woods was not completely cleared, it did lose a large majority of its area to increased animal based agriculture over time. At the end of the 19th century, the remaining Centennial Woods was subdivided and reconsolidated. The University of Vermont bough are over time from five different owners (from 1891-1968). Once the school controlled the land, Centennial Woods underwent even more changes over a shorter period of time.
UVM Development of Centennial Woods
- Shrinking Centennial (1963)
- 19 acres of CW seized from UVM to build interstate 89
- 1970’s Burlington
- public interest in environmental protection increases, so University takes action citing “the growing concern over degradation of the natural environment”
- 80’s and 90’s
- land is bought by UVM, but not managed or revived
- parts of Centennial Woods continue to be sold and woods shrink
- uses for sold portions of Centennial Woods include:
- recycling center
- storm water retention ponds
- parking lots
- housing complex (Centennial Court Apartments)
- expansion of hotel conference center
- 91’:
- UVM gets approval from city of Burlington to develop Centennial Court Apartments IF they agree to make a management plan for Centennial Woods and conserve the 66 acre natural area parcel of woods in perpetuity
- 97′
- UVM donated development rights to Vermont land trust
- agreement for donation states that Centennial Woods will have no development except for:
- digging soil pits for education
- maple sugaring
- trail maintenance
- continuing current rates of water conservation
References
W. Poleman, C. Brooks, Natural History and Human Ecology Lecture, Ira Allen Chapel, University of Vermont, September 9, 2020
Baird, J. B., (2014, December 14) UVM Students Ply Practical Land Stewardship, Burlington Free Press. UVM students ply practical land stewardship (burlingtonfreepress.com)
Hopkins, G. M. Map of the city of Burlington, Vermont: from official records, private plans and actual surveys. Philadelphia, Pa.: G.M. Hopkins, 1890.
http://cdi.uvm.edu/collections/item/Burlington_Hopkins_1890