When I’m not at UVM, I live in Brooklyn, New York. I live right next to Fort Greene Park, which is located in downtown. This park is the closest natural area for me.
Here are some maps of the area
How does the park compare to my phenology spot?
My phenology spot in Centennial woods is very different from Fort Greene Park. The first noticeable difference between them is the size. Fort Greene Park is 30.2 acres (12.2 ha), while Centennial Woods is 65 acres. There’s much more to explore in Centennial, which is how I stumbled upon my phenology spots. My spots have streams running underneath or around them. However, there are no streams in the park. The majority of Fort Greene Park are concrete trails and grass. My phenology spots in Centennial Woods, however, have dirt trails leading up to them and multiple types of plants. Fort Greene park does have multiple kinds of trees, including trees that we learned about in NR001 this semester. Examples include red oaks, sugar maples, and eastern white pines. There are nineteen different kinds of trees in Fort Greene Park. There are only some small trees at my phenology spots. Since Fort Greene Park is in a much more urban area, it does not feel as close to nature as Centennial Woods does. The moment you enter Centennial Woods you feel like you’re really in nature with dirt trails and a trailhead sign. However, Fort Greene’s entrance is simply some concrete stairs leading to concrete trails and grass. The park also has tennis courts where athletes can practice.
Why is it special to me?
Although the park itself isn’t much different from any other park in New York City, it’s history makes it interesting to me. The park was originally a site for forts built for the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, which is how it got its name. After the War of 1812, the community around it started using the land as public space and it eventually became the park we know today. I’ve lived in the Fort Greene area for eleven years, so I’ve spent a lot of time in the park. I’ve gone on runs, walked my dog, hung out with friends, and gone on dates in the park. When I was in elementary school and middle school, I would have to pass through the park to go to school and back home. It’s not my favorite place in Brooklyn, but it is a place I often go to.
Here are some pictures of Fort Greene Park
