Having the same site for the past two semesters, I have seen it change in so many different ways. From being full of life and green in the beginning of my first semester, to very bare and going through the Winter phenology in the end of last semester, and now it’s finally starting to go through the vegetative growth stage. As of right now the trees are beginning to bud and bloom, and the grass is getting a lot greener than it previously was. The major landmarks that I have become very familiar with at my spot are the old University buildings, including Old Mill and Williams, and even the water fountain, since that exists directly next to my spot. One of the minor landmarks that I have noticed since observing here thats most “important” to me would have to be the crabapple tree thats planted in-between the two walkways leading towards the University buildings. For some reason this tree stands out to me and I just feel like it stands out next to all the hardwood and conifers that exist in this area.
I think that nature and culture intertwine in extreme amounts in my spot. With the college students moving around in this area at all times of the day, it can become a space of familiarity, and belonging to the natural world. Beginning at UVM, this is where convocation is held, and usually graduation is held here as well. This shows a full circle moment in all students time at UVM and using this space shows how the natural world and culture combines. I also like to hammock here too with friends, and utilizing the space in this way is a good example of the UVM culture intertwining with the nature. If I had to pick any place on campus to say grasps the idea of culture and nature being together, I would definitely pick this place. On this, I believe that I am definitely a part of my place. I’ve spent so much time there, and so much energy that I feel like I really understand the depth of it. I also think that every time I have to go through this space, I will automatically think of 1010 & 1020, and the phenology blog that I got to create.
