To every season...

photo from flickr

Thank you so much to each of you who contributed your ponderings, discoveries, and a little piece of yourself to this blog.  Being able to hang out with you all was a highlight for me each and every day and I am truly grateful for the opportunities I had to learn from each of you throughout the year. Students like you make being a teacher the most phenomenal career in the world!

And, as you head into summer, remember the words of naturalist-extraordinaire, Gary Snyder...

Stay together. 

Go light. 

Learn the flowers. 

Happy Adventuring! 
~ Ms. Lord

PS... Feel free to keep adding to the blog throughout the summer and be sure to check it out again in the fall!

Change

Yikes! It's probably due time that I posted my last Phenology blog post. It's interesting how so much changes over the course of a year, especially if you are student. There is no explanation to the crazy amounts of drama, homework, and of course fashion statements that are forever involved with going to high school. Senior High is no exception to this of course and I have gone through my fair share of questionable attire.

However, there is something about Senior High that makes it unique in it's own way. Connected to it's walkways is a little place called Pioneer Park. There is something stable about knowing the presence of the outdoors not to far from the cramped, noisy hallways. It doesn't graduate or decide to change it's whole outfit. It's a part of our school and it was so nice this year to actually get involved with what's really there. Phenology was a great way not only get outside but it brought our learning to a testing ground. It was remarkable to see the vast changes that my area went through from the fall, (including having a muskrat move in!), but it has been reassuring to see it go back to green fluffy grass and an overflowing creek.

Overall, change doesn't have to be a bad thing. It's kinda scary to go through so much in such short four years, and that can be a bit overwhelming at times. Having a place where students can breathe fresh air and just learn about the outdoors was just the right tool to help bare the craziness of high school.

Bye, Phenology!

I can't believe the year is already over! Wow, the days must have ran past me. I am so glad I was able to take Environmental Science class this year and experience Phenology with all of my classmates. Before this year, I had never heard of Phenology. Even though, I had appreciation for the earth around me, I rarely took the time out of my day to spend such quality time with nature. Now, I'm able to look back over my journal and reflect on the beautiful moments I had spent outside during 3rd period. Hopefully in the days that lie ahead of me (whether I'm writing about it or not) I will still be able to spend that one-on-one time with nature. Recording Phenology made me realize how important it is for any individual to take the time to slow down and observe the environment. This world is a very fascinating place!

The End of Phenology... or is it??

This year has been great with Phenology. I've loved it so much. Watching/hearing animal activity, seeing things I've never really had an eye out for, and being able to go outside in a class that's not gym for a change. I have to say I'll miss being able to go outside and be able to do Phenology.
I never even found out how old the tree stump by my tree was. Or what a blue spot was I had found on my tree. Oh well, I guess there's some things you may never know. I wish I could have been able to do this more. The one part I hated though was seeing a bunch of litter on the ground for about a few weeks. Might not have been the same litter each time I went out but it was still litter!
Who knows. Maybe It's not the end of Phenology. Maybe we could still follow this blog and go do some Phenology of our own. Maybe even Mrs. Lord will have her class next year do this. Either way I still had fun doing this!!

Last Post

         On May 16th of 2012 the Environmental Science class went for their last phenology data collection day. I had some mixed feelings about this, because I really enjoyed doing phenology, but I knew that school is almost over, so I don't have to worry about that. The temperature was twenty six degrees Celsius for the air, and sixteen for the creek. The sunrise that day was 5:42 A.M. and the sunset was 8:40 P.M. The water depth was eighteen centimeters, which was quite a bit more than the previous data entry of twelve centimeters on May 7th. The water in the creek was kind of cloudy and fairly rapid in its flow. The creek also was wider because some twigs and leaves blocked the creek.
       There were lots and lots of dandelions, which didn't look at all like dandy lions. They were all over the ground everywhere. The grass was also very green in color and thick, but that's because they water the grass in Pioneer Park. The broad leaf plantains and clovers were very plentiful too.  I heard three separate birds.
       Over the entire time we did phenology the change was astonishing. At first it was warm, the leaves in the trees were very full, and the grass was fairly green. Then, during the fall the leaves changed and fell down, and then winter happened. Also, the amount of sounds for the sound tapestries went down for me during the winter, but then went back up in the spring, which I thought was pretty cool.  It's also really interesting because of how much of a change there is in sunrise and sunset. I knew that it changed, but it really seems to be such a larger change when you actually look at lengths of days in the winter compared to the spring. I really enjoyed phenology and hope that other people got out of it what I did.

Final Post

Throughout this year in phenology I have learned a lot. I spent a lot of time in my phenology site and pretty much mastered it. I now understand that the big metal grate dams up during the fall and winter months due to the leaves blocking the water flow. More importantly I figured out the mystery of the weeping tree, which is wet wood, and that was what I set out to do at the beginning of the year. I thoroughly enjoyed doing phenology and recommend any future environmental science class takers take it serious because you will get a lot out of it. Anyways I left the site in tip top shape with all the leaves on the trees and the grass green as ever.


                          So Long, Cree Minkoff 

Last Phenology Post

   It has been a pleasure to note the changes of my phenology site. Just to witness the changing of the seasons and its effects was worthwhile enough but to have an understanding of the changes themselves has really made the environment something tangible for me. I cannot say that I will change like the running creek or turn over like my four-trunk behemoth but I can say that I am more conscious of my surroundings. I pick up pop cans now. And I throw them away. My site was a spot in which I could escape away from the toils of school and the redundancy of my classmates and just think for a minute. I could doodle away pages as the grass beneath me shone brilliant emerald to dull yellow to the fresh green of rebirth. I sat through a storm of cotton as the seedlings of all the dandelions blew on past me in the wind. Bits of snow clung to my boots as I shook my pen to get the ink to move. I have a lot to think about what with graduation upon me and nothing else in miles so it is comforting to know that at any time I can carve out my own little piece of the environment and just watch it for awhile.

Farewell, Phenology

A gloomy day for a solemn occasion. Today, I spent some time at Pioneer to conduct my final phenology session. I’ve really grown fond of my little spot: the ever-changing fungi, the magical ledge of over-hanging tree roots, the little tree learning the methods of its elders. Nature planned some pleasant wonders for me, which I will take as a heart-felt good-bye!

There were growths of fungus on both stumps, specimens I had never seen before. The common “burnt-orange bubble” fungus also had new developments. On the first stump, there were mushrooms that I have officially named “cream and dark brown umbrellas.” They resemble more your “typical” mushroom. The south side of the second stump had the other new variety:  something I call “very dark orange umbrellas.”

I saw a lonely male mallard attempt to interact with a happy duck couple, but they left him in the dust. I wish we could have seen baby ducklings during our phenology experiences!

Phenology has helped me create a personal experience with the natural world, even if that natural world is simply a city park. We too often forget to enjoy the simple beauty of the world around us. Thanks, phenology, for rekindling my appreciation for all things wonderfully ordinary, from mushrooms to a tree’s first buds of spring!

The tree in my site.

The lonely male mallard, attempting and failing relationships with others.

"Very dark orange umbrella" fungus

A particular very dark orange umbrella that was flattened out.

"cream and dark brown umbrella" fungus

last phenology blog ever! Yay we are almost done with high school forever. Last time we did phenology it was quite clear that the weather has switched more on the side of summer then spring or winter. The world of nature is full of life and movement. Can't wait to be able to spend my entire day outside, school is great for learning about nature and I have learned a lot about the environment but to actually be able to spend the entire day outside would be great. I really liked this last section, food, because we all eat food so it is relevant to all of us. I learned quite a lot about food this section how important eating local, environmentally friendly, and organically. This really has changed how I look at food these days with a new light. It is very important that we all help our community by eating locally.

So long, Farewell

Today was our final day to be outside for phenology. Although this is a somewhat sad day, it also is a day to look back and reflect on all that we have learned through our phenological studies over the coarse of the year.
     For those of us who have been here for the whole year we have seen Pioneer Park in almost every season. from the fall to the spring. This excites me because when I think back on what we have observed i see that really although the park is constantly physically changing, its core and main attributes are never wavering. During almost all the seasons of the year children and people were found in the park enjoying all that it had to offer, and the creek and the hills were always in sight no matter what the season was.
     Something that I also was thinking about is the creek itself. never before had I realized how much it fluctuates in depth and the speed of its flow. It is truly amazing how the aspects of the weather play considerable parts in the establishment of the parks ecosystem.
     The growth of the plants of the parks through the seasons is also something that has taken my fancy. Never before had I so closely observed the development of the leaves to their dormancy state in the fall, nor to the establishment of their regrowth state during the spring. Even today as I was walking to my phenology site I could see plooms of pollen filling the air, and the Dandylions had gone to their seeding state.

Good Bye Tree

Over the course of this year I have seen my tree go through all four seasons . I have seen my tree bare, full, and I have seen my tree gray and green. It was an amazing opportunity to get in touch with nature and just observe the things living around me. I have a new and forever long appreciation for nature. I respect the things growing around me and have an all new awareness of all creatures. Now that we are in spring my tree has blossomed with leaves; bright green leaves. There are dandelions everywhere too!The stream is filled with water and ducks to drink it. The grass is thick and green. The sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky. It's amazing how much bird activity has increased as it got warmer. From a non-environmental science student it might have looked as though I was taking a snooze out there, but I was really taking in all of the nature around me. The hot sun on my skin, the wind running across my arms, and the birds chirping away were all the peaceful attributes to this class that I will miss. For future students I recommend this class for many reasons. After taking this course I feel I have taken on an entirely new awareness about everything from what I put into my body to what is in my water and how this American society plays a huge role in all of that. Ms.Lord has taught me to simply take advantage of living in Montana; where our community has a larger opportunity to succeed in many aspects if we want it to. I am so inspired and am very excited for my future as I am more curious about the decisions that I make that affects me and the environment around me. Thank you senior high for offering this class. 

(:

I really like that environmental science is the only class that allows you to get out of a desk and go outside. Doing phenology was really fun, especially during the spring when it was nice outside. I will admit that i slightly abused the privledge and i apologize for that(Mrs. Lord). I have never really taken the time to stop and appreciate nature and our environment until we went out for phenology. The last time i checked my spot there was fresh grass around the whole bank of the creek. The trees were fully budded and the water level was 4 inches higher than the last time.

Nothing Special

In my phenology spot I don't have anything special; no weeping tree, no hole, no chain smoking middle school kids. But, I have come to enjoy my spot, and to notice all the little things in my area. It is a very depressing thing to think about having to leave this place. In recent phenology trips I realized that the school year is coming to an end, and so is phenology. On my last post I have not noticed anything significantly different. The only difference that I noticed was the length of the grass and the sunrise/sunset times. Considering this is my last post I might as well say good-bye!

Phenology, it's been real.

I am basically in denial that the year has flown by without my recognition. I honestly have no idea where do begin with this last post. 

Phenology has been an incredible experience. I started with such a closed mind, assuming that this was too "granola" for me. I was sure that there would be nothing spectacular about looking at grass and bark for almost a whole year. In my mind, certainly nothing would happen and I would be stuck writing the same things over and over. Yet, even with the transition into autumn I had come to realize that I had been living all this time oblivious to all that surrounded me. It is as if this fast pace society we live in had brainwashed me. Looking back on this, HOW COULD I NOT NOTICE SUCH SIGNIFICANT CHANGES! 

I had learned to take advantage of this time to also gather my thoughts and just relax. I am a very anxious person, everything makes me nervous. During a typical phenology day, I would find the time enjoyable and therapeutic. Slowing down and just allow your existence to be is genuinely an experience the modern day teenager may never fully get .

Since my mind has been trained to focus on details in nature I have recently been able to focus on detail much more easily than before. I plan to take time every now and then to venture out alone and just focus on nature and appreciate it for what it is.  

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

It's crazy to think that today, May 16, was our last official phenology outing. Outside the temperature was soaring to mid-80 degree weather and everything surrounding me was green. Cotton danced around me, a sure sign that summer is almost here. It's funny; my first day of phenology couldn't have been more opposite. My first phenology notes were from February 1st. There were snow piles on the ground, the creek was slow moving, the temperature was about 45 degrees, and there were really no signs of animals or insects due to the organisms' responses to the SCREW factor in winter. So much changes throughout a few months. Within this short time my willow went from budding to growing leaves up to 12 centimeters long. The land around my site was brown and dull, sometimes covered with snow. Now it is moist and green; tall grass around the creek and dandelions fill my site. The creek has recently been flowing much more rapidly. Unlike February, ducks, squirrels, bees, and birds encompass the world around me as I take it all in at Pioneer Park. Phenology means to study the seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant/animal life. This is exactly what we did in our environmental science class, 2012. I will surely miss the nice escapes out of the building, practicing our naturalist skills. Phenology really has been a fun experience for me, and I plan to take what I have learned and use it throughout my life.

Summer Begins

     Well it is just the middle of May and it is not quite summer yet, although we have had a lot of summer days this spring.  Days have been very warm and for the past three days it has been really hot outside.  So yesterday I went out for phenology and it was phenomenal outside. The sky was clear and the sun was out as I can feel the nice breeze.  Yesterday morning was not terribly warm outside nor cold but it was just perfect temperature.  The air temp was 26 degrees Celsius and the water temperature was 16 degrees Celsius.  The water depth was at 16 cm. deep.  The water level has increased, I guess that we did get alot of rain that the water level of the creek has risen from 5cm. to last time phenology was 12 cm. and now it is 16 cm.   I also notice that there were alot of dandelions growing around by the crick.  Everything looks so green outside.  I really enjoyed the scenery of the park from the sound of the creek flowing, the song of the birds, and the ducks quaking.   Everything works as a part this is what Pioneer Park is an Ecosystem, all the biotic and abiotic factors depend on each other.   This is what I call the summer mornings.  The sunrise was at five forty two and sunset was at eight forty.  This is the last recording for phenology. 

Phenology Is Over??

Today was sadly my last day at my phenology site in Pioneer Park.  I will surely miss the tall green grass and large shading trees.  This has taught me so much about the environment we live in.  It is a very lush green place in the spring and summer but when fall and winter roll around it becomes barren.  It's great to see all the wildlife as well.  The birds are quite active and so are the ducks.  I have enjoyed them visiting my phenology site.  I have also enjoyed the bugs and flowers/weeds.  The trees have been my favorite  throughout the four seasons.  They bloom in the spring and live through the summer and start to die off in fall for the winter then there cycle starts all over again!  It's truly amazing how nature can fend for itself no matter what season it is.  I'm so glad I had to opportunity to be apart of this blog and explore pioneer park.  I will miss it all.

Holy Toledo!

I really felt like I time traveled today during phenology. Can this possibly be May?! Judging by the weather, abundance of blooms, and near 90 degree temperature, my inner calendar thought it to be a mid-summer day.

Today, the stream was extra flowing; resembling more a raging river than the cute little trickle I have become accustomed to. I found this rather curious, due to the fact that we have been lacking in the moisture department. However, there was a new dam-type structure, presumably built by a human, which could have greatly affected the stream’s flow.

The humble little tree in my site finally caught up with all of its larger acquaintances and is now fully leafed out! I’m not sure of the species; but I am aware that it is neither a cotton nor a willow tree.

Speaking of cotton trees…. They’re creating a strange phenomenon throughout the park! A blizzard in May! It’s quite magical to observe all the little seeds of opportunity floating around you, searching for a final destination. Maybe not quite as magical if the wind picks up and turns the pleasantry into a fluffy tornado. The massive presence of dandelions can easily be explained, for the millions of plants in “puffball” stage send out their version of offspring with gentlest whisper of a breeze.

I know today was supposed to be our final phenology excursion, but I plan to return to my site soon to conduct a make-up session! Then no one will see me loose composure in saying farewell to my beloved phenology site ;)

Green Day

      Today was a bright and sunny day just alittle chilly outside.  This morning we went outside for phenology.  It was such a beautiful day as I wake up to the warm sun, the sound of the crick flowing and the birds singing.  It is so green outside we have had some rain since the last phenology.  Last time we were out for phenology it was really warm outside and since then we have had alot of moisture.  Since we had alot of rain the water level has risen and its about 12 cm deep. I see green leaves on the  trees.  The grass is really green now that I spot dandilions growing on the grass by the creek.  As i see the bumble bees pollunating them.  I also see two ducks by the pond floating around in the pond.

The Mystery Solved!

     I have recently done some research with Ms. Lord on the mystery of the weeping tree. A lady by the name of Brenda Dahlfors gave an answer on a website called Ask Extension. She called the condition of a weeping tree, Wetwood. This condition is caused by a type of bacteria entering wounds in a tree. This condition often occurs in trees such as elms, poplars, cottonwoods, oaks, and maples. The condition itself does not greatly alter the strength or health of the tree. Enterobacter, Klebsiella and Pseudomonas are the types of bacteria often associated with wetwood. There are no effective ways to mange wetwood, but like I said before it doesn't greatly alter the tree's strength or health. After doing this research on the weeping tree it is nice to finally understand what exactly is going on, and that there is not something seriously wrong with the weeping tree. Thanks to Ms. Lord for her help on finding an answer!

Litterbug Season

For the past few times I've gone to my site it's been nice. My tree is is doing really well and so was my site---
Wait ..... As I neared my site a few weeks ago I saw it .... All around the creek and my site...!!! It was garbage!!! There had just been trash all around!!! There was a pile of trash not far from my tree and on the other side of the creek was more litter that seemed like socks. Strangely enough the next time I went to my site the dirty old socks were still there. I was not sure if they were the same ones.
Litterbug season .... jeez..... people need to learn to pick up their trash and help this planet.

Chain Smoking

I like to imagine my site as a hideaway spot for underage tobacco users. A rowdy crowd of middle-school wannabe dropouts sucking back Parliament Lites that cost them all of their allowances and then some. I like to imagine that because that makes some sense of the stuck red bubble gum piece that has been eroding on one trunk of my four-trunk behemoth. That puts sense to that little knot at the base of my behemoth that has hidden inside broken mechanical pencil bits and a worn scrap of a note that simply says, "Sara has a nice--." These nasty, odorous grease-balls probably have imaginary sword fights when the girls have all gone home because splinters of stripped tree limbs litter my site after most weekends. I must look odd to them; they spying from behind that green maintenance shack while cutting class. I, lanky in limbs and haggard in countenance, can barely fit in that little nook two of the four-trunks create. I must seem completely alien, stepping none to softly in my red canvas All Stars measuring creek depth and picking at leaves as though I know not what they are. I can set my jaw tight and make it appear as though I know anything but if only they could meet my wild roving eyes and see that I am just as clueless as they are. I envy them. They puff puff pass that smoke and cough through the fog and they truly do not know that it is harmful. Repercussions are when your buddy makes a mistake on the drum set during band practice and it sounds really cool but he cannot for the life of him imitate it ever again. That is when you call your band SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. Things are funnier then, like low-brow humor. Especially low-brow humor.

Dandy Lions?

Spring is raining down on my lovely phenology site lately! With these showers comes growth of bright green grasses and new budding flowers. However, it also brings "a lawn's worst nightmare": dandelions. My phenology spot is no exception to this and has a bunch of yellow spots covering the sides of the creek. While most households find these annoying and attempt to spray them away with pesticides, they are actually fairly beneficial to the environment at Pioneer Park.

They help attract insects that pollinate not only their plants but other plants as well. Bees tend to enjoy the nectar from dandelions and since dandelions are usually seen in large groups, this proves to be a primary source for bees. According to countryfarm-lifestyles.com, dandelions are great for having in your garden in general. They have long roots that grow deep in the soil and add enriching nutrients in the ground that is beneficial for growth for all plants. They also naturally produce a gas that helps neighboring fruit to ripen! Although they aren't the most sightly flowering plant, they are very helpful for the dirt and animals alike.

So next time you go make a wish while blowing dandelion seeds, remember that you are actually helping the environment around you!

Relaxation and Friendly Conversation

On April 23rd, I really enjoyed my time spent outside for phenology. First of all, the weather was absolutely gorgeous! It was almost too hot for me! After I sat down at my phenology spot, I took a moment to soak in all of the changes. I checked out the leaves on my tree and was amazed by how much they had grown since I last saw them. I was happy to find a little lady bug resting on one of the fragile leaves. Everything around me looked so green and full of life. People walking through the park had smiles spread on their faces and were engaged in friendly conversation.

While observing the life around me, I noticed an older man walking along the creek with his little grand-daughter and her friend. We got talking, and he told me that he used to be a sheep herder. How neat! He was interested in what our class was doing outside and I explained. The little girls, with such cheerful spirits, seemed to be so excited about the nice weather. We watched them play along the creek and dip their feet in the water, as we talked some more. Time flew by and when it was time to go back inside the school, I wished I could have stayed out in the park for hours.

The Hot Days

      It is sure a warm day outside.  The grass looks really green, as I see blossoms growing on some tress, and still there are trees that are still leave less.  I can spot dandelions growing by the creek, as I see two ducks walking along the creek.  I also saw the teacher look for a muskrat family.  It is sure sunny outside with little bit of a breeze.  Compared to last week it is really warm outside the air temp was 25 degrees Celsius, water temp was 14 degrees Celsius.  It was very hot day well at least were not used to this warm weather.  The sunrise was 6:13 am. and sunset was 8:12 pm.  The days have been shorter and its really been warm and it's only April.  We are experiencing June weather and there are so many bugs outside.  Well it looks like people are back from wearing jeans to now wearing shorts.  Who knows I remember May being December weather.

My tall, beautiful tree.

My tree has changed so much since the last time I saw it. The entire tree is filled with dark, green leaves. The bark on my tree has changed color and looks thicker and healthier. There are dandelions surrounding my tree,because the wind has been blowing little seeds have planted themselves by my tree. The grass around my tree is bright green and growing a lot. I also noticed how tall the grass has grown from looking at the edges of the stream. Also, There are very few dead leaves on the ground since the wind is taking them elsewhere. The sun is shining and there are few clouds covering the bright, blue sky. There was also lots of bird activity.My site has changed so much in each season. Just another beautiful day outside.Because trees are so prudent to the environment as a primary consumer I wanted to share some facts I found on the web. 1)A single tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year. That means two mature trees can supply enough oxygen annually to support a family of four! 2)The shade and wind buffering provided by trees reduces annual heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars. 3)Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% A single tree produces approximately 260 pounds of oxygen per year. That means two mature trees can supply enough oxygen annually to support a family of four! 4)An average American uses about 750 pounds of paper every year, and 95% of homes are built using wood. That means each person uses the equivalent of one 100 foot tall, 16 inch diameter, tree every year for their paper and wood product needs. 5)The average tree in an urban/city area has a life expectancy of only 8 years. 6)The tallest tree in the country is a Coast Redwood growing in northern California's Redwood National Park. It is 369 feet tall and over 2000 years old!

My tree in Pioneer Park

Fungus

I went out to Pioneer on Saturday to photograph the fungus growing on the stumps in my site. I had earlier noticed how wonderfully fungal they'd been looking, and I was excited to visually record something so spectacular! With my camera itching to capture this humble bit of nature, I headed out!

Upon my arrival, I noticed the destruction of a whole group of a fungus type on the west side of my first stump! Who does that?! On Earth Day weekend! After shedding a few tears for this terrible loss, I regrouped myself and was able to capture the remainging groups of fungus. And, because I quickly became quite snap-happy in my lovely site, I photographed some of the moss around my stumps as well.

This is what I call "burnt-ornage bubble" fungus!

I think this one is upside down...

A magical little nook above the stream, on the east side of the first stump.

Another view of the nook pictured above. Notice the green moss and more "burnt-orange bubbles!"

weeping tree

This is my second blog post with pictures of the weeping tree. These are pictures of the tree two weeks ago. It was a sunny day out and it had not rained in a couple weeks, and as you can tell the tree is clearly wet. I still am having a hard time understanding what makes it wet on dry days.

I can't think of a title...

The birds were out and the grass getting greener, I couldn't help but be a dreamer.Until I saw some Arby's wrappers in the creek I started to get arrogant. Then I realized that the ducks are back and ready to give us some quack! So I figured that it's spring time and the birds are sounding fine. I notice that the moss is starting to grow after I hear the crows. I start to leave only to find out that the ground is wet even though we haven't had any precipitation. After I'm gone I have a craven for Arby's.

Oh my, I need sleep.

Former buds, now a preview of summer, leaves are making themselves known throughout the park. Although oddly, the majority of leaf growth on trees occurs more exclusively near the creek. It can be noticed even by a simple drive on Parkhill/Virginia Ln. It is these odd observations that we normally overlook when using the park for recreational reasons.

Mallard ducks are everywhere, I am beginning to convince myself that they are planning something big ;). Two male ducks waddled past me as if I was nothing but a grain of sand. How rude. It makes me ponder what I truly am to them. In the process of pondering I begin to feel the dampness of the earth I sit on. Simply evidence of the previous spring shower.

The ash tree's newly grown twigs are quite yellow. I think it is unique and separates the ash from many other trees surrounding it in the park.

I hope to get this video blog thing into gear by next post.

Ponderings...

I shared our blog with several of my BSHS colleagues today during our PIR in-service and they were amazed by the work being produced here... your artful, thoughtful reflections; your humor and candor; your musings and observations.

One colleague commented on the connections this blog could provide between our class and our greater community, and I began wondering just how vast our audience might really be. I knew that a few teachers, administrators, and parents had checked our blog, but beyond that I assumed our readership was pretty limited.

So, imagine my surprise when (for the very first time!) I checked out our blog "statistics" and discovered that we have had almost 1000 views -- mostly from the US, but also from readers in Russia, Germany, France, Brazil, and Malaysia!!!! This discovery made me think of Arlo (our friend and former classmate) and his relocation to Australia... Maybe we should send him an invite to join our blog and post about the phenology of his new area?

Anyhow, I am humbled, and impressed, and very proud of the work you all are doing!  Keep it up!

Little Pieces Of Life

This weather has got me so frustrated! My mood has been changing constantly due to these crazy changes in the weather. One minute I'll be laying in the beautiful, green grass... enjoying the sunshine dance on my skin and the next minute I'll be watching snow fall from outside my window. I hope the sun will eventually decide to stay for awhile. That would make me happy.

However, I'm sure the environment around my phenology sight is loving all of this moisture! The grass and the plants are looking SO green! And I'm surprised with how quickly the buds on my tree are growing. The drawings in my journal haven't done much justice for showing how neat the changes on my tree have been, but these changes fascinate me. I find it interesting how each little bud that is growing holds such purpose and signifance to the tree itself. I remember when I was a child, I'd pick the buds off of trees for no apparent reason, and wouldn't give it another thought. Now, I wish I could go back and tell my young self that those buds are alive and I should admire them on the tree... not on the ground. Crazy to think how many living things surround us every day, but we have no appreciation towards them.

Considering, the weather has been rather gloomy the past couple times I've gone out, I hope the sun will be shining the next time I go out for phenology. I'm excited to see more plant growth and more green in my phenology sight.

Rainy Days of Spring

     As I wake up this morning it was raining outside.  When I was eating breakfast I look outside the windows in the clear view of our backyard and I am surprised how green it looks.   I know today is going to be sort of a cloudy, chilly and rainy day.  On Thursday I went out for phenology and it was cloudy outside.  I noticed that we had had some rain and precipitation since the last time we were out for phenology.  The grass outside was really green and the leaves were ready. I could here the wind blow and since it was rainy and cold out there was not a lot of animal activity.    I heard some birds singing and saw a crow migrating it was sort of a silent morning.  The creek was 5cm deep which is recorded.  This day was a cloudy, windy, and rainy day the sun came out latter in the afternoon.  For the past three days its been chilly, a little bit rainy and really cloudy.  The sun would come out every once in awhile but then the clouds would come in with the wind chill.  This means that we are getting some moisture which is really good because we need it.

The Hole In My Bank!

I went out for phenology on April 12,2012.  It was a dreary day, the temperature was 48 degrees Fahrenheit and it was overcast and raining.  The grass was very moist and green.  Our water level has dropped to 5 cm deep! It's amazing how much it has dropped over the year.  There was a piece of rope in the water which you can see in the right picture.  There was also a hole in the side of my bank which you can also see in my right picture.  It makes me wonder what could have caused this hole to form.  Was it man made?  Did an animal dig it out?  Did the water and snow cause it to erode?  My answer is simply this, it could have been all of them!  I may never know the answer to the hole in the bank.    

Rain, and Greenery, and Buds, Oh My!

 Date- 4-12-12

Weather- The weather is really gray today, there is cloud cover and a breeze coming in from the west. Oh, wait, the breeze is now coming in from the south, oh wait the west again. I guess that the wind is fighting with itself which is explaining why it is starting to rain!

Observations- The willows along the shore line of the creek are in full bloom in relation to their buds that is. The coloring is like a bright, almost neon yellow-green. The buds on my own tree on my site have grown significantly as well and are about to break open to leaves.

The first thing that I noticed when I went out today was that the ground was littered with seeds that resemble large fuzzy caterpillars. Almost all of the grass is now turning green and I am sure that the rain and cloudy weather will help Spring.... spring.

Sound Tapestry- The park was quiet today, as usual. there were not any kids on the playground on account of the rain and the only noises heard where the usual cars and the wind though the willow trees. Surprisingly I didn't hear any birds, but they are probably picking up worms that are coming up from the rain.

Summer just around the corner but what about the trash!

There are so many bunnies in the park now as well as ducks, dogs, birds, and squirrels!  Its great to see everything come to life again.  There has been a re multitude of trash in the park lately most likely from the beautiful weather we've been having lately.  It is quite obvious that students from yes Senior High have been littering like crazy people.  But on a positive note people seem to be interested in what we are doing, they always ask what were doing and its really cool when they know what we are talking about.  I think it really encourages the older generations to see us interested in our natural surroundings.  I have never seen a negative response and hope we never get one.  Back to the trash, I hope next time there will be less!

On A Dark Spring Day

        On April 12th, 2012 I went out for phenology. It was dark, cloudy, chilly, and windy. There was a duck in the creek, which was four centimeters lower than it was the last time that I had taken phenology.The duck was a male mallard duck, and flew away from me when I got near it and looked at it. The duck flew further upstream, sort of near the bridge. It was just swimming around, maybe looking for food or just lounging around.
        The willow tree right next to my spot had leaves that were bloomed, they weren't fully grown though, but it was a large difference between now and when I last took phenology. The leaves were a good green colour and so were some of it's branches from where the leaves were coming out of. The grass also was a rather green colour. It especially was green across the creek, sort of like a golf course. The creek was also narrower, which I think is because there were a bunch of twigs and branches up the creek further.
        When I did the sound tapestry I didn't hear as many sounds as I did last time I did phenology. I think that there wasn't as many animal sounds because it was dark and rainy outside. I only heard a bird, a duck, and the water, which is a very low amount of things. I'm really looking towards to see how many I will hear next time.

The Clash Vol. I

   Just the other day I was driving in my car listening to 103.7, The Hawk, when on the radio came on the song Back in Black by AC/DC. God, what a great song. It was my own Jerry Maguire moment, only heavier metal. I have not found anything, only discovered that listening to heavy metal music while measuring the depth of my creek or observing the dried red algae along the creek's bank adds a sense of urgency to my phenology recording. I must note every minute detail of all of my area before time progresses and things change and it is all  lost. The buds have since burst and there are leaves on my tree. Death or Glory by The Clash comes on and a leaf that fell into the creek has long since floated past out of sight.

Growing Green

Today was a more wet, rainy day outside during phenology. The first thing that i noticed when walking to my area was that all the grass in the park is changing colors quickly to fresh green, spring, grass. It reminds me of when you watch a video that is done in elapsed time so it shows the changing of seasons in a certain area. Just like on the weather channel. The trees have budded and grown greener since the last phenology outing and the water level in the creek was almost a whole inch higher.

Quack.

taking off

ducks in my site

It's spring, the birds are everywhere! The leaves on my tree are turning forest green, the grass is green, and the sun is shining. I spent most of my time watching the birds go about themselves. There was a male and female lingering along the shallow water drinking and eating food. Aside from the birds, the lawn was being mowed which obviously means the grass is growing, which means it's getting closer to summer.The two ducks were wondering up and down the grass nuzzling each other. Meanwhile, this lonely, male duck approaches them and the first male duck becomes very territorial. The first duck attacked the lonely duck and they all three flew away fighting for the female by pecking at her. It was a very eventful day. Most importantly everything is changing in my area. All the colors are turning and the atmosphere has changed significantly.

Muskrat Madness!

Possible Muskrat Lodge by Kaycee Arrowood

Muskrats? As my fellow bloggers have stated before, there has been a sighting of a small fuzzy creature around Pioneer Park. To best of our knowledge, we believe it to be a muskrat. There has been multiple dens spotted, so there is a grand possibility that there might be a family of muskrats running around! Due to my lack of knowledge on this creature, some research has been required to find out what a muskrat even is. According to fcps.edu, they are large rodents with fur-less tails and are very dependent on water. They build "lodges" and like to live in families and they feed off of a huge variety of plants and smaller animals; such as frogs and fish. 

Right across the creek from my location, I found what I believe to be is a muskrat lodge. I can not be for current, but it seems to be accurate for the description of where they normally live. It is very exciting to learn about this creature and hopefully we get a snapshot of when we see it next!

Soil Poem by Kas

Phenology

   My location is unassuming to one passing by. Just beyond the bridge towers a four-trunked tree that shelters my bend of the creek. On the other side of the bank is a small gnarled shrub of a tree, the bark is black and olive-like. The creek runs smoothly along small pebbles and stones from the fall of the dam not but three yards above. It is quiet in its solitude from the rest of the group. When sitting among the trunks of my colossal tree I am hidden and become myself unassuming to anyone just passing by.
   Late fall proved my area a brilliant green. The grass was all uniform in color and size and the ground around the creek was spongy with moisture. The seepage from the creek extended well up near the trail. The water ran swift and unnerving across rocks that grew in familiarity with me. Tall grass grew emerald just along the creekside, the tips of their shoots dipping into the water. Under these tall grasses grew a red algea that was veinous in its spread over the mud of the creek bottom. This red algea spread along my entire site ending eventually at the mouth of the bridge. It would be this red algea that I would pay particular attention to in the passing of time for it was the most noticeable of organisms that showed seasonal change. The red would diminish in brilliance as winter set in and the veins slowly shrivelled on into themselves withering and waiting for spring. The leaves of the four-trunked tree were broad yet did not lose their pointedness. A single branch could hold ten to twenty leaves, evidence of which showed in the canopy of green that roofed this phenology site. This tree is impressive. The bark comes off with a tug in large scabs and the wood beneath is a light, healthy brown. This tree is old and used. Cans of energy drinks or tea or soda would litter the nook formed by the four trunks and tiny branches would be formed into geometric patterns purposefully in the mud. A single piece of red gum was stuck hard to one of the trunks and it remainded there into much of the winter. The knowledge that my spot was active and used was a comfort. I myself could imagine reclining  back in the nook with a beautiful girl on a warm autumn afternoon talking of sweet nothings and reciting recycled poetry into her ear. It could just be my imagination, but along a trunk of this four-trunked beast appears the worn carvings of initials inside of a heart. Lovers who long ago had the same idea I had...

Due to some technical failures...

My last video decided that now would be a good time to never work. So, instead of having a super exciting, action-packed, Oscar-winning video, I am going to type a boring analysis of my most recent observations.

It is a no-brainer that spring is becoming more and more visible to the eye. I observed the most obvious transformations such as the grass. Not only in my phenology site, but the park as a whole, the grass is growing green. This green grass is much smoother to touch and softer on the eyes :)! What about the tree? Buds are growing like there is no tomorrow! I can't even reach the lowest branch/twig to give a precise measurement, but I would like to guess over a week's period the buds had grown about 1-2cm.  Phenology days are getting much more exciting because of the wildlife is kicking in gear! I had spotted about 4 Mallard Ducks, 2 males, 2 females....BOWCHICKAWAWA! I did some research on these ducks, and this time of the year they are finding good places to nest. After the females lay their eggs, the male ducks leave. After this period, the male ducks rent mediocre condos and seek jobs to pay the child support..... so maybe that last part isn't accurate.

I hope you all will be able to witness my phenology video redemption.

COMING SOON NEXT MONTH

P.S. I know Ms.Lord has been DYING to know what kind of tree is in my phenology site. It is an ash tree...to the best of my knowledge.

Catkins

We went out for phenology on the last friday in March! What a beautiful day out, almost felt like summer :-) I was surprised to already find leaves forming on my willow and some furry, long things called catkins. Catkins are commonly found on trees which are wind pollinated such as oak, birch, hickory, and willow. A catkin is basically a long, bunch of flowers without petals. Most catkins form prior to the leaves; the catkins on my willow look completely formed, where the few leaves found are only a couple centimeters long. The flowers will form into seeds by the end of the growing season. If a seed(s) is to fall from the catkin, and survives, the growing process of a new tree begins.

Catkins from my peach leaved willow near the creek in Pioneer Park
 

Catkins dangling from the willow tree

A pair of mallards in my site

April Fools Day Weather

  As you can tell it is April Fools and after a warm week it is now cloudy and chilly outside.  So on Friday we went out for phenology and it was really warm that morning.  It was a bit windy outside but the breeze was comfortable.  I observed the grass and it is way greener than I saw it before.  Most of the leaves are gone from the trees, hopefully blossoms will bloom shortly and  Summer seems to be coming shortly.  It is only March and it has been so warm outside this whole week up to seventy degree weather.   Yesterday I got sunburned really bad from playing in my tennis matches.   Wow it was really warm yesterday, compared to last year were having June weather.    Today now I observe from walking to the car I was not wearing a coat, it is so windy and cold outside this afternoon.  Maybe this is some kind of April fools joke or maybe its just the weather pattern.

Phenology Poem

This is also a day late… I suppose it could be considered an April post, or a late March post!

Here is a poetical description of phenology:

Phenology is…

forgetting algebra and embracing Thoreau instincts

poking fungus

feeling the urge to eat organic hummus from Good Earth Market

 exchanging a hardly-wood wooden desk for a stump

centimeters of stream, Celsius-es of air

a brief return to childhood

My Last March Post...

I know this post is one day late, but i still wanted to write my last March phenology observations.  I went out for phenology on March 30th to find three ducks in my site.  They were sitting in the water very peacefully.  The temperature was around 52 degrees at 10:15 on that Friday.  I observed that my site was still filled with a lot of plastic.  I don't understand why people can't recycle there plastic and paper that end up it the creek.  Come on people it's not rocket science.  I really enjoyed my day outside observing nature. I'm so glad spring is finally here and we can enjoy all the wild life and insects.