Phenology at Pioneer Park

                       

Phenology is a chance for relaxation, getting in touch with nature, and listening to what is around you.

My area is half-way between the bridge and consists of a tree, the stream, and a grassy hill. I start each session by picking something off of the ground or something that catches my eye, and draw a picture of it. I describe the color, size, and texture. Then, I describe where I found it, how I think it got there, and what makes it different. One day just as I sat down a berry of some sort had dropped onto my paper. I was confused as to where it had come from considering I couldn't see any berry plants near by. I looked up because I heard a sound and a bird flew away. I examined the berry and there had been a divet the size of that birds' bill taken from the berry. I then realized that the bird had dropped its food from its mouth right on my paper. It became very real to me that the habitats around pioneer park are a little too tangible. 

After I observe, I then take a sound tapestry. It a great opportunity to be in touch with nature just by listening. I close my eyes and listen to the coexistence between humans and animals. One may here an airplane or a bird, people walking or the leaves crunching, the river flowing or cars driving. One can interpret those sounds by the way you draw them in your notes by stressed and unstressed repetition of shapes or lines. I then look up at the sky and write down what I see. Cloudy or clear skies? I write about the wind by figuring out what direction is it going. I find the sun and write approximately where it is and how it affects my area by giving it shade or light. I write about all the physical changes about my tree based on the season it is. I have a willow tree and the leaves didn't fall off until late in the winter. The percentage of leaves, color of the leaves, and changes in the bark are what I write about explaining the changes to my tree. 

I then check the depth of the stream by measuring it with a meter stick. I write about the bird activity and plant species. A classmate is responsible for the air and water temperature and we also write that down. Sunset and sunrise are also relevant and we write that down as well. I loved taking advantage of this time to be in touch with nature and write down anything that I thought had changed over time. Also, picking up trash around my area was a simple easy way to preserve the park and make a difference in many of the animals habitats. I cannot wait to start a new semester with phenology.