It is interesting to note that as far back as Henry David Thoreau's Journal keeping of the local forests, water, and farmland around Concord, Mass., his observations were already marking the effects of climate change from year-to-year. Today Field Naturalists and Environmentalists alike are finding his 19th Century observations very useful in being able to note when Climate Change actually became a major factor for our Atmosphere, and the Planet itself. Thoreau was fully cognizant of and forewarned us of the negative influences the Industrial Revolution (e.g. Pollution) had on the Land and our future welfare.
The Phenology Trail will train us all to be practicing Field Naturalists / Environmentalists of a sort; but more importantly, it may prove to be an excellent training ground, and inspiration, for future generations to follow in the footsteps of UVM's Grad Student, Chelsea Clarke! So cool to see Shelburne Farms directly in the midst of saving the Planet through Education.
Thank you. And "Happy Trails" indeed!
Sincerely,
JPM.