My sit spot location is in Brookside Park here in Hollins, Virginia. The park is a 7-acre park that was sold to the county on 1.1.1900 according to Roanoke County deeds. It is only about three minutes from Hollins University Campus off of Williamson Rd. I picked this spot because I love the creek that runs through the park. With learning remotely this semester, I was not able to complete this journal at the original spot that I wanted to on campus, but I found the peace that came with the spot I chose to be just as great, if not more. Plus, everyone that is taking classes in person will probably stick to campus sites. Brookside Park is located at 20 Verndale Dr. I chose a spot closer to the road, down on the creek bed itself so that I would have a large view of the creek as well as have a huge variety of species to observe while I am there. I wanted something with a huge variety so that I could find out what would survive the changing seasons and what would not. It is far from the opening where the path is, so most visitors (if there are any at the time I go there) will not be able to see me and I will be undisturbed. It is close to my house as well, which will be convenient for me to get to. There will also be a lot to observe as fall kicks in and species of plants start to die off for the year. Here are the pictures of my spot:

Looking NW from my sit spot. You can also note the different types of rocks here!

Looking S from my sit spot

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I decided to start my study with a history lesson on the area. I was able to find an 1860 map of the Hollins area that I was able to pinpoint the location of the park on. It was easy to find because Hollins University is on the map! The map was made in 1860 by an engineer by the name of General J.F. Gilmer, who was a chief engineer for the Confederate Engineer Bureau in Richmond, Va. While the park itself was not in existence, the area was owned possibly by the Openchain’s (?). From the map, you can tell that the area has been relatively undisturbed by any kinds of roads or major traffic. The creek, named either Dear Branch Creek or Carvin’s Creek, these creeks come together right around the area of the park.  Here is a picture of the map:

1860’s map of the Hollins area of Roanoke. I tried to label current items to give a sense of where things are. The red box is the approximate location of Brookside park! Hollins University is located in the top right area of the map!

It was determined that the morning time was the best time to go to the park, since there are picnic areas and a playground nearby. I originally went on Sunday afternoon, but there were a lot of people there and kids playing in the stream. I decided to go first thing (about 8 am) the next morning and it was lovely. With the weather starting to cool down, the air was cool and it was roughly 54 degrees. I also felt that the area would be rested and undisturbed for the night, leaving things to go back to a more natural state. I was able to walk along the creek bed and find the perfect place, nestled within the trees as to not be seen or disturbed. The air had a musty smell to it that was almost sweet. The sweet smell could have possibly been from the flowers that were directly behind me. In my chair, I was facing SW, so the flowers were to the NE.

The creek placement was in such a way that I could listen to the running water, and it was like the rivers you hear in calming and relaxation videos. I can honestly say that I felt like I could doze off in that chair. A light breeze brought with it the smells of the creek water, as if it was running to keep up with the creek itself. Besides the sounds of the creek, I can hear the crickets chirping and birds singing in all directions. There are several different kinds of birds (I assume) singing and also a couple of owl hoots early in the session. I’m sure he was getting ready for bed and maybe was trying to tell everyone else to shut up! LOL that is how I would feel anyway! Sadly, I do not know what kinds of birds there are singing.

As for the sights of the area, this area does not disappoint! There are so many different things to view and study! I have seen doves, black birds, ducks, and some flying insects. The insects were illuminated by the sunlight that came through the trees behind me. I would not have seen hardly any of the flying insects had it not been for the sunlight. The ducks were heading south under a bridge, so I never really got to check them out. The ducks were under the bridge to the south that does have vehicular traffic. The trees around it only allow for a slight view as they pass, trying to keep the secrecy of the creek to themselves. They also muffle the sounds of the vehicles as they pass, allowing for anything on the creek to feel a little safer.

Looking S from my sit spot. You can slightly see the bridge back in the distance.

 

The water running south is fascinating to watch. Upon watching the water, it was amazing to see that something as simple as a rock in the creek can change the pattern of the water greatly. You can tell slightly in this picture of the patterns in the water. I will try to get a better picture next time.

The flow of the creek from my sit spot. Notice the rock that changes the patterns.

 

The trees are still full and green. Signs of fall have not come yet to this area however; I am looking forward to seeing how this area will look once it does. I can’t wait to see how many colors they have to offer. There are leaves on the ground in various stages of decomposition laying on top of the hundreds of different kinds of rock, sand and shells. There seems to be such a variety of rocks of all different sizes, shapes, textures, and natural colors. Unfortunately, this area is not out of harms way when it comes to trash from humans. Whether it is carried down stream or left here on purpose, I do not know. I will try to remember to bring the proper tools with me to get what I can up so that no one or nothing gets hurt.

This flower is beautiful and I want to do a species summary on it. I have no idea what it is but I will be sure to update what it is as soon as I find out!

Beautiful flower that is directly behind me to the NE

This tree and its root system are magnificent! I have not seen this much exposure of roots before!

Beautiful roots on the river bank to the S of my location

 

This limb that is down in the creek I thought was beautiful. The color of the moss is a really deep green. I wonder if this is from this area or if it has traveled down stream during a flooding spell that we have had.

Moss-covered branch in the creek to the NW of my sit spot

 

There are three things that I definitely want to track the progress of during my time at the sit spot.

  1. The moss-covered limb to the NW of my spot.
  2. The water patterns in the creek for any changes even with the rock in place.
  3. The purple flowers that are behind my spot to the NE.

I can’t wait to see what the semester holds!

Here are a few other pictures from my spot! Enjoy!