Really, the different stages in Lake Champlain either influenced what happened in other parts of my place or was in itself indicative of the changes in other parts. For example, when the lake was frozen, there was not a lot of wildlife, especially birds, to be seen. As the lake started opening up, birds started to appear also. Geese, ducks, turkey vultures, and even song birds appeared again. The lake both influenced this change by providing a habitat for the waterfowl, and at the same time was indicative of warmer temperatures when birds start coming back.
This interdependence of birds and the lake is also an example of where any changes in the system, especially changes from climate change, are going to have a drastic consequence. What will happen if the lake freezes longer in the winter and the birds migrate back while it is still closed? Additionally what happens if the lake never freezes and the birds can stay in large numbers all year round? How is that going to affect other parts of the system?
The lake also plays a huge role in human society. It may no longer be used as a major form of transport for industrial goods like it was in the past, but that doesn't mean it no longer impacts us. Right now the lake is three feet over flood stage which is definitely causing problems for people who have businesses and homes along the waterfront. It's causing a problem for me as part of the system since I can no longer get to my spot! Basically it's impossible to take one part of any system and separate it out from things that influence it and it's influences. The changes in my spot and the lake are a great example and visual of the connectedness of many different things and really demonstrate the the whole is more than the sum of the parts!
I've really enjoyed documenting my spot, I definitely plan to visit my spot some more, if the water ever goes down! I feel like I'm a small component in the system, I'm not a major player but I'm sure I have affected it in some small way. Maybe I've frightened a chipmunk causing him to not gather a seed that will later grow into a plant that provides food for yet another organism. Just my presence there is enough to cause changes and make me part of the system.
Finally, I thought I'd wrap up with some of my favorite pictures of my place that I had taken throughout the semester, but couldn't fit into my blog in any other place, since they didn't really go with the flow. Here they are from oldest to most recent, enjoy!
Thanks for reading!
