This space captures and sometimes displays the transition of a clear-cut field in 2010 into the young woodland it has become 15 years later. With time comes change, and soon the eastern third of the original BlueCircle parcel will have a new owner. We have culled some of the hybrid poplars in this area for a lifetime + supply firewood. Many others in this stand have become deadfalls, not nearly reaching the 30-yr. lifespan expected of them. A few pines, oaks and volunteer black walnuts scattered through this area will now will be released to full sun and fill the void.

The writer remembers 15 years as the time spent from kindergarten to an undergraduate degree, or from the cradle to driver’s training. In 15 years children rise to early adulthood. In 15 more they have crafted their own path in the woods. Some live in the same place and way for decades, but new ventures or homes or even retirement years can beckon at these 15-year mileposts. A new legal description of the BlueCircle will show 3 parcels in its remaining acreage. I don’t think the small herd of deer that now considers this woods their own will notice the change.