The Boardwalk as a System

The Boardwalk is not only a system in itself, but it also is a part of several larger systems.  The boardwalk is a man-made structure that was created in order for people to come and enjoy the majestic natural areas that surround it. Because it is on the shore of Lake Champlain, it is certainly a part of the lake system and the water system of Burlington. It is a hub for a variety of human activity both in and out of the water, including boating, sailing, running, walking, and sitting. Many people come to the boardwalk to read, to do work, to hang out with friends, to watch the sunset over the Adirondacks, or simply to enjoy the beauty of the place.

The area is also a part of the larger weather cycle. The month of April was the wettest April on record, causing Lake Champlain to overflow. On my run the other day, I passed by the boardwalk and noticed how high the water was. The pillars that hold up the boardwalk were completely under water, and the water level was very near the boardwalk itself (see photo), which normally sits about 10 feet or so above the lake. The recent flooding has affected local wildlife, including the endangered Common Tern, whose nesting grounds have become flooded during the recent heavy rains. The flooding has also caused concerns about sewage problems. Thus, the septic system, which is part of the water system in Burlington, affects both the boardwalk and the entire lake.

Geologically speaking, Lake Champlain has evolved in a variety of ways throughout history, and it continues to evolve today. The sand and soil under the boardwalk and along the shore of the lake are part of geological cyclic flows of minerals. Each grain of sand was once part of a larger rock and may become part of a different rock in the future. This cyclical process was extremely important in forming Lake Champlain and thus the area on the shore where the boardwalk is located.

Just as the boardwalk is part of lager systems, it also contains smaller systems embedded within it. The ebbs and flows of the lake is an important cycle upon which many animals rely. There are a variety of birds and fish that frequent the area at different times of the year. The seasonal changes are important predictors of which animals can be found at the boardwalk throughout the year. The most activity occurs during the spring, when not only people, but also animals and plants show themselves fully. During the winter, the snow and cold keep many animals away and prevent plants from blooming fully.

As a member of the Burlington community, I would certainly consider myself to be a part of the many systems and cycles that take place at and around the boardwalk. Through my many visits to the boardwalk, I have interacted with and observed much activity. For example, at the beginning of my study of the boardwalk, the water in the lake was solid ice and I was able to walk out to the lake and even stand under the boardwalk. There were very few animals during these cold visits except for a few seagulls, which seem to frequent the boardwalk throughout the entire year. As winter turned to spring, I observed the ice melt to water, and plants, animals and people emerging to enjoy the area.