Springing forth
It’s still mid-March, but Spring has sprung in the Ohio valley.
The ice-storm damage from January will be with Jefferson Forest for years to come. Though the trails are clear of major debris, the evidence of the storm is everywhere. Windy conditions for the next year should be approached with caution when hiking Jefferson Forest due to the widespread tree damage and the plethora of hanging limbs.
With all that being said, and temperatures in the 50s, 60s and 70s over the last 2-3 weeks, the greenery is sprouting throughout the Forest. With an eye to the ground and a patient pace, I’ve hiked the Scotts Gap Loop and Horine Reservation trails over the last 2 days. There are wildflowers in bloom, and song birds in song, and critters I’ve never seen before.
There are already butterflies about, and one I’ve never seen before is in abundance. Late this afternoon, I spotted many Mourning Cloak butterflies and they were kind enough to pose for me several times. The Mourning Cloak likes to bask in the Sun, and when you disturb them while walking, try stopping and just wait for a few minutes. More than half the time, the butterflies returned to their basking spot within a couple of minutes.
In addition to bugs, I spotted a few cricket frogs near Mitchell Hill Lake and I also spotted Bluebirds, Blue Jays and a wide variety of Woodpeckers and song birds.
The trees are still barren, but flowers are popping up and the ground clutter is getting some green back in its color.
Over the next month, expect an explosion of flowers and life in Jefferson Forest. Be sure to make time to get out and see it.
I hope you enjoy the album Springish 09.
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