Crow’s Nest Spring Progress

Spring is here. I saw a couple spring beauties (Claytonia virginica) blooming yesterday, and even some of the Philadelphia fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus). I heard toads trilling the other day, joining the chorus of wood frogs and spring peepers. Red maples branch tips are flushing red with their flowers, and spicebush flower buds are the plump spheres I enjoy seeing. Some invasive shrubs are leafing out: multiflora rose, Japanese barberry, and Japanese honeysuckle. I didn’t see bloodroot blooming yet but since the flowers fold when the days are overcast I may not have been in the right place at the right time.

We finished chipping the last of the storm damage, but now spring projects must start: doing prescribed burns, controlling invasive plants (there’s a window to do this while most of the native spring ephemeral wildflowers are still dormant), mulching flower beds, touching up paint, etc. Many winter projects including the pruning of apple trees and did not get done—and it’s too late now, the sap is running and pruning cuts would bleed too much.

We’ve replaced more boards on creek trail boardwalks and mulched other trails (with chips from the storm damage). The ground is actually drier now than any time in the last six months, so now is a good time to get outside and enjoy the preserve.

Posted by Daniel Barringer on March 17, 2012.