Tag: spring

Walking in the woods is one of my favorite ways to slow down my mind and be present in the moment. With longer daylight hours and signs of new life, May is a wonderful time to go on an afternoon walk. Unique colors are always the first thing to catch my eye. In the winter it may be lichen, in the fall I notice mushrooms, and in the spring it's the new flowers! 

There is specific, restrained electricity in the air at The Ridges Sanctuary during these early weeks of spring. To the casual observer, the forest may still look dormant, but as Land Manager, I see a landscape in a state of high-tension readiness. Rarity, by its very definition, commands our attention—but here, it also commands our awe. At The Ridges, we aren't just protecting a static map of trees and water; we are stewards of a restless, prehistoric, and incredibly rare intersection of life. 

As the days grow longer and the sun feels a little warmer, it’s tempting to believe spring has finally arrived—until winter reminds us otherwise. Even so, the snow is melting quickly, the ground is beginning to thaw, and daytime temperatures are staying above freezing. Signs of the season are already here: water flowing beneath Hidden Brook, frogs calling on warm afternoons, and sandhill cranes returning overhead. Spring is on its way—winter just insists on one last dramatic goodbye.

Research for Restoration The Ridges Sanctuary has tremendous plant diversity including native terrestrial orchids. Following the idea that “lack of knowledge is as big a threat as any to sensitive […]

Sanctuary Guided Hikes: Spring in the Sanctuary Join a naturalist for an in-depth exploration of The Ridges Sanctuary. We’ll head out on the trails to learn about the history of […]

Wildflower Hikes Enjoy the beauty of the many spring ephemeral blooms on this leisurely two-and-a-half-hour hike.  We’ll spend time identifying and learning about the flowers, then finish with a hike […]

Sanctuary Guided Hikes – Spring in the Sanctuary Join a naturalist for an exploration of The Ridges Sanctuary. We’ll head out on the trails to learn about the history of […]

Wildflowers Galore! The spring wildflowers at The Ridges Sanctuary’s Logan Creek Preserve are not to be missed! Hike part of the 170-acre State Natural Area that borders Clark Lake in search of Canada mayflower, yellow trout lily, sharp-lobed hepatica, and other spring […]

Wildflower Hike Enjoy the beauty of the many Spring ephemeral blooms on this leisurely 2-hour hike.  We’ll spend time identifying and learning about the flowers and then finish with a […]