March 25 2018
We still have some snow on the ground, and temps mostly in the 40's. One day it reached 60, and there has been little rain. We had to get out there to savor each little plant that is making its way up through the soil.
Marie and I visited three parks that day, all in Ottawa County. First Hager (Hardwood) Park to find commas! When Spring Beauty puts up its little leaves, we think they look like commas.
Spring Beauty leaves
Next stop Grand River Park...
At Grand River Park we see Harbinger-of-Spring, I was thinking it was just too early, and it was. We did not find a sign of Harbinger-of-Spring, we did see something sprouting up though.
After the Grand River Park walk, we went on to Aman Park.
We did find some Spring!
Fur covered and very new, Hepatica
These were on a hillside that had been scoured by the snow and ice.
Hepatica leaves from last year....
A very exposed Spring Beauty with tiny buds.
Wild Leek First the leaves show up, then after the leaves die off, the plant sends up a flower.
We see many Paw Paw trees here. Here is a fuzzy little bud.
This place will be covered with Virginia Bluebells in a several weeks.
Virginia Bluebell pushing out of the ground.
This is the place where we see hundreds of trillium blooming in late April and early May. It looks bare for now.
Marie and I sat in the woods and listened for Spring... You could almost here the plants growing through the dried leaves, almost. Then we heard a weak croaking sound coming from nearby. I think it might have been a Wood Frog waking up.
It was so perfect sitting quietly in the woods....
