Crow’s Nest: Spring Green and Night Hike

By Daniel Barringer, Preserve Manager

After only a week the meadow near the parking lot is showing signs of bright green grass poking up through the black. In this photo you can see the trail we left unburned.

Spring ephemeral wildflowers have started: round-lobed hepatica has been blooming in the Deep Woods, and just yesterday  I saw the first bloodroot of the season (not open all the way since it was a cloudy day). Also I saw the Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria) for the first time yesterday; I’ve been checking every day and it came up late but fast. Red maple trees are also blooming, adding a haze of red to the floodplain forest canopy.

Spring peeper’s calls have mostly quieted for the season, giving way to the trill of American toads.

Spring is finally here so I’m trying not to miss a moment of it.

One opportunity for getting out here is coming up on Saturday, April 25: a night hike and dessert potluck. Sign up on our website or on the Natural Lands Trust Facebook page. The event is free, just bring a dessert to share. We’ll explore the preserve as nighttime settles in, 7:30 – 9:00 pm.