Signs of Spring in the neighborhood

I was recently listening to the radio while driving to work and heard that Cleveland had been named "the worst winter city". I asked myself, if this is true, why am I here? I’m not a big fan of cold temperatures and blustery winds! But there are certainly some beautiful scenes and fun activities that make it all worthwhile. 

Of course, one of the best things about winter is that it’s followed by spring! Around about March I start looking for those signs that let me know it’s on the way. In the neighborhood you might see people finally taking down Christmas lights, snow blowers are on clearance at the home improvement retailers, snow fencing is being removed, and maybe even the first garage sale advertisement of the year is posted. 

Nature has its own signs as well. The Red-winged Blackbird is considered the harbinger of spring. When I see this bird back from its winter get-away, or hear its call, I know that spring is truly on its way. Other signs to look for outside include tracks (footprints) in the mud from hibernating animals. They are beginning to become more active with the warmer temperatures - raccoons, skunks and groundhogs. Trees are ready with their buds that contain all the leaves that will unfurl this year.

The nature of springtime reminds us of the cycles of life. From the sounds of new baby birds in nests, to the emergence of various insect species from their winter dormancy as larvae, to their spring and summer presence as adults, ready to start the cycle all over again. It’s a time of renewal and rejuvenation. It’s a time to get out – to explore and appreciate the world around us. Earth Day was April 22 – a day set aside for appreciating all that nature and our environment provides for us. Many activities city-wide this month offered opportunities for education, stewardship, and outdoor fun. But remember, Earth Day is not just one day. It’s a state of mind everyday. 

Your local State Park has many opportunities for you to get out and enjoy the nature of spring in your neighborhood. For a complete listing of programs and events visit www.clevelandlakefront.org and click on Naturalist Programs or call 216-881-8141 ext. 3001 to request a paper copy of the schedule. All programs are offered free of charge.

THE GREAT EUCLID CREEK INVASIVE PLANT PULL—MAY 15 @ 10 AM—NOON

Get ready to get a little dirty—for a good cause. We’ll be pulling Garlic Mustard, an invasive plant that out

competes native species and isn’t a good food source for wildlife. This event is co-sponsored with the

Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District as the first of several Euclid Creek Stewardship Events

planned for 2010. Meet at the Wildwood entrance parking lot. Bring garden / work gloves if you have ‘em.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:

SATURDAY MAY 29 IN CLEVELAND

• 10AM—NOON - FISHING FUN AT WILDWOOD

Meet at the west end parking lot. Equipment and

bait provided for the first 15 participants under 16 years old.