Spring events highlight Holmes County nature

While we are currently looking at a new dusting of snow, spring in the woods is not too far away. Soon we will be able to experience the turn of the seasons. As it warms up, take the time to walk through the woods and see if you can sense the woods coming alive.

The spring peepers will wake up from their hibernation. The "peep peep peep" heard in moist woods and fields near wetlands is the males’ mating call. Females lay 7,500-1,200 eggs in vernal pools or other wetlands. Eggs take two days to two weeks to hatch, depending on the temperature.

Vernal pools are key to spring peepers and many other amphibian and insect species because of the lack of fish present. This allows the eggs and young a chance at survival without fish predation. Take a walk in the woods and look for these shallow depressions filled with water. For now, there is an abundance of life present. Make sure to protect these small but valuable ecosystems.

The taste of spring is delicious maple syrup. This time of year is when the sap starts flowing because of the warm days and cold nights. The freeze-thaw creates a pressure change in the tree, pushing sap to branches to help support the development of buds and leaves. While all trees have sap, sugar maples are the most common to use to make syrup because of the higher sugar content.

While walking or driving near woods, look and see if there are any taps out. If you want to learn more, Holmes SWCD is partnering with Sweet Fire Sugar Bush from 3-6 p.m. Thursday, March 5 for an event showcasing maple syrup production. There is an optional walk through the woods to see the sap collection system. Then we will follow the sap to the reverse osmosis machine and the evaporator.

Sweet Fire produces value-added products with its syrup including maple cream we will make and sample. We will finish the evening off with a dinner of pancakes and sausage. There is a $15 session fee. RSVP to the office at 330-674-2811 if you’re interested.

Skunk cabbage is a smell you might want to avoid in the woods. This native plant flowers early in February and March because the flower structures are thermogenic and produce enough heat to melt surrounding snow. The spathe, a protective leaf, is liver-spotted and covers the spadix and flower. When the flowers decline, the cabbage-like leaves emerge. The leaves are what give the plant its name because they are quite smelly.

An exciting sight to see in the spring woods is the buds appearing on the trees. These buds will eventually become leaves or flowers. The buds have been dormant all winter and are waiting for the weather to signal it is time to open up.

If planting more trees or shrubs sounds like an enticing way to spend your spring, Holmes SWCD is hosting its annual bare root tree seedling sale. The sale ends March 6, so act quickly if you would like to pick up some seedlings. Our species are limited because we only have a limited stock. Call in to the office to make sure your desired species is still available.

If you’re not careful in the woods, you might feel the prick of a thorn. These thorns could be on a variety of trees or shrubs, but two common ones are multiflora rose and common buckthorn. While not all thorned plants are invasive or nonnative, these two are both of those. They can create a large problem in woodlands if not properly managed.

What is noticeable in spring is some plants are green and some are still dormant. Most of the plants that green up first are nonnative, invasive plants that can outcompete our native plants. One such way is coming out of dormancy earlier and getting resources before having to compete for them. This gives woodland managers a great window to more easily identify and control invasive plants.

The break in the weather that is on the horizon is a great excuse to get outside and see what all your senses can tell you. There are opportunities to learn something new, protect a valuable ecosystem or work on managing to reach your goals. Take the time to get outside and make a difference.

Darby Vaughan is a conservation specialist with Holmes Soil & Water Conservation District.