A Gunflint Story

Spring in the Woods

Winters in the Northwoods are long and the arrival of spring is eagerly awaited. One of the first signs comes when the temperature rises above freezing on a nice, sunny March day. Everyone is out and about with jackets unzipped and no hats. Another good sign is when the snow right next to each tree sinks in and melts away from that tree. Next comes the beginning of ice out which can take a month or more.

By early May the ice is gone and we really feel spring is here. Of course, there are no leaves on the trees and no green plants have peeked out of the ground. This is also the time when Mother Nature likes to remind us who is in charge. She will drop a bit of snow on us or give us a wet, rainy, windy day. How 32 degrees can seem so warm in March and so cold in May is beyond me.

The next happening is for the leaves to come out on the trees and shrubs. They all seem to come out on the same day. It is usually after a nice, warm, rainy day. You look across the lake and the hillsides are green “fuzz.” This only lasts a couple days as the new leaves are anxious to burst out. Green plants are shooting up on the ground too. There aren’t any flowers yet but it won’t be long.

Our days have been lengthening too. On the shortest day of the year (Dec 21st), full dark is between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and full light is about 8:00 a.m. By June 21st (the longest day), full dark doesn’t come until after 10:00 p.m. and full light is 3:30 a.m. That is a big change and it slowly creeps up on you. Suddenly, we have long days again.

By the first of June we can say goodbye to freezing nights. The early wildflowers such as Rue Anemones and Violets are in full bloom. Those of us who plant vegetable gardens are frantically putting them in. Everyone helps plant the flowers in the lodge gardens. As if by magic the bright colors of flowering plants brighten the entire grounds.

The animals who share the forest with us have been busy too. The last couple of years we have had a pair of foxes raise their kits just above the lodge. The little ones are cute as they venture out to play. Fawns and moose calves are glimpsed by a few lucky visitors. Loon couples give birth and mallard mommas bring their flocks in for corn. Suddenly summer is here and the forest is alive again.