Winter Returns to
Stone Park!
If the Phil, the groundhog, had come out last week to tell
us that winter was going to last another 6 weeks, I would have been very
skeptical. The past few weeks have been
warm, almost spring-like. As we dealt with muddy roads and the slick loess
slopes while working, Chris and I had to keep reminding ourselves that it was
still January, not March. This past weekend finally brought the winter back
though. Stone Park is again covered in 5-6 inches of snow and seeing below
freezing temperatures.
Canada wild
rye with the frozen Turtle Lake in the background
There is something special about being out in the park with
a fresh snow on the ground. The snow reveals the tracks of critters like mice,
raccoons, deer, and turkeys as they travel along their way, and the brisk cold
makes the air seem even more fresh and clean. Get here early and you will see
the frost glistening on the native grasses, or come late and travel out to one
of the overlooks in time to watch the sun go down behind the snowy tree covered
hills.
Snow covered
yucca on a prairie hillside
Today Phil’s shadow told us that winter
will last a while longer, but in case he is wrong, come on out and enjoy your
favorite winter recreation while the snow is fresh! We have 6 miles of
snowmobile trails and 8 miles of cross-country/ skiing and snowshoeing trails. The sights are breathtaking, as always, and there
is an abundance of turkeys, deer, squirrels, and songbirds to see along the way.
And if you are really lucky, you might also find some fresh antler sheds as the
white-tail deer breeding season draws to a close.
AmeriCorps Member - Shaena Howell
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