Rediscovering Nature Through the Snow
Week of January 9, 2022 – January 15, 2022
by Meghan Morral, Environmental Education Intern
Earlier this week I woke up and was pleasantly surprised by a blanket of white snow covering my backyard. I took a few minutes to take in the picturesque snowfall, amazed by the beauty of hundreds of intricate snowflakes. As I went on with my day, I saw small squirrel tracks on my driveway along with larger prints from one of the neighborhood cats that I never would have seen if there was no snow. While my car was warming up, I observed all the complex snowflakes on my windshield and the elaborate patterns the ice made. Looking around at the trees, I was able to spot several birds sticking out against the white snow and barren branches. I know that this week, kids in our outdoor programs will find excitement making snowballs and sliding around the snow and ice.
The snow tells a new story about the nature we see everyday. Spotting tracks or animals that stick out against the snow allows us to see an entirely new side of nature. As we start the new year, I encourage you to let the snow guide you to rediscover nature in a different way and rediscover the excitement and joy nature brings to the child inside yourself.