Week of March 30, 2025 – April 5, 2025
by Catherine McLaughlin, Environmental Educator
I fell victim to “false spring” last week. When the weather was above 50 degrees and the sun was out… I was wearing t-shirts and longing for summer activities. Now it has been back down to normal spring temperatures of the 30s or 40s and I find myself having to be patient again for the warm weather to return. It can be frustrating waiting for something you are excited for. The anticipation building as you get sneak peaks of the future, just sitting in this waiting game.
Now, while I am from CNY and I know how our weather patterns fall, once the first warm sunny days happen in March I am officially done with winter and I am ready for summer to get here and stay for a few months.
Nature reminds me to be patient, as each season will arrive in time. I take my raincoat and layers out to look for salamanders migrating once I hear the spring peepers as it’s still in the 40s. I look for the snowdrops and hepatica out in the woods for some of the first flowers of spring. I hear bird calls that are different between this month and last as the birds migrate back north. I follow along with nature as she awakens from her cold slumber at her own pace. These grays and browns will quickly turn into lush green once nature is ready.
In a world that often forces us to keep moving forward as quickly as we can, I look to nature for guidance. As a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson says “Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” It’s okay to let your excitement build for the next thing, but spend time in that transition. These transitions help us gain resilience and grow in an ever-changing world. As nature accomplishes all that it needs to do, you will too.