The current weather has us thinking a lot about the impending arrival of spring. We're hoping that groundhog was correct and we'll see an early spring this year, but no matter what happens, it's only about a month away! The signs are already starting to appear throughout the area. Here are some of our favorite signs that spring isn't too far away...
- The birds are singing, and in some cases, returning to the area after their winter away! In the last week or so, we've sighted several groups of migratory birds on their long journey back north. Keep an eye out for them as you wander the trails at Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Jimmy Nash City Park, Pioneer Park and Burkhart Creek Park and watch for waterbirds in particular as you stroll the White River Greenway at Old Town Waverly Park.
- The Inside Scoop will soon be open, serving up tasty ice cream treats through that walk-up window. Opening day is typically the first week of March, and while it may still be chilly, getting ice cream from the Scoop is always an unmistakable sign of spring... and it's getting closer every day!
- Small buds are beginning to appear on our favorite flowering trees. It'll probably still be a few weeks before they blossom, but seeing the buds appear and start to grow can really do wonders for one's attitude! Keep an eye out for them when you're out and about (We particularly love the magnolia trees on the courthouse lawn and the Art Sanctuary lawn.)
- The peeper frogs are beginning to wake up and start singing! Stop near any pond or creek bank at dusk and you'll hear them. They may not be too noisy yet, but trust us - in the next few weeks, those little guys will become a rather deafening reminder that winter is almost over!
- Outdoor fun runs and 5K are beginning to pup up as upcoming events! The Gateway Fun Run and 5K kicks off the season on March 7. Get the details on that and 20+ additional runs scheduled throughout the warmer months in Morgan County.
- Dates are out for this year's Wildflower Walk series with Master Naturalist David Mow at Burkhart Creek Park! Mark your calendar to join David on March 21, April 4 and May 17 for a lesson on wildflowers native to Indiana.
- This year's Garden Fest from the Morgan County Master Gardeners just weeks away. March 28 is the day to celebrate all things garden related at Hoosier Harvest Church on State Road 252. There will be loads of fun booths, and even speakers to learn from. Get it on your calendar!
- Daffodils are bursting from the ground... we know., it'll still be a few weeks before they bloom, but just seeing those little green leaves poking up through the earth puts us in a better mood. We'll be anxiously looking forward to this year's explosion of color on the grounds of Link Observatory. Open each weekend in April for visitors to enjoy (thanks to the Indiana Daffodil Society and the Indiana Astronomical Society), Helen Link's daffodils are truly the final sign that spring has finally arrived in Morgan County!
