When will Spring reach the North Country? #phenology

Earlier this week, we feared we might be grasping at straws, or wildflowers, as we contemplated signs of a changing season in the North Country. In fact, our anticipations and observations fit right in with those of others who track the seasons with more rigor, and less distraction, than we've yet managed. The National Phenology Network has started their Status of Spring reporting. As of today's map,

source: USA National Phenology Network, www.usanpn.org

Spring leaf out has arrived in the Southeast, over three weeks earlier than a long-term average (1981-2010) in some locations.

Spring has been reported to move North at 12 to 15 miles per day. That means we could, if the patterns hold, anticipate leaf out beginning in our neighborhood as early as the first week in April. We think it more likely to be mid-April to early May but won't complain about being wrong if Spring arrives early in this North Country. As a frame of reference, the folks NPN inform us that we've not yet attained any Accumulated Growing Degree Days. Maybe this Sunday? If it actually breaks 40℉? But with a prompt temperature drop, there won't be any accumulation of growing degree days, will there?

early April, North Country

Photo by J. Harrington

If it hasn't become obvious, I'm about as sick of this relatively mild, dreary, cloudy, damp Winter as I am disgusted with the current state of politics. You can expect to see lots more about phenology, bioregionalism, and local foods posted here than may have been past trends. Even the PolyMet N.P.D.E.S. permit debacle will be on "legal briefing" hiatus for a couple of months. Reminds us of the old saying "all's well that ends." That definitely applies to this Winter and the political campaign season as far as we're concerned. (As an aside, if you've not heard George Winston's Winter Into Spring recording, we strongly recommend that you at least try it. It's heartwarming.)

Lines Written in Early Spring

By William Wordsworth

I heard a thousand blended notes, 

While in a grove I sate reclined, 

In that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts 

Bring sad thoughts to the mind. 

To her fair works did Nature link 

The human soul that through me ran; 

And much it grieved my heart to think 

What man has made of man. 

Through primrose tufts, in that green bower, 

The periwinkle trailed its wreaths; 

And ’tis my faith that every flower 

Enjoys the air it breathes. 

The birds around me hopped and played, 

Their thoughts I cannot measure:— 

But the least motion which they made 

It seemed a thrill of pleasure. 

The budding twigs spread out their fan, 

To catch the breezy air; 

And I must think, do all I can, 

That there was pleasure there. 

If this belief from heaven be sent, 

If such be Nature’s holy plan, 

Have I not reason to lament 

What man has made of man?

********************************************
Thanks for visiting. Come again when you can.
Please be kind to each other while you can.