Skywatch Friday 23

I set out for a "short" walk this afternoon and found myself detouring up to the Arboretum. It was a beautiful day for a walk, sunny and just above freezing. It was a bit disorienting, though. Not only because the Arboretum is under a couple feet of snow, but because many of the familiar trees and landmarks have been razed as a result of a prairie and savanna restoration project. 

Having been on numerous guided walks at the Arb, I understand the need to eliminate invasive species and thin out dense undergrowth. Still, it's a bit sad to see so much gone. The work is supposed to increase the diversity and blooming of prairie and savanna wildflowers (read more). Here are a couple of shots of the sun through some of the trees along the edge of Greene Prairie.




To the right of the trees you can see a path someone has carved through the snow from the main trail down to the prairie. I hope it was a staff member or conservation worker, as visitors are asked to stick to main trails during winter months--especially if they have skis or snowshoes--so as not to damage fragile vegetation.




Last autumn you would not have been able to see the prairie through the trees along this trail. It will certainly take some getting used to this spring/summer when the snow is gone and regular walks resume. I like walking through the Arboretum once in a while as a change from the nearby bike path or neighborhood sidewalks. It's much more calming!



More Skywatch Friday Photos.