Thursday, March 07, 2013

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!






6 comments:

Alice Audrey said...

That first capture his fantastic. It has such a solemn feel. Worth the detour.

Heather said...

Thanks, Alice!

Vanessa Victoria Kilmer said...

Beautiful pictures. Looks like a wonderful place for a meander.

Flash 55 - Window of the Soul

Jana said...

I need to wear a coat while looking at these. haha Love 'em, though.

Oh, and "just above freezing" is not good walking weather. That's good "curled up under the fleece blanket in my flannel PJ's with the puppy warming my feet" weather. hehehehe

Heather said...

Thanks, Vanessa. The Arboretum is one of my favorite "meandering" spots. :D

Heather said...

Jana: You would have needed galoshes and an umbrella with your winter coat this weekend. Ugh. So glad I got my errands done before noon Saturday, so I wouldn't have to budge a foot outside all weekend. Rained a little Saturday and was pretty windy, then rained almost all day Sunday. I was not surprised the basement at work was flooded when I came in this morning. I hate squishing through the day, even with boots on.

And hey--when the mercury is prone to dipping below freezing on a regular basis, you take advantage of those sunny days in the 33-40 degree range when you can. Not that I like to walk when it is that cold, but sometimes you need to get outside for an hour or two in winter or go stir-crazy.