I recently learned a new-to-me Missouri saying, “the spring peepers freeze three times before it’s spring.”
At our house this year, we first heard the bright calls of these well-known frogs on a warm moist evening about three weeks ago. We knew the forecast called for the temperature to drop precipitously overnight, with the rain changing to sleet and then snow. The peepers did not seem to know this. They were silent the next night, and a good thing because the world was covered in six inches of snow.
About a week later, temperatures were close to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and, sure enough, the peepers resurfaced. But again the forecast called for plummeting temps and more snow. Our spring friends are silent again. But now they’ve sung and frozen twice — at our house at least. Maybe by the time this goes to press the peepers will have officially sung in spring three times.
Before I continue, I will note that spring peepers, Pseudacris crucifer, have a natural ‘antifreeze’ in their cells that allows them to endure freezing temps without damage. So if you were concerned about the peepers in your yard: barring other health issues, they should be fine.
And, finally, to my point, spring IS either here or almost here!
Spring probably means something different for each of us. For me, it means resuming wildflower identification hikes with a good friend. I enjoy all sorts of flowers all year long, but some of the most thrilling to find appear very early. In the woods, before the shrubs and trees leaf out and block the sun, the small, non-woody understory plants hurriedly flower in this brief window of warmth and sun. This is when you can see strange and beautiful flowers like bloodroot, wild ginger (not related to the ginger in grocery stores, but reportedly has a similar flavor), jack-in-the-pulpit, rue anemone and many others.
For those of you interested in exploring our wild flora this spring, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s “Missouri Wildflowers” is a great
resource. We also have several books on foraging wild edibles, many of which are traditionally collected in spring. I was thrilled to find “Foraging the Ozarks” on our shelves. It covers identification of edible plants, what they can be used for and how to prepare them.
I always aspire to track my observations and discoveries of the plants, animals and weather encountered in a journal. While I lack consistency, and my visions of this document far outstrip my ability, I do enjoy journaling, and I keep doing it, albeit haphazardly. This year, I might focus more on sketching discoveries. We have a few guides on botanical sketching; the “Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling” caught my eye.
Here’s a list of more books to inspire your spring explorations. A little word to the wise, dress in layers and wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Happy adventures!
Feature image credit: Peter Paplanus, Spring Peeper via Flickr (license)
