2 minute read
Spring, Just Because
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By Nancy Dollard, Supervising Ranger, Open Space
As rangers in the Open Space, we spend the majority of our time interacting with the public by explaining environmental concepts and the science of what we see before us. We talk about how plants and animals live together each making life possible for the other. We discuss spreading seeds in many ways from blowing in the wind, hitchhiking on coyote fur, or traveling downstream in a seasonal creek. We are always looking for connections and the “why” of what is happening.
Fremont Star Lily
I was traveling in Shell Ridge the other day because I had a report of a tree limb down, some homeowner action that was impacting the Open Space, and trying to plan for our next trail work. As I was looking at these individual issues it occurred to me that rangers might be exactly who was meant by people who can’t see the forest for the trees. We concentrate on the small picture. What type of tree is this? Is it native? Do any animals live in, on or under it? Early in our careers we all still took time to marvel at nature, but demands on our time can take that away if we aren’t careful. So my wish for you, neighbors of Shell Ridge, is take your time in nature this spring.
Ithurial’s Spears
Go into the Open Space to see the full farm ponds and trickling streams that are still running with water to fill up those ponds. The ground is covered with miner’s lettuce, buttercups, and woodland stars. The oaks and the buckeyes are leafing out and we soon will have the beautiful flower of the buckeye tree. If you’re really lucky you’ll see an adult coyote or bobcat out during unusual times of day searching for food to bring back to their den for their young. There is so much to see and appreciate just for being what it is.
John Muir never liked the word hiking. That sounded like too much work. Saunter is the word he preferred, and I like it too. Go sauntering out in nature and see everything there is to be seen. Things change fast this time of year, so don’t miss it.
