HANSVILLE GREENWAY UPDATE
On Sunday morning, March 10, I sat down at my desk to work on this article. I glanced over at the desk calendar to count the days before spring would arrive. 10 days to go! Each passing day is another step in the march toward spring.
Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw the fleeting sight of a small brown animal scurrying around the window, up the siding, under the eave, disappearing over the gutter, and onto the roof. I got up from my chair to step outside to locate the little animal and I found it sitting at the edge of the roof–a cute brown squirrel staring at me. Signs of Spring are all around us if we take the time to pay attention and connect with nature.
What are signs that Winter is giving way to Spring? The blanket of snow which covered the Greenway forest floor just a few weeks ago has melted. Increasing temperatures and longer daylight fuel photosynthesis in plants and trees to support new growth while animals take advantage of these changes to prepare nests and dens for new arrivals.
I encourage you to take a break from the hectic pace of life by stepping into the Greenway to explore the trails and witness spring’s gradual arrival. Leave your desk and calendar behind to take a walk on one of the many Greenway trails. As you do, be aware of all the sights, sounds, smells, as well as the feelings that arise in you. Look at the ground for early blooming plant life. Gaze upward to the treetops to spot new buds forming. Listen and observe male birds singing and putting on a display to court a mate. Observe birds gathering twigs from the forest floor to build their nests. Smell the fresh scent of new plant growth. Feel the warmth of the Sun on your face. Check out branches above you and you may just spot a furry animal looking back at you.
Our volunteers will be busy, too. The plan is to demolish the existing tool shed and replace it with a new one. This will provide a long-term secure place to store the tools used to keep the trails accessible for all to enjoy.
For anyone interested in volunteering for the Greenway submit your interest to info@hansvillegreenway.org for further information.
The next scheduled Greenway Association meeting is on April 4, 2019, at 6 PM at the Greater Hansville Community Center.