We all know what a January thaw can do to winter ski conditions, but have you ever wondered what those 60-degree temps do to animals in hibernation? And as I write this line, thinking about deep snow and frigid temps, why am I still swatting mosquitoes at dusk in mid-October?
Recent years have seen an influx of crazy weather events. Just a look back at the past few months would reveal a week of 70-plus degree temps in April, a drought in May, countless two-inch rainstorms throughout the summer, and the previously mentioned mosquitoes, somehow still making a strong push late into the fall.
To help us all better understand the ways that a changing climate is impacting our local ecosystem, Friends of the Mad River is launching a series called “Climate and Ecology.” Each month, a seasonal outdoor excursion will draw connections between the activities we love, the ecosystems we travel, and the ways that weather and climate are threatening them.
Led by experts from around New England, as well as Vermont Master Naturalists on the Friends staff, these trips will offer a wide range of opportunities for our community to connect with the local landscape. Whether snowshoeing and exploring the ways animals survive winter, learning about the sugaring industry while boiling maple sap, or helping amphibians cross the road, the aim of these programs is to help our community identify the ways that a changing climate is impacting the environment we love.
The first outing takes place this upcoming Saturday, October 14, with a hike up to Wu Ledges in the Waitsfield Town Forest. Join us to learn how climate change is impacting the trees in our forests. From invasive species to tree “migration,” come and learn how our forest might look different 50 years from now.
Participants are asked to meet at the parking lot in Waitsfield Village next to the Sweet Spot. Wear appropriate shoes and clothing, and bring along a water bottle and snacks.
Please leave your dog at home for this adventure.
