Springtime Hikes at River Bend!

It's springtime here at River Bend and our trails are open and showing signs of life once again!  In addition to the arrival of birds migrating back from their southern over-wintering grounds, early spring flowers are emerging, frogs are calling, and insects are buzzing!  This is also a great time to track your favorite forest animal as they leave prints behind in the mud!  If you're looking for something to do, stop over and see if you can find the following on your hike:

Deer and Raccoon Tracks

Pinecones

Skunk Cabbages

Tree Buds

"TIBS" (AKA: The Infamous Black Squirrel)

Acorns (that the squirrels forgot about!)

Rocks covered in lichen

Moss a the base of a tree

Ducks on the Root River

Looking for something to do at home?  Try mini gardening!  All you need are Dixie cups, dirt, water, seeds, and a small cardboard box.  Directions: Fill each cup 3/4 of the way with dirt.  Using your finger, push a hole in the dirt about 1/2 an inch down in each cup.  Drop one-to-two seeds in each hole and sprinkle more dirt over the hole so it is covered.  Place each cup into the cardboard box (AKA: your garden bed!) and place near a window for ample sunlight.  Don't forget to write the names of the flowers or vegetables you planted on the side of the box!  Give each cup a little water (a couple of tablespoons every couple of days or when the soil feels dry to the touch should do the trick!) and watch your garden grow!  This is exactly what's happening at River Bend--all our plants and trees are beginning to emerge, sprout, and wake up from their long winter's nap!  Enjoy!

Check out our Critter Corner below--can you identify the animal in our trail camera photo?
We'll post the answer in next week's edition!

Stop back next week and discover more fun ideas for your hike and at home!  

Next week's topic is: Nests

Stay wild and free and healthy as can be!

-CT

Critter Corner