Fall and winter are battling for supremacy over the North Country. Winter slings its arrows of sleet and snow; fall retaliates with rain and sodden wind blown leaves. Forces of change are afoot. We know from years of observation and experience that winter will eventually win and reign supreme until spring rises to challenge winter’s title.

Now is a wonderful time to get outside, note, and think about the seasonal changes surrounding us; for nature’s dynamism is most evident during times and at places of great transformation. Getting outside with young people can be especially rewarding as they may notice things our older and somewhat hardened senses may overlook.

The first step is to dress appropriately. Like our fellow mammals, additional layers of insulation will protect us from the elements. Layers are preferable to a ski jacket, for example, because we can take layers off and put layers on according to our need. Hats are important; a significant percentage of our body heat escapes through our heads! Warm mittens or gloves, socks, and good boots keep our extremities from getting cold.

I’m a big fan of wool as it keeps us warm even when wet. Silk or synthetic wicking materials, worn next to our skin, promote the movement of heat-sucking moisture away from our bodies and also help keep us warm.

Once outside, wherever you are, be still for a few moments to allow your mind and thoughts to transition. Attune your senses. If you want to warm-up your senses, try one or more of the activities described in the September 7, 2011 post, Using Your Senses.

Now, begin to explore. Look, listen, smell, and feel for the changes around you.

Photo: Gerald J. Lenhard

I’ll use insects as an example. Insects are less prevalent than they were a few weeks ago. (Though, while in New Jersey over Thanksgiving, we heard crickets!) The question that pops immediately to mind is, "Where did they go?" Possible answers I come up with include: they died; they migrated; and, they are in a protective shelter. The next question I ask is, "Why are they no longer here?" My guess is either their physiological makeup prevents them from surviving the harsh realities of winter or their food is unavailable. I could take this a step further by asking what factors determine whether a species dies, migrates, or seeks shelter locally. One guess revolves around the species’ mobility because a flightless insect would have a hard time migrating far enough to escape our winter climate. Another guess considers the species’ reproductive strategies. For example, if the species has laid eggs that overwinter, surviving to spring is less important. In my mind, this then leads to the question, "How does this change enable insects to persist?" Well, if certain insects did not migrate or seek shelter locally, the species would no longer be found in this area.

Frankly, I don’t know the correct answer(s) to several of these questions. It matters more that you question and reason than be right.

To encourage variety, challenge yourselves to note at least one change that pertains to each of the following: sight, sound, smell, touch, plant, and animal. 

I’d love to read of the changes you’ve identified!

Tags: Activities, Now in Nature