I love February!
The sunsets linger, wildlife rapturously scamper, and there鈥檚 a promise of spring in the air as days are noticeably longer and temperatures rise.
This is my favourite time to celebrate winter on Silver Star and the promise of spring in the valley.
I never miss seeing the dazzling snow sculptures (ice sculptures this year) during Winter Carnival and enjoy the many outdoor activities in Vernon.
In February, as our Earthly tilt faces closer towards the sun, it鈥檚 increasing intensity releases trees aromatic oils injecting a love potion into the air.
We smell it as 鈥渇resh mountain air鈥�, and it drives squirrels, snowshoe hares, coyotes, ravens and other mountain wildlife into a love frenzy. We see their tracks in the craziest patterns all over the snow in pursuit of a partner or rival. It鈥檚 a marvellous time to snowshoe the forest trails to track wildlife.
But some wildlife like weasels may be hiding, or others like chipmunks, ground squirrels and bears are hibernating under the snow. Look for subnivean (under snow) entry holes beside tree trunks or near bent over, snow-covered shrubs which look like bumps on the undulating snowy landscape. Realize there鈥檚 a whole busy community thriving in tunnels and pockets under your trail.
Of course you can鈥檛 see the subnivean environment, so let your eyes sweep over the snowy landscape looking for holes. These are the wildlife passages into the subnivean habitat.
Imagine the world underneath. If it鈥檚 warm enough, stay still for a few minutes, you may be lucky enough to catch some wildlife comings and goings.
This month鈥檚 full Snow Moon can herald big snowfalls on the mountains around us. It鈥檚 hard to believe in the valley that it鈥檚 still snowing like crazy up there as glittery powder (our future water supply) keeps piling up.
The trail bases are packed now making cross country skiing and snowshoeing easy to enjoy. As February brings longer, lingering sunsets, try cross country skiing or snowshoeing from dusk until dark. Passing through this transition of light to dark is a pure magic adventure!
It鈥檚 lovely down in the valley too; a delightful time to hike our many trails.
Wear grippers or cleats if snowy or icy, and use hiking poles.
You might hear owls hooting to attract mates if you鈥檙e out at night. Our birds nest in the spring to raise their families, and now that tree and shrub branches are bare, you can find their empty nests.
You鈥檒l easily spot berries left on branches too.
Take kids to help you look carefully on the ground for new growth sprouting, or buds forming on branches; all promises that spring is on its way 鈥� hurray!
Roseanne Van Ee enthusiastically shares her knowledge of the outdoors to help readers experience and enjoy nature.
