We were exploring at the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area this past weekend. Located in Burnett County in northwestern Wisconsin, this is a globally rare landscape of pine and oak with a very sandy soil. It’s quite startling to see the Barrens after driving miles through forested land; all of a sudden the sky opens up and the vista is wide with rolling hills and a prairie-like view. The ground near the road was black where there had been a prescribed burn the day before, and the air had a pronounced smell of smoke. After about 20 minutes, we saw smoke to the east and found they were doing some spot fires to finish what had been started the day before. I’m excited to return to the area in the next week or so — the grass will be turning green with our recent rains, and soon the wildflowers will sprout and bloom.
Wisconsin
A drive along Lake Michigan
Last weekend we made a quick trip to Milwaukee. Although it is further south than the Twin Cities, the temperatures were still cool and there was a brisk wind blowing. We spent a few hours at the Milwaukee Art Museum and then drove north along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It was a wonderful drive close by the lake, then through some neighborhoods of large historic mansions and many public parks. The lake was a beautiful almost-turquoise color that contrasted nicely with the clouds. As cool as it was, people were out enjoying the day with its promise of spring.
Transition season
We are experiencing our transition season as winter slowly gives way to spring. In northern Minnesota and Wisconsin it means give and take – warmer temps one day and snow the next. But our waters are starting to thaw, allowing open water for the birds that are beginning to migrate into the area. The oak trees are holding onto their rust-colored leaves, and the air has been heavy with moisture creating some foggy conditions. It almost seems like fall but this time we know there will be green in the landscape and ice-free lakes and ponds soon.
The rivers are running full
A week ago I spent some time at Amnicon Falls State Park in northern Wisconsin. The snow was especially deep this past winter and it is starting to melt making the rivers full, especially as they near their end. The Amnicon River was used in the mid-1800’s for logging and it eventually flows into Lake Superior. All the snow melt from upstream gets directed over the falls that are in the state park. It was a thundering sound that I heard as I walked next to the Upper Falls. The river is open in some places and in others it flows under snow and ice. The falls aren’t completely open but it won’t be long before the snow and ice are gone. A bit further past the Upper Fall is a lovely walking bridge that crosses the river as it spills over the Lower Falls and eventually to the lake.
Last large snowfall of this winter…maybe
Last weekend brought yet another snowfall (which we are all hoping is the last large snow of this winter season). It was a beautiful snow – large flakes that drifted down and settled on everything. The tree branches were outlined in snow, showing their structure. The woods were quiet except for the sound of my snowshoes; with snow depths up to 20 inches snowshoes were required. I love being out in nature during a snowfall. Everything is magically softened and the world is enveloped in a special quiet.
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