$32
Birds migrate, bears come out of hibernation, eggs begin to hatch as the insects begin to arise their their winter hiatus. Phenology is the observation of the seasonal and cyclical changes in the natural world. (Source: Montana Naturalist)
Seasonal change affects everything around us, and we’ll embrace the Spring Equinox and the shift into spring with an early spring hike paired with a mindful phenology activity!
We’ll gather at the Walnut Woods State Park Lodge and head out for a hike to get our senses attuned to the shifting seasons. We'll notice the slight shift in the local ecology as it begins to enter early-spring mode, the birds that are migrating back northward, and the trees and plants beginning to bud. We'll take pictures, notes and make sketches of the things we're noticing around us.
Phenology noun
Phe·nol·o·gy | fi-ˈnä-lə-jē
1: a branch of science dealing with the relations between climate and periodic biological phenomena (such as bird migration or plant flowering)
2: periodic biological phenomena that are correlated with climatic conditions
After our hike, we’ll gather to create our very own phenology journals and wheels — an observation tool you'll take with you that will help you slow down each month and notice the changes within nature throughout the year. We’ll draw and color any observations of the season around us, and embrace our creative connection to nature. Plus, we'll enjoy some charcuterie and sip on Wander Women hot tea next to a fire as we create our season-tracking tools!
Registration is limited to 25 folks.
Accessibility information
Adventure Rating: Beginner
Each Wander Women event has an Adventure Rating attached (Beginner, Intermediate or Challenging) to give Wanderers a better idea of the activity level and physical requirements of the event. This Bite-Sized Adventure is rated at Beginner because our hike will take place on flat, maintained trails and we'll be in a lodge with access to modern amenities.
Hike
Mileage: ~2 mile
Trail surface: Grass and dirt