Do you have the fever? Spring fever, that is! We aren’t the only ones with spring on our minds. Nature is coming alive in the trees, blue holes, and wetlands at the 70-acre nature refuge at Lost River Cave. Critters large and small are stretching their necks for a peek at the weather as they decide if winter is truly over. An Eastern Bluebird whistles as she works to build a new nest, a young green sprout cracks its seed to break moist soil, and a box turtle emerges from his winter quarters to enjoy a sunbath.
Migrating birds, riding southerly winds, are one of the most colorful and harmonious harbingers of spring. Returning once again to their breeding and summer homes as their favorite meals awaken, these signs of spring sing our morning reveille and provide birdwatchers and backyard enthusiasts with awe and inspiration. By helping to provide pest insect control, disperse native plant seeds, and provide beauty, birds help to call, “It’s spring!” Each year over 23 species of migrating birds stop in for a rest at Lost River Cave to restore their energy before continuing the trek north. The blue holes, streams, and wetland offer fresh water, while the prairie and meadow are alive with nourishing insects and seeds.
Warm sun rays are lasting longer and longer each day, penetrating the soil and nestling the tiny seeds. They can no longer ignore the wake-up call and have sprouted forth to greet the light. Soon these new sprouts will become spots of color adorning the forest floor of the Lost River Valley as spring wildflowers bloom before the overhead tree canopy grows in to block the nurturing sunshine. It is hard to ignore these signs that spring has sprung. At Lost River Cave, over 25 species of native wildflowers and flowering tree species have been identified.
Finally, you know spring is truly here when the box turtles are out and about. Hitting the snooze over and over, Boxies wait until after the final frost when warm spring rains saturate the soil and push them from the ground before emerging out of brumation. After a few weeks, they fully awaken and start to become more active, moving around in search of a mate and for food such as mushrooms, slugs, and May apples in their home ranges. Lost River Cave is home to the Eastern Box Turtle where many individuals roam our valley.
Spring time brings changes to the daily routine for all urban wildlife that inhabit the seven ecosystems at Lost River Cave as well as to the routine of human visitors. Birdwatchers with their checklists and binoculars are traipsing through the trails. Zippers are zooming through the treetops on the White Squirrel Zipline. Spring Break Campers and Junior Naturalists are exploring. The creek has waders and the Nature Trading Post has traders.
In the spring, every natural system at Lost River is alive with activity. Birds eat seeds, and when their droppings fall onto the forest floor the transported seed germinates, becomes a seedling, then a sapling, and then a tree that someday will shade us on a summer’s day. Even the delicate prairie grasses provide shelter for the mice and moles whose tunnels help irrigate the wildflowers that we humans adore. This inter-connectedness between nature and people is astounding. Our ability to find value in nature begins with seeing its beauty and understanding its resourcefulness.
Join us at Lost River as we welcome spring and celebrate nature at these upcoming events…
- Junior Naturalist, March 9: First of six sessions. Hands-on learning and exploration of nature for kids.
- Zipline 2019 Season Opening, March 11: Treetop adventure opening day.
- Nature Discovery Spring Break Camp, April 1-5: Weeklong fun for young adventurers, ages 6-12.
- Nature Trading Post, April 13: Opening day.
- Adult Nature Education Series: Spring Wildflower Hike, April 14: Ethnobotany facts and folklore.
- Homeschool Fieldtrip Day, April 15: Join other homeschoolers for educational programming.
- Earth Week, April 21-27: Volunteer to help remove invasive plants and restore native habitats.
- Magical Mansions, May 5: Build fairy castles and gnome homes.
- Annual Butterfly Celebration, June 23: First 300 children release a butterfly in the Habitat.
For more information about these events please visit us at www.lostivercave.org or call us at 270-393-0077.
