‘For every season, there is a designated time, and a moment for every intention under the sky.”
These profound words were penned by the enigmatic author of the Old Testament’s Book of Ecclesiastes — or, with a slight expansion and the familiar refrain of “Turn, Turn, Turn,” attributed to Pete Seeger. The ongoing literary and ecclesiastical discourse spanning centuries seeks to unveil the true identity behind these eloquent verses and contemplative musings ascribed to “Kohelet,” a descendant of David, also known as a “Teacher” or “Preacher” depending on the interpretation one embraces. These timeless insights offer a poignant lens through which to observe the natural world, especially during the month of March.
The acknowledgment of nature’s cyclical rhythms in the Bible serves as the cornerstone of phenology, the scientific study of seasonal phenomena, encapsulated in phrases like “a time to be born, and a time to die” — encapsulating the spectrum of existence in between. Drawing inspiration from nature’s chronicles, The Naturalist, along with his unassuming journal, embarks on a journey that pays homage to both the Byrds and the Bible, with a nod to Jimmy Jones and his rendition of “Good Timin’,” a phenological anthem from the 1960s.
Join me on Wednesday, March 20, between 6 and 8 p.m., for our annual twilight expedition to the vernal pools of Avalonia Land Conservancy’s Babcock Ridge Preserve, where echoes of classic tunes may resonate through the serene setting. As we traverse the landscape, reminiscing about days gone by, we might even harmonize if nostalgia strikes a chord, though hitting the high notes may prove a challenge. (To learn more about this enriching outing and secure your spot for this complimentary, family-friendly event, please visit [website], or reach out to me directly at [contact information].)
The theme of impeccable timing has been prevalent this month, heralding the gradual resurgence of life following the fleeting interlude of winter. In an era before the prominent effects of global warming altered our surroundings, various flora and fauna adhered to a seasonal schedule, seeking refuge or adapting to survive the harsh conditions. While some creatures migrated south to evade the chill, others fortified themselves with additional insulation like feathers, fur, or fat to brave the inclement weather. Certain species burrowed underground to evade frosty temperatures, while others developed ingenious strategies such as natural antifreeze mechanisms or enduring the winter in a state of dormancy as cold-resistant eggs or cysts.
Plants, too, evolved diverse survival tactics, shedding vulnerable foliage or sporting evergreen garb capable of withstanding sub-zero climates. Many botanical entities opted for subterranean havens, whether in the form of roots, bulbs, or seeds, ensuring their continuity through the seasons.
Despite their dormant appearance, these resilient beings are ever vigilant, attuned to the passage of time without the need for sensory organs. They possess an innate awareness of the temporal flux, embodying the essence of punctuality.
In recent days, signs of rejuvenation have emerged as overwintering organisms embraced the call of “a time to be born” or, in some cases, reborn. Early bloomers like vernal witch hazels, crocuses, and winter aconites have graced the landscape with their vibrant hues. This week, the chorus expands to include primroses, various hellebores, and the skunk cabbage, unfurling their thermogenic blooms beneath protective shields.
However, blooming is not the sole indicator of synchronicity with the temporal directive. The maple and birch trees are currently engaged in their sap run, while keen observers might spot the initial spore cases — the sporophyte generation — emerging from clusters of elongated leaves on favored terrains like cliff faces and rock formations. The Apple Moss, resembling miniature apples and named in homage to the 18th-century botanist Bartram, has commenced its reproductive cycle in response to the sun’s subtle cues.
Bartramia pomiformis stands as a dependable yet underappreciated herald of spring, signaling the awakening of the natural world alongside a plethora of fellow harbingers.
On a misty evening of March 5th, the forest came alive with the subtle dance of yellow-spotted salamanders, venturing out to partake in courtship rituals and egg-laying ceremonies. These charismatic amphibians, known as “spotties,” exhibit striking black skin adorned with luminous yellow spots, creating a mesmerizing sight underwater. While these mole salamanders typically lead a subterranean existence, they emerge during rainy March evenings when temperatures exceed 40 degrees, guided by an innate compass to their birthplace within the vernal pools.
At the woodland vernal site under observation since 1985, the salamanders traverse a meandering drainage ditch towards the primary temporary pond, navigating currents akin to salmon swimming upstream. Here, amidst the tranquil waters, the male salamanders engage in a subtle swaying dance, imperceptible to human eyes but a visual spectacle for the discerning females. The courtship ritual culminates in the selection of the most adept dancer as the preferred mate, embodying the essence of “a time to …” with a narrative left to the imagination.