NEWSLETTER back to main pageSpring 2009 - View PDF VersionThinking SpringWhat is the best way to spend a spring day or weekend? That depends on who you talk to. A week of spring-like February weather has given some of us hopes of an early spring only to later dash those hopes. As spring does come upon us, we wanted to share some of the activities WCCB staff enjoy participating in the most each spring. We hope these ideas will get you out exploring the wilds around you this spring. Kurt Baker, DirectorSpring offers more outdoor activity options than can possibly be completed. Late winter to early spring is a great time to get some finishing work on bird dogs prior to the nesting season. Up until March 15, bird dogs can be run on public property. Even though these properties can be overused during the bird season, they are now completely devoid of other humans providing a perfect opportunity for late season training. I will extend training to mid April on private property, often times taking advantage of migrating woodcock that provide excellent training opportunities for pointing breeds. This time of year, I also like to hike the areas that are bow hunted in the fall. Deer trails are all mudded up and often look like major highways, especially after the first thaws. Since these trails are used year after year, this is the best time to determine travel ways throughout any habitat. It often gives you a new perspective when selecting fall tree stand locations. A side benefit is finding the occasional shed antler! Paul Totten - Conservation TechnicianI find myself in the spring, remembering with fondness the hours of ice and snow removal of the previous months, reminiscing about the chapped lips and cracked fingertips, huddled around the space heather with bowls of hot chili in mitten-wrapped hands. These are my common spring pastimes. Planning gardens, walking some Encouraged as the daylight grows Keen to hear above the hum The swan songs of ice and sleet and snows. Josh Batterson - Maintenance TechnicianOne of my favorite pastimes would be trying to fill my stringer with crappie, while also trying to catch that elusive state record, largemouth bass. Of course, a good day of fishing has to be followed up by finding a fresh mess of mushrooms. Jessica Strom - AGHC AdministratorIn the spring, I love to get dirty planting flowers and vegetables. I welcome the site of the little green buds on trees, and I cherish the smell of lilacs. It is my favorite season because it gives the promise of new birth and rejuvenation. And although I am no longer a student, spring still gives me a sense of excitement for long, sunny summer vacation days just around the corner. Annette Wittrock - NaturalistWho can choose just one thing to do in the spring? Spring is when all the students come out to visit Pioneer Ridge, and I get to play....I mean work....outside a lot. When I am on my own, spring is a time for quiet hikes, catching and releasing frogs and turtles, taking pictures and I can’t wait to pull out the fly rod. Lincoln Utt, Natural Resource ManagerAs soon as the snow melts and temperatures start to increase, I find myself looking forward to two things. One is sitting on an oak ridge just after dawn listening to the echoing sound of a turkey gobbling just out of sight and hoping he finds my slate call appealing enough to come strutting in! The second activity I look forward to every spring is spending time with a few family members searching for just the right amount of mushrooms to make small feast. It was tough for all of us to narrow down our spring activities, but we hope these ideas will help you more fully enjoy all that spring offers and ready you for the summer season. Whatever you choose to do be it schrooming, fishing or training, have fun and be safe. In the Spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt. ~ Margaret Atwood
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