Join us this Saturday for an EwA Forest Exploration at the Fells and experience the forest in late winter. By February, the landscape is open and legible. Bare canopies and persistent cold reveal the forest’s underlying structure. Tree forms and bark textures stand out, dormant buds signal the approaching shift toward spring, and old nests, cavities, and feeding marks are easier to spot. Tracks in soft ground or lingering snow trace the careful movements of wildlife as they conserve energy and navigate limited resources.
This walk focuses on how forests function during the most demanding stretch of winter. We will explore how trees remain physiologically active below ground, how fungi and microbes continue decomposition despite low temperatures, and how animals adjust behavior to survive when food is scarce. The walk blends natural history, ecology, and close observation, with time to pause and read the landscape.
February is often assumed to be a quiet holding period, yet EwA’s long term records tell a different story. During a February walk, we documented the first marbled salamander larva recorded in the Fells since 1932, featured in the banner image! Our team documented more than 298 species in the Fells during February alone, showing that life continues even at its most subtle and energy efficient.
Join us to slow down, sharpen your eye, and discover what the forest reveals as winter begins to loosen its grip. |
