The following article was written by Jessica Johnsrud, the Assistant Director and Education Coordinator at the Woodland Dunes Nature Center.
As I write this, Snowstorm Elsa is blowing through most of Wisconsin. I can’t remember the last time we had a snow event last upwards of 48 hours and leave behind so much snow. March weather is often fickle: sometimes mild and tame and other times roaring and extreme. Snowstorm Elsa was anything but tame with wind gusts locally as high as 58mph. The high winds combined with snow for over 3 hours at a time triggered the National Weather Service to deem the storm a blizzard. A blizzard that sure wakes up the senses!
As I listened to the howling winds, I took a moment to be grateful for the insulated walls and cozy home around me. When I looked outside I saw just how strong the winds were as the trees whipped and bent with the blowing force. It’s always surprising that trees can withstand the wind’s power. Their strong, widespread roots anchor them to the ground especially in stable soil that isn’t water-logged. I am sure some of the dead ash trees in the preserve succumbed to the wind. Those fallen trees play an important role in the forest providing excellent habitat for salamanders, ants, beetles, and other creatures. As the trees decay, they also return nutrients to the soil, giving life to new trees and plants.
While watching the storm, I noted the lack of birds at my feeder. I am sure most feathered creatures spent time hunkered down in the shelter of conifer trees, dense shrubs, tree cavities, and even nest boxes. One brave junco visited the suet feeder a couple of times. No squirrels or rabbits were seen either. During blizzards much of the natural world waits patiently for it to pass.
I also waited out the storm patiently, though I periodically needed to take my dog outside. He frolicked through the snow, licking the fresh white top layer as he loped along looking for just the right spot. The wind was so strong, I couldn’t help but laugh aloud at the ridiculousness of it. It blew snow into my face and made me feel alive…and a little chilly too.
After the snowstorm finally passed through, snowblowers started roaring and children squealed as they built forts in the snow. Snowstorm Elsa was a full sensory experience that delighted the senses.
