On this day we went to Lampson falls to observe animal tracks and other evidence of life left behind in the snow. Lampson falls is a forest trail that follows along the Grasse River, and this photo was taken next to the shore of the river in almost a wetland based habitat from water overflow. Mind you, in February, there is still supposed to be a decent amount of snow coverage. Today it was very humid, and rained heavily for many hours, exposing many tunnels in the snow that had once been covered. This is called a subnivian zone, the place between the top of a snow bank and the ground.

A lovely afternoon skiing with a friend at Higley Flow State Park. Enough snow finally to ski in the woods! 

A great sunny January day was perfect to hit the big pine trail in Wanakena on snowshoes. The 140'+ pine is pretty impressive, as are several other trees on this trek. Also found a pitcher plant sticking out of the snow at a near by bog. Read more about it here- https://hikingthetrailtoyesterday.wordpress.com/2018/01/31/big-pine-tra…

All of this melting and freezing lately has transformed the woods on the Kip Trail into an icy playground

Walking in my neighbor's fields and stumbled upon some beautiful seeds and animal signs. Usually I'd be skiing this time of year, and it's strange to see the bare ground.

We had a wonderful afternoon hike at Lampson Falls today with our spring crew of Nature Up North interns and research students. The weather was overcast and misty, but temps were in the high 20's and the falls were beautiful. It looks like quite a few people have made it out since last week's snowfall, but snowshoes and crampons helped with wet and slippery conditions, especially around the falls. For a few students, it was their first experience on snowshoes!

The day before was 58 degrees with heavy rain all day, and down to zero by morning. Add in a foot of snow overnight and the Oswegatchie river was as high as it gets in the spring. The water was running at least 6-7 feet above normal, and had already dropped about 18" by the time we were there in the afternoon. There was a pretty big ice jam several hundred yard downstream of the trestle. The water and ice were backed up about 200 yards into the woods from the banks of the river. It was only 2 degrees, but made for a fun and quick snowshoes trek.

Frigid temperatures and snow covered fields gave way this week to 50 degree weather and a heavy downpour of rain today in Canton. Most of the snow has melted, and I can't help but think that the green beneath it looks out of place this time of year.

Decided to take a walk down our country road to check out the recent snowfall from Lake Effect storm that dropped 18 inches of snow the day before. We were only suppose to get 2 to 4 inches. It was too deep to walk in the woods so we walked down our road. It was beautiful to see snow hanging on the branches along with blue skies with streaks of white clouds. Of course, it was cold with brisk winds on our way back home. It just feels good to be able to get outside to enjoy Mother Nature brings to the North Country.

First hike with the dogs on a balmy 5 degree day (we've been having a real cold snap!).  The afternoon light at this time of year is lovely against the snow.