Skunk Cabbage!
Spring is almost here when skunk cabbage emerges through the snow. The plant actually puts out heat that melts the snow that covers it and gets its name from its smell, although you have to stick your nose up very close to smell it. The smell is to draw insects to the unusual flower in order to pollinate the blooms. In summer, it has handsome green leaves.
Read MoreThe Opossum
Another sign of spring are the critters that are starting to move around. The much misunderstood and often maligned opossum is the only marsupial in Wisconsin and a fascinating creature. They really do play dead when frightened and their babies are born as tiny, tiny fetus-like offspring that climb up their mother’s stomach to crawl into the pouch where they grow until ready to ride on her back to learn the ropes of living in the woods of Wisconsin.
Read MoreThe Great Grey Owl
With changing weather comes the astounding migration of birds. Some stay in Marquette County and others only linger for a moment before moving on. This Great Grey Owl gave the gift of its presence to those who cared to gaze upon his all-knowing countenance.
Read MoreWinter Woodland
The muted colors of winter give pause in the midst of busy lives, offering a time to reflect on the majesty as well as the ordinariness of nature. Oaks hold their crisp, brown leaves late into the winter, softening the stark white of the snow. Just as some cultures have many names for snow, the Marquette County landscape has many colors and forms in what to some may seem a dull relative of the green summer views they long for. But winter is alive in Marquette County. A time to pay more attention to its beauty and find the peace that comes with a silent snow.
Read MoreCardinal and Chickadees
You can always count on the bright chirp of the chickadees to lighten a winter day. Frequent visitors at bird feeders, the black-capped songster is a favorite of many who love the winged creatures that bring their gifts of beauty to us during the long winter months. The bright red of a cardinal needs no description. It’s a Christmas card, a bright hello, a joyous reminder that our world is wonderful.
Read MoreHorse and Buggy
Marquette County offers charming views including an Amish family driving on a quiet country road. Everywhere you look in Marquette County, there are scenes of beauty. You just have to look. They’re there waiting for you. Winter is no less wonderful than spring, fall or summer. It holds its own mystery and invites you to walk in its shroud of snow.
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