The rise of spring is an exciting time in the northeastern United States. All of the trees and seeds have largely sat idle, bracing themselves against the harsh winds and sporadic deep freezes that characterize winter of the region.

But much like the sun rising, the seemingly relentless cold gives to a warm embrace of spring; the trees and shrubs begin to awake. Before the trees buds can even begin to put out their first leaves, the understory will have already flowered and enjoyed the warmth of spring. 

This year, spring appears to be a little early as the snowdrops (Galanthus spp) have already brightened the dark, earthen forest floor with their brilliantly white, delicate flowers. These flowers shown were in motion to bloom on February 26th 2020! 

While I always welcome spring, I am a bit sad to see it so early in New England.