What will March bring us this year?

Peepers, buds and blooms or nor’easters, wind and snow? 

Here in Connecticut, early cold-tolerant bloomers like crocus and snowdrop have opened, and the American Woodcocks have begun their razzle-dazzle mating behaviors with their looping sky dances. (Witness it at one of our two Woodcock Walks this month.)

Other sure signs of early spring are the reddish swelling buds of the red maple and the silvery paws of the pussy willow before their yellow catkins bloom. Later in spring, the foliage on pussy willow shrubs supports hundreds of caterpillar species, including those of the mourning cloak and viceroy butterflies.Pussy willow also provides cover and nesting space for native songbirds, and is a vital source of pollen and nectar for native bees emerging in early spring. Some hummingbirds use the fluffy catkins to line their little nests. 

Join us in March for one of our many programs and hikes, visit our natural history exhibits and live animals or take a walk on the trail network from DPNC to Coogan Farm and back again! Let us know what you discover outdoors this month.

Tag us on Instagram or Facebook, or send us an email at [email protected] with your discoveries!