Yes, it is true. It may not look; smell or feel like it, but the month of March will usher in the spring season officially on the 20th. While there may still be frozen ground with snow cover around and temperatures may still require a heavy coat and gloves, the trend is towards the spring season and change is inevitable as Mother Nature begins to awaken from her deep winter sleep in preparation of the next growing season.
Signs of the spring season abound in park locations within the Hancock Parks to mark its arrival. Typically when you think of spring some of the following occurrences should come to mind - sightings of returning robins and bluebirds (if they migrated at all), male white-tailed deer have lost their antlers by now, skunk cabbage begins to bloom in low wet places on the forest edge, spring peepers can be heard as the evening cools, woodcocks can be sighted performing their mating flights in open fields, sap begins to run from the maple sugar trees, and before March ends pussy willows should begin to bloom. This awakening of nature goes through quite a metamorphosis as much of the landscape becomes filled with color once more as the season progresses.
As the days become longer and warmer, people seem to be more enthusiastic about spending time outdoors. The Hancock Park District staff wants you to enjoy the parks all season, but we also understand that a lot of us are "fair weather" people and it takes warmer temperatures to entice us to get outdoors.
There are lots of activities planned for March to tempt everyone to enjoy the parks including the following:
Saturday, March 1- Maple Sugarin' Public Day
12pm-3pm. Litzenberg Memorial Woods - Step out on the trails and back in time for a living history and nature walk that features maple trees, sap science, and sap collection by Native Americans and early pioneers. Guided walks depart every 15 minutes from the Gatehouse between 12 and 2pm. The historic McKinnis House, workshop, and wagon shed (where you'll find maple products for sale) will also be open.
Sunday, March 9 - Backyard Weeds
2pm. Oakwoods Discovery Center - Ever wonder what those weeds that grows in your garden and flower beds or even your driveway? Join Michelle Rumschlag as she presents a program on backyard weeds. Learn their names, what uses they provide to us and wildlife and the best way to get rid of them.
Monday, March 10 - Discovery Story: Spring
10am & 1pm. Oakwoods Discovery Center- For children ages 3-6 with an adult companion. Join us as we explore the sights and sounds of this colorful season. Includes a story, activities and a craft.
Monday, March 17 - Wee Ones: Frogs and Toads
10am & 1pm. Oakwoods Discovery Center - Come learn more about our slimy and bumpy little green friends. For toddlers three and under with an adult companion.
Saturday, March 29 - Wildlife Rehabilitation
6pm. Oakwoods Discovery Center - Nature's Nursery presents "Wildlife Rehabilitation". How do you know if it is really an orphan or not, should you leave it alone, should you call someone, or can you raise it yourself? Can it be rehabilitated? These questions and many others will be covered as they use a variety of live animals during their presentation. Free program, but advance registration required by Friday, March 28. Space is limited.
