Paige Manges | Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Central Conservation
I woke up feeling cold. Not sure who can relate to this, but pulling the covers over my head seemed far more reasonable than ripping them off. The winter bite feels sharper each early morning of these first months of the year, a reminder that spring has not yet sprung. Waiting. Anticipating the warmth.
As I begrudgingly crawled out of bed, the thought, Why do we have winter? crept through my grumpiness. I poured a cup of coffee, sat at the kitchen table, and looked out at the frozen, crystal-white blanket covering the earth. Why must we endure the cold, the ice, and the persistent resistance to feeling any sense of motivation?
At times when collaboration feels like the least likely choice, I’ve found it’s often what lifts my spirits the most.
Without further ado, I reached out for a new perspective from three of the best sources I could think of – our staff at The Nature Place.
Steph, our Community Programs Manager, responded, “Well, we need the snow for moisture, that’s for sure. There are also fewer allergens in cold air. Having less snow and water causes issues with how rivers flow or how it doesn’t. Personally, I love how fresh snow looks when it’s really sunny, like right now!”
Grinning at Steph’s almost immediate response, I felt the warmth of the sun’s glow dancing across my windowpane. It felt like a friend. Before I could take another sip of coffee, Cindy, our Environmental Education Manager, chimed in, “Do you ever want or need a nap? So do plants and animals. Many seeds need to be chilled to become fertile; without being frozen, they won’t sprout. Also, winter cold helps control the population of many insects, small critters (ticks, etc.), plant fungi, and diseases. And wouldn’t enjoy hot beverages nearly as much if it weren’t so cold? (There’s more, but that’s just a start!)”
There it was, a reminder that the world is vast and that so many things remain in motion, even when I am not. Perhaps it’s not my reaction to winter but rather my perception of it.
Amber’s words embraced my anticipation of spring while honoring the garden, as our Visitor Service Manager, she responded enthusiastically, “Ooooh, great question! In the realm of plants, winter is important because it provides a period of dormancy, allowing plants to conserve energy and nutrients. This prepares them for intense growth come springtime, which we all love, seeing those first signs of green! Winter also naturally performs ‘cold stratification,’ a process in which some seeds require a period of cold temperatures to trigger germination. I feel like winter has a similar effect on people! We feel rejuvenated in the spring, ready for a new year of growth and adventure!!”
I am so grateful for this community, which continually reminds me of the purpose found within our seasons. The beauty of diverse perspectives and the challenge of differing views keep us accountable and push us toward new ideas and growth. At The Nature Place, we celebrate each season with a renewed sense of appreciation, and together, we remain connected to the lessons the natural world continually teaches us.