Elk Rapids Almanac
March
The Worm Moon, melt and mud, and the frost comes out of the ground, the angle wormswith it. _Hal Borland’s Twelve Moons of the Year. Borland reminds us that despite March’s windy reputation, winter isn’t really blown away but washed away with melting snow and spring rains. We hear more birds in the backyard, enjoy a few sunny days, read the Burpee Seed Catalogue, plant seeds in old recycled containers and notice the willows have yellow green color creeping into the branches. The Liverworts are coming!
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March 10
The ice is falling off Tahquamenon Falls and the water is flowing freely. Spring is
coming! _Diane Butler 
Images provided by Diane Butler
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March 26
Early Spring Migrants. Late March and early April is a good time to begin looking for birds
returning from warmer climes. The tiny Ruby-crowned Kinglets are already seeking insects in tree bark, and two members of our thrush family – American Robin and Eastern Bluebird – are arriving daily. Some of our sparrows should be here, especially Song and Fox. Red-winged Blackbirds are always among the early returnees as are Eastern Meadowlark. These “early birds” offer a hint of what is yet to come. Brown Thrashers will join the others in a couple of weeks as will all of our swallows. If spring migration is new to you, pick up a pair of binoculars and a good birding field guide and begin the exciting task of learning how to identify new birds. You will be happy you did as you discover colorful new species every day through the month of May._ Kay Charter. savingbirds.org March into Spring
The Wood Anemone, also known as the Mayflower, is one of the first
wildflowers that appears in our area. Its flowers are usually white but sometimes pink or lavender. Watch for it! A sure sign of spring. _ Diane Butler 
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Note
A Way for Nature to Rest in Peace. Designed for the living and the dead: conservation
cemeteries. The Katy Prairie Conservancy in Texas is adding a new twist to an old idea, taking
green burials one step further. Inspired by the Kate Braestrup memoir Here if You Need Me, the
current green burial movement emphasizes a return to simple, natural body care, avoidance of
chemicals, and protection of our native habitat. Read more in the 4/22 edition of National
Geographic Magazine. See Katyprairie.org
cemeteries. The Katy Prairie Conservancy in Texas is adding a new twist to an old idea, taking
green burials one step further. Inspired by the Kate Braestrup memoir Here if You Need Me, the
current green burial movement emphasizes a return to simple, natural body care, avoidance of
chemicals, and protection of our native habitat. Read more in the 4/22 edition of National
Geographic Magazine. See Katyprairie.org