…by Roger Urbaniak
http://www.rogersoutdoorchannel.com
I must have inherited a gene that requires me to spend time in the woods just to maintain harmony with my soul.
For many years I concocted excuses of picking this or gathering that to justify my forays to the outdoors.
The truth is deeper. My reward from these adventures goes beyond just harvesting. Each trip adds another layer of knowledge. And these trips to the woods take me back to the pleasure of my youth, enjoying time in nature on family outings.
Growing up on the farm, I would wander into the woods late in the day, at first only to prove that I could find my way back. I enjoyed the silence but listening more intently brought the woodland sounds of squirrels or jays chattering to protest my presence. The wind blowing through pine needles made quieter, more soothing sounds than through oak leaves. Nature has its own range of wind chimes. The woods became alive with sound when I finally stopped to listen.
Eventually my eyes began to see more. Wildflowers only dimly recognized at first as a mass of color were later admired for their beauty, delicacy and occasional scent. Animals became visible after my eye was trained to spot small movement, patterns out of place with foliage, or just the slightest sound that did not fit with the forest floor. The presence of animals I didn’t notice was still appreciated simply by observing their tracks.
Gradually I built an appreciation for the intricate functioning of the forest and woodlands. In the spring near cottonwood trees look for morel mushrooms. Wildflowers thrive in years with ample late winter and spring moisture. I learned of the symbiotic relationships of certain mushrooms to certain trees, what plants need wetlands to grow, plants that prosper in sunlight and those that need shade.
Winters with deep snow followed by intermittent melting and freezing are hard on grazing animals as they attempt to navigate through the crusted woodland searching for buried food.
Wet, cold springs deplete the energy of birds trying to maintain their body heat while on the nest. Successive years of mild weather during breeding seasons will be followed by a rise in predator populations to take advantage of abundance of prey.
I attempted to understand the many complex relationships of birds, plants, animals and insects that are required to survive and prosper into the next generation. Over time, the jigsaw puzzle has fit together.
My favorite time to visit the woodlands is spring when wildflowers are abundant. I note the fresh petals of those currently in bloom, the dried stalks of those just finished, and fresh starts of the next generation of nature’s decoration. Spring reminds me that I have many months ahead to enjoy the woods before snow cocoons in preparation for next year’s emergence of life.
Understanding nature has been a lifelong pursuit. Much of my interest is inherited from previous generations of family who relied on their knowledge for survival. I suspect that long after I become too feeble to visit, I will conclude that I haven’t seen or experienced anywhere near enough. In the meantime, each visit to the woods is a reminder for me to appreciate life.
Take a trip to the woods and see what you observe for the first time, and what you remember with happiness. ❖
Roger Urbaniak writes about the Great Outdoors from his home on Mercer Island. “Rogers Outdoor Channel” is the place to learn about the adventures of Northwest Outdoor Enthusiast Roger Urbaniak along with his lovely wife Linda and trusty pooch Sparky. Visit rogersoutdoorchannel.com for more information or email Roger at admin@rogersoutdoorchannel.com.
