Spring is finally here! Only about a month after the official start date have we been able to sustain reasonable spring temperatures. The trees are budding, the campus is being re-mulched, and I can finally wear shorts and a light jacket outside. As a tribute to the start my favorite season, I wanted to make a post that lists off the best things about spring. I hope this makes you want to get outside and enjoy the day!

1. The Return of Wildlife

The warmth and long days of spring end winter hibernation for many species including black bears, bees, frogs, and snakes. The outdoor world becomes alive again with the bustle of returning life. In fact, to me, one of the first signs of spring is the evening sound of “spring-peeper” frogs in forest creeks.

In addition, spring welcomes the new generations of many Pennsylvania species into the world. Black bears, whitetail deer, eastern cottontails, robins, and other animals give birth and raise their offspring in the early spring months. In fact, spring birth may have risen as an evolutionary advantage for many species; it offers some of the best conditions for raising offspring: warmth, food, and water.

2. Sports

Most of the outdoor sports I discuss on this blog are made even better with the coming of spring; fishing, hiking, and trail running are harder and sometimes painful in the winter months; in the spring, however, these activities are made fun by the warmth and the ability to view the blossoming natural world. In fact, apart from skiing, I think every sport I talk about on this blog is typically done in the spring and summer. The warm weather also brings team sports back outside. Baseball, football, and tennis are all much more enjoyable in the beautiful spring air.

3. Gardening

March and April are the optimal months start a vegetable garden in Pennsylvania. I actually plant a garden back home every spring that includes tomatoes, peppers, radishes, and snow peas. It is always satisfying harvesting vegetables to which I spend all spring and summer tending. If you like the idea of planting a garden, there are countless tips and how-to’s online; it all comes down to fertilizer, water, sunlight, and maintained care.

4. The Distinct Greenness of the Trees

This one may seem a little strange, but I’ve always noticed that leaves on deciduous trees always exhibit a different shade of green in April and May.

It seems almost fluorescent to me, and it just gives the whole forest a different vibe.

That’s it for my list of the best things about spring. I could go on for awhile, but these are my all time favorite. Spring always feels like a fresh start to the coming year; I can’t wait until classes are finally over so that I can go out and enjoy it!