Backyard Almanac: March, the "month of crusty snow"

Last year at this time the St. Louis River was open water, but this year it is still covered in ice. Though it has been colder, next week is projected to be very, very warm - temps into the 40s, perhaps even into the 50s. March has been often called "the month of crusty snow" due to the daytime snow melt held in check by refreezing overnight. Many critter tracks can therefore be seen on the icy crust on top of the deep pack.

More hints of spring are upon us. Naturalist Larry Weber has seen more pussy willow, quaking aspens, and red-osier dogwood. Larry hasn't seen chipmunk emerging yet from their nests, but he has seen tracks of raccoons who are out looking for food and other spring pursuits.