Spring officially begins Tuesday, March 19, but signs of new life are already showing at Buck Creek Nature Preserve in Wyoming.
This reporter spent her lunch break wandering the Buck Creek trail and basking in the sun streaming through leafless trees. The air – unseasonably warm for a Michigan March afternoon – stirred bare branches and fallen leaves.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Trilling birds and a bubbling creek lent a peaceful ambiance to the preserve. Flowers stretched their stalks and unfurled their petals while bushes flaunted brightly colored buds.
Wyoming residents can enjoy Buck Creek Nature Preserve, as well the other 20+ parks scattered throughout the city, as Michigan begins to bloom!
Cold, rainy temperatures are part of the La Niña cycle. (pxhere.com)
Michiganders know that spring is usually late to arrive, yet we’re nearly two months past the Vernal Equinox and it has felt as though spring is still a few more weeks away. Luckily, temperatures are predicted to be much more favorable later this week, but this unusual cold spell has left many Michiganders curious as to why the frigid conditions that are typically characteristic of Michigan’s winter months have continued through March and April.
There’s a few factors that can explain why this has occurred. The first of which is the fact that we are in the midst of a La Niña year. La Niña is the cold water phase of a temperature cycle in the Tropical Pacific called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
According to the National Ocean Service, “During normal conditions in the Pacific ocean, trade winds blow west along the equator, taking warm water from South America towards Asia. To replace that warm water, cold water rises from the depths — a process called upwelling.”
During the infrequent La Niña years of this climate cycle, those trade winds are stronger, upwelling increases, and the prevalence of this cold water in the Pacific Ocean pushes the jet stream further north, which leads to colder temperatures and increased precipitation.
This time around, it seems as though La Niña is doing her a job a little too well.
“We have had a lot of precipitation, with an active storm track the past several weeks,” said Erin Ostuno at the Grand Rapids National Weather Service. “This has resulted in March and April being cloudy and much wetter than usual. The combination of March and April had over eight inches of rain/melted snow water. This ranks 11th wettest on record. April had 5.19 inches of precipitation, the 12th wettest April on record at Grand Rapids.”
La Niña has been working too well this season, bring an unusual amount of cold weather well into May. (climate.gov)
Talk about a great deal of precipitation. To make matters more intense, the jet stream that divides the northern and southern half of North America appears to have been pushed south this winter by high pressure zones that have formulated in the early spring near Greenland during a prolonged negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO).
In a recent article from the Washington Post, “When the NAO is negative, the weather over the eastern U.S. tends to be colder than normal. Such a pattern was seldom seen during the core winter months, which resulted in generally above-normal temperatures.”
While we were fortunate enough to experience slightly warmer temperatures this past winter, it seems that inevitably, we would have to pay the price at some point, which we’ve been doing since late March. The tax for having such a mild winter and all that high pressure up north is the spilling of the jet stream further south, which is why we’ve seen frigid temperatures typical of January or February continue through March and April while the Pacific Southwest has experienced oddly higher temperatures.
Luckily for us, it’s not forecasted to continue this way for much longer. According to a 10-day forecast for Michigan Center from Weather.com, by the week of May 9th, we’ll see high temperatures begin to erupt into the 70s with lows persisting in the upper 50s, so it appears as though this wintry weather we’ve been experiencing will finally be behind us.
Paddle Antrim warns paddlers to take precautions to protect themselves from heightened dangers of sudden, unexpected cold-water immersion while on early season paddling outings.
It has been a slow start to spring in Northern Michigan and the water remains colder than usual this time of year. While paddlers and boaters are itching to get out on the water, Paddle Antrim warns paddlers to take precautions to protect themselves from heightened dangers of sudden, unexpected cold-water immersion while on early season paddling outings.
While spring is in the air and outside temperatures are warming, lake temperatures are much cooler. When water temperatures are below 70 degrees, paddlers should wear a wetsuit or a full immersion dry suit with insulating layers. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause gasping and inhalation of water and hypothermia, resulting in unconsciousness or swimming failure as muscles become numb. Wearing a life jacket may keep your head above water and support your body should your swimming ability fail, or you become unconscious.
“We encourage people to get out and enjoy the water, but we also want to make sure people are safe at all times,” says Paddle Antrim Executive Director, Deana Jerdee. “Changing winds, stronger than usual currents, equipment failure – these are just a few unexpected elements that can cause paddlers to end up in dangerous situations. No one is ever expecting to fall in while paddling but it happens, and paddlers need to dress for being in the water, not for the air temperature.”
Cold water claims the lives of experienced and inexperienced paddlers each year. Please take the extra precautions to ensure your safety. Here are the five steps paddlers need to take before heading out on the water for any period:
Always wear a properly fitted life jacket. Simply stated, life jackets save lives;
Dress for the water temperature;
Avoid boating alone and always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Have a cell phone or VHF radio accessible, in a watertight bag, should you need to call for help;
Carry essential safety gear, signaling devices and whistles; and
The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) announced today the return of its biannual celebration and competition, Art in Bloom(March 19-21). For one-weekend-only, visitors are invited to explore the galleries and view floral designs inspired by artwork from the Museum’s permanent collection.
Art in Bloom highlights the creativity of West Michigan’s most talented floral designers. The arrangements will be presented alongside the artwork in GRAM’s Level 3 galleries, where guests can cast their vote for their favorite floral arrangement for the selection of the Public Vote Winner.
“The Grand Rapids Art Museum is thrilled to kick off the spring season withArt in Bloom,” commented GRAM Communications Manager Elizabeth Payne. “We look forward to welcoming guests to GRAM’s galleries and encourage everyone to participate in a weekend of floral-inspired fun through our in-person and virtual experiences.”
The 2021 Art in Bloom line-up features 15 floral designers and their interpretation of 15 works from the Museum’s collection—with artwork spanning a wide range of painting, sculpture, mixed-media, and design.
Art in Bloom entries will be eligible for two awards: The Public Vote Award and Juried Award. A panel comprised of floral and art experts from the Grand Rapids community will select the Juried Award Winner, which will be announced on Friday, March 22 at 2 pm. The three-day exhibition and competition include a floral-focused schedule of in-person and virtual offerings.
Weekend Schedule:
Friday, March 19
Public Hours: 12 – 6 pm, Level 3 Galleries
Juried Winner Announcements: 2 pm, Virtual via Facebook Live
Floral Design Demonstration with Fleurology Designs: 4:30 – 5 pm, Virtual via Facebook Live
Sunday, March 21
Member Hours: 10 am – 12 pm, Level 3
Public Hours: 12– 6 pm, Level 3
Public Voting Closes: 1:30 pm
Public Vote Winner Announcement: 2 pm, Virtual via Facebook Live
Visitors are encouraged to reserve timed tickets to Art in Bloom in advance and view the Museum’s health and safety guidelines before visiting. GRAM’s guidelines include face mask requirements, reduced capacity, social distancing measures, regular cleaning and sanitization efforts, and more. For GRAM’s hours and admission fees, call 616.831.1000 or visit artmuseumgr.org.
Finally, the sun is shining, and the grass looks greener if you squint: spring is officially here! For many people, ditching the winter blues in favor of longer days means brighter moods and higher energy, but a little boost never hurt in getting the most out of warmer weather. Here are seven of our favorite heart-healthy, energy-boosting foods to kick-start your spring.
1. Whole grains
Whole grains are great sources of long-lasting energy that powers you throughout the day. Refined grains, such as white flour and white rice, lose about 25% of the protein contained in the whole grain, and contain significantly smaller amounts of at least 17 key nutrients. Eat hearty whole wheat toast in the morning or a delicious quinoa salad, full of antioxidants, for lunch. The carbs from these whole grains provide your body with a slow-burning energy source that also doesn’t cause your blood sugar to spike, giving you consistent energy all day long.
2. Asparagus
Fresh, succulent asparagus is a spring favorite, and it’s full of energy- and health-boosting nutrients that your body craves. Asparagus is full of fiber, which may help lower cholesterol, vitamin K for bone strength, and folate, a mood-boosting vitamin to lift your spirits and your energy levels. It’s also incredibly versatile — grill it, bake it, or saute it, and serve it beside lean proteins or in pasta dishes for a scrumptious and nutritious meal. In the Midwest, fresh-picked asparagus is available from April through June, and the sooner it gets from field to plate, the more delicious it is!
3. Dark chocolate
Easter is approaching fast, and grocery store aisles are reflecting the date with displays of pastel colors and chocolate. And while that sugar-loaded milk chocolate bunny isn’t going to do your body any favors, indulging in dark chocolate as a snack or dessert can do wonders for your energy and mood. Eating a square or two of dark chocolate is great as a pick-me-up in the afternoon, as the small amounts of caffeine can jump start your body without the crash. Dark chocolate also contains flavanols, heart-healthy flavanoids that reduce blood pressure and increase blood flow to the brain.
4. Cold-water fish
Fishing seasons in the Midwest generally open in mid- to late-spring, and fatty, cold-water fish can be extremely beneficial for senior nutrition in general, and energy levels specifically. Not only are cold-water fish full of protein to keep you alert and full, but they’re also packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that lower cholesterol, and riboflavin and niacin, which help you process food more effectively into energy. While fried fish is undeniably delicious, try it grilled or baked for a healthier meal that’s still full of flavor. For added fun, get a fishing license and serve your own catch to family and friends!
5. Mushrooms
Morel hunting is a favorite Michigan pastime, but eating them is even better. Mushrooms, and not just morels, are high in iron and fiber, and have more protein than most vegetables. There are a wide variety of mushrooms that can be used in many different cuisines and dishes, making it easy to add variety while reaping the benefits of these yummy fungi. If you can get your hands on some spring morels, try a hearty mushroom soup. Add mushrooms to your gravies, stir-fries, omelettes, and more to add fantastic savory flavor.
6. Eggs
While eggs and mushrooms don’t seem all that similar, eggs are also champions of versatility that are chock-full of protein. They sometimes get a bad rap for being contributors to high cholesterol, but while you should be aware of how much dietary cholesterol you have in your diet, saturated fats are much more likely to impact your risk of heart disease. Hard-boiled eggs are a great snack on their own, or as toppings on sandwiches and salads. Eat them scrambled (with your whole grain toast) in the morning to start your day with protein.
7. Water
Yes, water’s not really a food, but staying hydrated and getting enough water throughout the day is key to all other aspects of senior nutrition and health. The old 8×8 rule, or eight ounces of water, eight times a day, is a good rule of thumb, but recommended intake varies based on age, gender, and activity level. Plain old water is a great option for everyone (especially if you’re watching your weight) but you can also mix it up with coffee or tea. Just be sure to stay away from sugar-laden drinks, such as fruit juices, sodas, alcoholic beverages, and sweet coffee drinks, as sugar is a fast-burning energy source that can cause you to crash, and they tend to add a huge amount of calories to your diet without also contributing nutrients.
This spring, try incorporating some or all of these foods into your diet for energy that lasts you all day. With higher energy levels and a brighter mood, you’ll be ready for a full of life spring!
Spring weather is just around the corner, and for those of us located in northern climes, it can’t come soon enough. Though our homes in Michigan and northern Ohio have been teasing us with sunshine, here at Vista Springs, we’ve been making preparations for warm weather. Maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves, but we’ve prepared a list of some of our favorite senior activities for spring.
1. Enjoy nature. Here in the Midwest, people tend to catch cases of spring fever at the first hint of sunshine. As cold days fade into breezy ones, and the grass begins to turn green, shaking off the winter by going on nature walks is a great way to enjoy spring. Make going outdoors a habit for the truly amazing experience of watching the greenery come to life as the season progresses.
2. Do some spring cleaning. Cleaning isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, but there’s something uniquely satisfying about airing out your rooms in spring. Do some dusting, change the linens, and give yourself a fresh start once winter is through.
3. Bring out the spring recipes. Springtime is associated with flowers, but there are plenty of foods that evoke the season. March through May bring asparagus spears, artichokes, fennel, watercress, and radishes, and fresh picked veggies are great for the body and spirit. And, of course, Easter celebrations bring brightly colored eggs and brunches made for sharing with family and friends. What are your spring recipes?
4. Take a day trip. Take advantage of the so-called “shoulder season,” between on- and off-peak seasons for popular vacation destinations, by taking a short trip to a nearby city or attraction. You get the advantages of warmer weather without the crowds and high prices. Visit lakes, mountains, big cities, museums, shopping destinations — whatever tickles your fancy.
5. Visit a nursery. When trees begin to bud, it’s a great time to visit a local nursery. Try out your green thumb by choosing some spring perennials for an outdoor garden, start an herb garden in your kitchen for fresh herbs year-round, or choose some potted plants to brighten up your interiors. You’ll be amazed at the fresh, lively atmosphere inherent to nurseries that you can bring home with you.
6. Start bird watching. Everyone knows to keep an eye out for the first robin of spring, and the sound of birdsong in the morning is one of the truest heralds of warmer weather. Invest in a bird feeder and bird seed for easy bird watching, or make your own for a fun creative activity. Learning what types of songbirds are local to your area can help you learn more about the ecosystem as a whole, and watching for rare species brings excitement to each quiet moment.
Are you as excited for spring weather as we are? These fun senior activities will help you get the most out of the season. Whether you enjoy getting outdoors or enjoying a lighter, brighter atmosphere inside, there’s something about spring that brings out a passion for life that deserves to be celebrated.
The West Michigan Whitecaps released their 2018 season schedule today. The team will celebrate its 25th season beginning with the season-opener at home on Thursday, April 5 at 6:35 p.m. versus the South Bend Cubs.
Fireworks will once again light up the night sky over Fifth Third Ballpark with 21 Family Fare Fireworks Nights, including Opening Night, every summertime Wednesday and Saturday home game and selected additional nights, with a special Independence Day celebration on Tuesday, July 3.
The long-time Tiger Friday series will move to Wednesdays, with five Tiger Wednesday dates starting in June slated to include the popular former Tiger appearances and Tiger-related giveaway items for the first 1,000 fans. Fridays, starting in May, will be rebranded as family- and kid-focused theme nights, including Princess, Dinosaur, Pokemon and others, with entertainers and other special events on the concourse.
Weekly promotions:
Sunday (with a new start time of 2 p.m.): Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Family Days (first 1,000 kids eat free; autographs and play catch on the field pre-game; kids run the bases post-game)
Monday: JQ99 Bulletin Night (half off box or reserved seats with worship or community bulletin)
Tuesday: Select Tuesdays will be Dime Dog Nights presented by Manpower
Wednesday: Senior Night, Tiger Wednesdays and Family Fare Fireworks (beginning in June)
Thursday: Altogas Thrifty Thursdays ($2 hot dogs, Pepsi products and 20 oz. beers); show a college or military ID and get $5 reserved seats.
Friday: Kid-focused theme nights
Saturday: Family Fare Fireworks (beginning in May)
The three 11 a.m. school days, popular as school enrichment field trips, are returning once again, scheduled for Tuesday, May 22,Wednesday, May 23, and Tuesday, June 5. In addition, there are four special weekday 12 p.m. matinee games scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, Thursday, April 12, Wednesday, April 18 and Wednesday, May 9.
Some featured promotions include Armed Forces Night on Saturday, May 19; Star Wars Night, returning on Saturday, June 30 and MSU/U of M Rivalry Night on Thursday, August 16. Many more promotions will be added throughout the off-season and will be added to the Whitecaps website as they are booked.
Fans can purchase season tickets and mini plans beginning Wednesday, October 25, by calling the Whitecaps front office at 616-784-4131. Tickets for groups of 20 or more, including private party areas, will go on sale November 17. Individual game tickets will go on sale in early 2018.
The full 2018 schedule is attached and is available on the Whitecaps website at whitecapsbaseball.com.
For Laurel Scholten her favorite part of seeing the butterflies is watching them emerge from their chrysalis.
“If it goes just perfectly, they will slide right out and then there they are,” said Scholten, who this year is overseeing the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies are Blooming exhibition, which officially opens March 1.
In its 21st year, the exhibition will feature about 60 different species flying freely in the Gardens’ Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. The balmy environment, which is 85 degrees and 70 percent humidity, is a perfect setting for the butterflies, according to Scholten.
“They tend to emerge more in the morning and especially when it is bright and sunny,” Scholten said. “This is because it signals to them that they are going to have better conditions to survive in.”
Approximately 7,000 – 8,000 butterflies will be released in the conservatory during the two-month exhibit with anywhere from 500 to 800 in the conservatory on any given day. The life cycle of a butterfly is about two to three weeks.
The Butterflies are Blooming remains one of the Gardens largest exhibitions with more than 150,000 visitors expected to come through, said the Gardens Public Relations Manager Andrea Wolschleger
“I think it is because of the timing,” Wolschleger said. “It’s a warm, sunny exhibition, a good reason to escape the cold and it signals spring.
“Also, I think it appeals to just about anyone. Whether you are 5-years-old or 55-years-old, you can appreciate it.”
A “Crocodile” by Mimmo Paladino is on display in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.
New this year is the addition of more than 900 nectar plants that will add vivid blooms along with providing nectar for the butterflies. Also make sure to explore the conservatory for two crocodiles sculptures that have “wandered” over from the “Mimmo Paladino: Present Into Past” exhibition that opens Friday, Feb. 26, in the Gardens’ gallery space. The exhibition will feature iconic sculptures from across the artist’s repertoire and new, never before seen work.
“The butterflies really educate people on a variety of topics,” Scholten said, such as pollution since butterflies are the first to be impacted by pollutes. The exhibit also showcases the life span of the butterflies emerge from chrysalides and cocoons in the Butterfly Bungalow, spread their wings for the first time, and are released into the conservatory. Also there is a Caterpillar Room located within The Seasonal Display Greenhouse featuring Monarch caterpillars.
“In fact, one of the number one questions I have is when are the butterflies going to be released,” Scholten said, adding that a sign will be on the Butterfly Bungalow with release times.
A butterfly spreads its wings in Butterfly Bungalow.
The Gardens also hosts a number of family events in conjunction with the exhibit. Various Children’s Activities take place daily during daylight hours in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, Tuesday Night Lights allow visitors to bring flashlights until 9 p.m to see the nightlife in the conservatory, and “Who am I” A Butterfly Ballet, presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet, is March 12 and 19 at 12:30 p.m. Tickets for the ballet are $5/members, $8/non-members, and free/children 2 and under.
Butterflies are Blooming will be up through April 31. The “Mimmo Paladino: Present Into Past” runs through Aug. 14. For more information on either exhibit or on the Meijer Gardens, visit the Gardens’ website or call 616-957-1580.
Okay, so we got 6 inches of snow two days ago. And yes, the snow mound in front of my house is almost as high as the roof on the front porch, but I saw FIVE robins just the other day when I was driving to the mall!
It’s difficult to remember what green grass looks like I know, but the recent days have been sunnier and this week we are supposed to have a high temperature near 40! These are all good signs that Spring is on its way.
So put on a coat, and go stand outside today just for a few minutes. Don’t clean your car off, or shovel your walk. Just stand and let the sun shine on your face. Listen for the birds; they are becoming more vocal now. Breathe in and remember what it smells like when the earth is warm and a gentle rain has just fallen. Imagine the buds erupting on the trees. Remember how bright green the new grass is and how everything just looks so fresh and new. Open your eyes and maybe say “hi” to a neighbor or the mailman.
Spring IS Coming. Yes, before we know it……..we just have to be patient!
