Saturday, January 28 4pm pm. 6 degrees at Harriet Rose Gardens

I learned today that I need wool socks and I need to wear boots that go higher than my ankles if I’m going to be “off roading” on these BCI adventures! Today was really cold and there were very few people out in an area that usually has quite a few people out enjoying the outdoors. It was also VERY quite. There’s little to hear in my audio recording other than the wind, myself breathing and the crunch of the snow as I walk.

I have lived in Minnesota most of my life, but I never really grew to LOVE the snow. But it does have its function. I found this article from Envirodad who explains that “Farmers need snow to blanket their fields so that when it all melts in the spring, their fields are properly irrigated and ready for planting.  A lack of moisture in the soil right from the outset is very problematic and can force farmers in severe situations to either reduce their plantings or in a worst case scenario, not plant at all.”

In Minnesota, we are fortunate to be one of the sunniest states in the winter and we all are very aware of the physical and mental health benefits of sunshine in the coldest and shortest months of the year, and the snow reflects that sun giving us an extra dose of light!

Humans have layers of muscle and fat to keep them warm but there are several different kinds of strategies in nature to keep other organisms warm. Did you know that Polar Bears have see-through hairs that help trap light and heat?! With all the sunlight we get in Minnesota, someone should come up with coats that mimic this function… at least!