NATURE EMERGES

With winter, such as it was, a fading memory, it’s high time to get out to the coast or the lakes or the mountains. Days can be warm enough for a hike in shirtsleeves, a bike ride in shorts and even a picnic lunch. Trees are budding, so the big floppy leaves of summer don’t yet block the vistas of ocean and mountain. And the summer crowd has not yet arrived.

Acadia National Park is a great choice. Park Service crews have already cleared most of the fallen tree trunks and are busy grooming the carriage roads and sweeping up the winter’s sand deposits.

On a clear day, the mountains can take on a deep blue cast, and the bright blue of the ocean, highlighted with the white surf, sparkles between the bare trees. Flowers of varying hues are poking through the soil, brightening the ground underfoot.

Birds can be heard twittering in the underbrush, and chipmunks scamper across the roads and paths. This year’s crop of animal young aren’t far behind. Watch for ducklings noisily paddling behind momma duck or fawns wobbling on unsure legs in a pasture.

You don’t have to go to a national park to enjoy the spring re-birth. A neighborhood park offers sprouting plants and budding trees and greening grass ready for ball players. Kneel by a pond to watch tadpoles, awkwardly between swimming and jumping phases, surface to catch bugs. Walk down the street and catch robins tugging worms from the mud or a bright red cardinal darting between bushes that have exploded with blooms.

After winter’s lethargy, spring brings renewed energy and activity.

Chores can wait. Don’t miss the chance to get out and enjoy it.