In Colorado, the vernal equinox holds deep significance as it marks the transition from winter to spring in the high-altitude landscapes of the Western Slope. Rooted in ancient traditions and celebrated by indigenous peoples for millennia, the vernal equinox symbolizes the balance between light and darkness, heralding the arrival of longer days and warmer temperatures.

This year, Eagle County has experienced a notably warmer spring, and while this might not be the best sign for nature overall, it’s offering some unexpected benefits for our students and their programs.

With the sun’s increasing presence and more moderate temperatures, students participating in our spring field science programs are in for a treat this year. Warmer days bring new opportunities to explore our various ecosystems on campus, where tree and bush buds have begun to stir. Their tender green tips have already been spotted reaching for the sun, marking the season’s renewal against the backdrop of melting snow. The increased warmth is providing a unique chance for students to experience nature in a more accessible way, with fewer snowstorms and the possibility of basking in sunshine during outdoor lessons and explorations.

While the warmer temperatures signal a shift in the seasons, they also bring challenges for the environment, as the snowpack melts faster than usual, contributing to higher runoff and changes in wildlife behavior. In our local forests and meadows, we are already witnessing a burst of activity, with animals like migratory birds returning earlier than expected, filling the air with songs, and elk and deer venturing to higher elevations in search of fresh forage.

However, these warmer spring days aren’t without their complexities. As temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, the melting snow and thawing ground contribute to a messy “mud season,” which brings its own challenges for outdoor activities. For those hiking on our trails, waterproof gear and sturdy shoes with traction are more important than ever. Yet, even though the landscape might be a bit trickier to navigate, this season provides students with a front-row seat to nature’s renewal, where every step into the wilderness feels like a different adventure.

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In this season of transition, the changing weather can be unpredictable — sunny days can quickly shift to snowstorms, and vice versa — but this unpredictability adds an extra layer of excitement for our students, who embrace the challenge with enthusiasm. They learn to adapt to these dynamic conditions, preparing for anything the day may bring, from snow to sunshine, and experiencing first-hand how nature’s cycles are evolving in real-time.

While the warmer spring is a welcomed change for many of us — offering more pleasant days for field programs and time spent outside — it’s important to remember the broader environmental impacts. Rapid snowmelt can put stress on ecosystems that depend on slower, more gradual transitions, and we may see shifts in animal behavior, plant cycles, and water systems. Nevertheless, for our students, these changes provide valuable lessons in the fragility and adaptability of nature as they witness firsthand the interplay between weather patterns, ecosystems, and human impact.

So, as you venture out into the wilds of Eagle County this spring, whether it’s to catch a glimpse of a Mountain Bluebird or a thriving patch of pasque flowers, take a moment to reflect on the beauty and resilience of nature — even as it adjusts to warmer, unpredictable springs. And as always, remember to “leave your favorite shoes at home” because, after all, exploring the natural world means embracing the mud, the sun, and everything in between.

Ania Gonzalez is a second-year Foley Graduate Fellow who is about to begin her final spring programs with Eagle County students before graduating.