It's Cold Outside

Sure, it's cold outside here in Virginia.  It's cold at Holliday Lake State Park, but things are happening here!  The lake is partially frozen and beautiful.  There are migrating Canada Geese laying over here for a few days because most of the smaller farm ponds in the area are completely frozen.  Construction is going great on our new campsites and bathhouse.  Park staff is working hard on winter projects:  repairing fishing platforms, getting new bluebird boxes ready to put up in the spring and painting our office, just to name a few.  Volunteers are mapping wildflowers. . .

Yes, I said mapping wildflowers.  We have a dedicated group of volunteers working very hard to document some of the wonderful flora here at Holliday Lake State Park.  Skunk Cabbage is one of the most amazing flowers.  And they are making their way up out of the frozen ground right now!  You can read Cynthia's blog here:  http://briarpatchposts.blogspot.com/2010/01/its-cold-outside.html  She has posted some great photos of the Skunk Cabbage and other things.

While it's tempting to stay inside and cozy, I hope you will consider venturing outside for a hike around the lake.  If you look closely along any of our trails, you may see flowers beginning to come up, interesting designs in the ice, or some of our abundant wildlife.  Just bundle up and have a thermos of hot cocoa waiting in the car.