Pausing Photosynthesis, Winter Cocoons & Wolf Moons!

"I love all trees, but I am in love with Pines." - Aldo Leopold

The snow has finally hit us here at the Monona Campus! Although everything looks "frozen still" under the blanket of melting snow, there is plenty activity outdoors today!

Here's what's happening outside this week:

• On warm days winter days, evergreens can still photosynthesize, although cold slows the chemical process. 
• Wolves begin mating around the time of the January full moon (also known as the Wolf Moon).
• Hibernating ground squirrels heart rates have dropped from 350 beats per minute to 5 beats per minute.  
• Look carefully on bare branches for cocoons!  Not only can they survive this cold, they need it!

 Have nature sightings to report? Email us--we would be grateful to share your observations!