St. Croix Seasons: Early Spring

The slow arrival of spring in March and April offers much beauty for the observant.

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As 2025 comes to an end, I am sharing my own photos from the past year of the St. Croix River and the waters that flow into it. These images are offered in gratitude for the river, its tributaries, and the readers and supporters of St. Croix 360. – Greg


Spring sneaks in. The sun strengthens. Moving water shakes off ice, while lakes remain locked. The first signs of the changing season are followed by a long period of stasis, in which the days of green growth feel far off.

I roamed a bit last March and April. Sought those early signs, that evidence of progress toward life after the frozen months. Ducks sought refuge in the quiet corners of creeks, burst out of cover when I approached, scattered into the sky. Bright blooms pushed through last year’s dead grasses, catching the early sun before bigger, bolder plants could monopolize photosynthesis.

Despite the slow advancement of the climate, spring surprises. Just when the landscape seems frozen and silent, a bird fresh from southern latitudes might flutter in a leafless tree. A flower may peek out of the brown leaf litter. A warm breeze promises more to come.

March

Over spring break, my family visited New York City. We saw a few things at the American Museum of Natural History that reminded me of home.

April


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4 responses to “St. Croix Seasons: Early Spring”

  1. Troy Howard Avatar
    Troy Howard

    Any idea if the orange colors in the Wolf Creek Falls photos is an orange bacterial/fungal slime flux, or just an unusually bright iron precipitate?

    1. Greg Seitz Avatar
      Greg Seitz

      No idea!

  2. Arden Johnson Avatar
    Arden Johnson

    Minor correction. Dwarf trout lily is a rare species found in only three counties in SE Minnesota. Pictured is white trout lily.

    1
    1. Greg Seitz Avatar
      Greg Seitz

      Ack, brain misfire. Thanks for catching it!

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