A nice sunny day on tap after a damp and wet middle of the week. Around 1.5″ of rain combined Wednesday and a little rain on Thursday evening. The rain welcomed to freshen up the forest floor and give the recently planted trees a drink. The recent warm weather after a wet period has really brought the forest to life. The leaves are close to full circle and many wildflowers popping up.
Around 4″ of rain the past 6 weeks. The rain has been welcomed with the relatively dry conditions the past 6 months and to keep the soil damp and moist for the trees we are currently planting for our tree planting project this spring. The lake, ponds, sloughs and water tables are pretty much at normal levels now. The moss on the trails has really come to life as well adding a vibrance to the forest floor. The leaves are starting to pop from most of the trees and the wild plants and flowers are beginning to emerge.
We have been clearing deadfall and blow downs off the trails after windy conditions in mid April and clearing out the mountain bike singletrack. Mountain bike trails now open. (click here for updates)
Summer ski trail work will include fixing rutted areas, working on drainage and removing rocks and filling in low spots in between almost daily mowing when not raining.
Ice went off Little Sugarbush lake Saturday April 6th. True to form, the loons returned the same day and combined with other waterfowl the lake is busy with activity and one of the more special times of the year on the lake.
Although this year was one of the lowest snow years to date on record, it was an opportunity to learn more about grooming, preparing the trails for winter and being prepared for future low snow years. For as long as we have been grooming, every year is different and what makes it interesting and enjoyable!
Thank you to everyone that has visited us this past year from the overnight guests to the day users. We appreciate it very much!
On a side note, the end of February and early March with low snow and frozen ground it has been favorable for cutting deadfall and windblown trees from storms and wind. Most of the woods we use for the wood fire stoves and campfires at Maplelag but bigger logs that have are not rotten we use for shelving, tables and other projects!
