 Lions, Lambs, and Worms - Unpredictable March
A pair of Mt. Lions in the west (Maine no longer has Mt Lions) and a Big Horn Sheep lamb in the west (not a Maine species). Both photos courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service..
The beginning of March brings to mind the adage - If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb. Though not an accurate forecaster of March weather, it does speak the the amazing variability that we can experience in Maine. March is the ever-changeable month - one moment tantalizing with a Spring-like warm-up and the next hurling down cold rain, sleet, snow or these in any combination! It can look like ice out has begun on the lakes and ponds, then a quick freeze will harden the ice once more. A few days of thaw with rain can bring on our 5th season - Mud Season, and be quickly followed by near zero temperatures that leave axle-pounding ruts in dirt driveways and roads. March is truly the time of year to be prepared for any weather.
The full moon in March is know to some as the Worm Moon because in many places this is when earthworms or their casts will be seen. Traditionally the name of the full moon for each month reflects a natural happening that is important to the people of the area that use the name. The naming is a way of passing the knowledge on from adults to children through the generations. In the northeast the full moon in March may also be called the Maple Tapping Moon. (Moon photo courtesy of NASA.gov showing the Ritter and Sabine craters.)
Activities for Children and the Young at Heart
- Look for March adages from around the world. What do people south of the equator say about March? Does it reflect how they make a living or get their food? Are they hunters, gatherers, farmers, or ranchers, orchard growers, bee keepers, or other?
- Make up your own adage for March. Share it with others and see if they can tell what it means to you. Is it related to nature or what you like to do outside?
- Make up your own name for the March full moon. Does the name reflect what is most important to you about this month?
- Learn about the various names of the full moons from various cultures. What do you learn form each name?
- Make a Moon Phases Calendar and Calculator so that you can keep track of the moon in all its phases.
-
Look at this moon image with red/blue glasses and you'll see it in 3D. Make your own red/blue glasses with red and blue cellophane, or use red and blue permanent markers on clear plastic or cellophane. Use a pair of old glasses with the lenses removed, or cut a stiff cardboard into a glasses shape that you can wear. Tape or glue your colored lenses onto the frames. It is important to make the right lens blue and left lens red.
|
Share Nature Note with your friends, family, teachers, scouts, and anyone you think might be interested. Here is how they can sign up for a free subscription:
Read back issues online.
Suggest a topic by email; put Nature Note in Subject line and email Jocelyn Hubbell.
|
