SIGNS OF LIFE CHALLENGEβ¨π± Think winter is dead and lifeless? βοΈπͺ¦ Look closer! ππ² Foraging doesnβt start in spring - it starts with observationππ Learning to recognize plants in their dormant state πΏπ΄ and noticing how animals use them for food and shelter gives you a huge advantage when the growing season arrives π±βοΈ On January 1st, weβre launching the βSigns of Life Challengeβ - a daily (or as-often-as-you-can*) πΈ photo challenge designed to sharpen your foraging eye ποΈβ¨ and wake up your curiosity π§ β‘, even in the cold, dark days of winter! πβοΈ πΈ The Challenge: Throughout January, share photos of the βsigns of lifeβ you notice around you π²πΎ Winter may look quiet π€«, but itβs full of clues when you slow down πΆββοΈπ and look π πΏ So, what counts? - Almost everything! β’ Wildlife tracks in snow or mud πΎβοΈ β’ Weedy seed heads and dried stalks πΎπ β’ Leaf and flower buds π±πΈ β’ Lichens, mosses, and fungi ππ β’ Evergreens and dead leaves π²π β’ Old nests and animal holes πͺΉπ³ β’ Bark texture and stem shapes π³ β’ Blurry wildlife sightings π¦π¨ β’ Unknown mystery plants βπΏ β¨ If it made you stop and look - it counts.β¨ These winter observations become mental maps π§π§ youβll use all year long πΌπ π How to participate: Post a photo each day (or whenever you can) π·π and tell us what caught your eye π No pressure π
ββοΈ No perfection π«β¨ Just curiosity ππ± This isnβt about expert IDs or perfect photos πβπΈ Itβs about training your eyes ποΈ, building awareness π, and reminding ourselves that life never truly disappears - it just waits β³πΏ So bundle up π§£π§€, step outside πͺπ£, and start looking closer π Winter has secrets to share. ππ²β¨