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¨