Written by Rachel Putnam, Naturalist, Kroening Nature Center
Winter in Minnesota means snow, but this year we’ve had far less than usual: Minneapolis, for instance, has gotten only about a third of the snow that it would get in a typical winter. Whether you’re delighted to have less shoveling to do or disappointed to have fewer options for winter recreation, you might be curious about how the lack of snow affects plants and animals in nature.
Minnesota animals are adapted to snowy winters, and scientists are busy studying how animals will be affected if winters such as this one become more commonplace. A weasel’s fur, for instance, turns white every winter, which helps it blend in with its snowy surroundings and hide from both predators and potential prey. Without snow, however, weasels lose their camouflage advantage and are much more likely to be eaten by predators. Many amphibians survive the winter by burrowing deep into the ground where the soil is unlikely to freeze. Frost reaches much greater depths in winters with little snow cover, potentially affecting the survival of overwintering toads and salamanders.
We associate snow with cold, but paradoxically, snow is a great insulator. The air spaces between grains of snow slow down the loss of heat, and many small animals make use of the snow to protect themselves from the cold winter winds. Mice, voles and shrews tunnel extensively under the snow, where they are less exposed to predators and can find both food and shelter. One benefit of a winter like this one is that without the protection of a blanket of snow, small mammals will be less likely to spend a long time in one place gnawing on the roots and tree bark of ornamental trees and shrubs in your yard and garden.
A thick blanket of snow, especially one that falls early in the season, keeps the ground from freezing as deeply and helps protect the roots of trees and other perennial plants. Cold winters with little snow, on the other hand, can lead to greater stress on trees and more winterkill of perennials. Minimal snow cover does, however, mean that populations of ticks and overwintering garden insect pests are likely to be reduced in the coming year.
With or without snow, a Minnesota winter has its benefits and challenges. If you venture outside, be sure to stop by North Mississippi Regional Park for a visit and see the animals and plants that are not only surviving the winter but thriving in it.
Curious about what’s going on in the park this winter? Check out our upcoming programs offered at Kroening Nature Center in February (registration available online).
Nature Tots: Paws and Claws · Saturday, February 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free, ages 2-6 with adult (activity #15436). Compare furry paws, sharp claws, leathery toes and hard hooves to find out how animals’ feet help them.
Noticing Nature on Snowshoes · Saturday, February 1, 2-3 p.m. $5, ages 18+ (activity #15719). Take some time to tune in to the nature around you! Strap on some snowshoes and join a naturalist to see what’s happening in the park this season. If there is no snow, there will be a naturalist-led walk instead.
Birding Watching: Feathered Fridays · Friday, February 7, 9-10 a.m. $5, ages 18+ (activity #15600). Get up with the morning birds to discover what to look for when identifying birds in the field. Learn about bird diets, calls and other behaviors while strolling through different habitats.
Family Fun Day: Winter Birds · Saturday, February 8, 10:30-12 p.m. Free, all ages (activity #15449). Many birds call Minnesota home in the winter, both those that stay here year-round and others that migrate south to us. Learn more about these winter neighbors and go on a walk to look for them in the park.
Homeschool Day: Secrets of Flight · Thursday, February 13, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free for residents, ages 5-11 (activity # 15471). Take a closer look at the wings of birds, bats, and insects to see how they work, try flight experiments of your own, and explore the trails with binoculars to spot creatures in flight.
Winter Tree ID · Saturday, February 15, 10:30 a.m.-noon. $5, ages 18+ (activity #15720). Learn to use a dichotomous key to identify trees by their twigs and buds, bark and shape, then go on a walk to practice your skills.
Nature Art: Animal Inspirations · Saturday, February 15, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Free, all ages (activity #15442). Come inside this winter to meet some Minnesota animals up close, touch and observe parts of animals, and create art using our animal mounts as inspiration.
Tracking with Bill Kass · Saturday, February 22, 10 a.m.-noon. $5, ages 18+ (activity #15605). Join master tracker Bill Kass to learn what to look for to help distinguish different animal tracks and how to observe closely to understand what animals are doing in the park. Includes indoor lesson and outdoor field experience.
Nature in Focus: Insulation and Furs · Saturday, February 22, 1-2:30 p.m. $5, ages 18+ (activity #15715). Explore a variety of animal furs and feathers to learn about how animals stay warm and active in the winter. Discover the insulative properties of various materials, then go on a walk to look for evidence of animals out in the winter.