Full Snow Moon? Green Up Or Fish/Hunt

Walk outdoors and the scent of fresh snow is tangible. Mud and old snow mingle underfoot. Crows caw and chuckle letting the resident wildlife know of humans crashing about. Dogs jaunt along to examine every marked spot to check out their own (much-richer) version of our world. A good walk takes only time, effort and a decent pair of boots or ankle-high boots. (Okay, insect spray in three seasons, a tick removal device, and ample water for afterward are also good ideas.)

Tracking nocturnal animals in the fresh snow or finding scattered feathers where an owl or hawk made a strike and kill are absorbing pursuits. A scrape or antler rub mark left by deer are evidence of a seasonal change. Spotting a flock of wild turkey is a plus. Getting close to them is nearly impossible, they are too darn smart. Watching as they explode into flight, however, is another gift.

This weekend, there’s a full snow moon hike and the Northeast Fishing & Hunting Expo – choose one, both or neither, but savor the tail end of a New England winter. The days are lengthening, greenhouses are filling with seedlings for the season ahead – and gardeners are itching for digging and planting and the warm earth.

Consider a visit to an area greenhouse – there’s Logee’s in Danielson, Connecticut, a legendary place full of tropical plants, a noted Ponderosa lemon tree, succulents and cacti, begonias and much more. Vo-ag schools offer tours during their open house events; call for information. Get inspired; just the color and humidity are a relief this time of year.

Other places to visit include the Running Brook Farms greenhouse in Killingworth; and the EEB greenhouses (officially known as the Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Plant Growth Facilities) at University of Connecticut at Storrs.

The latter features a listing of what is in bloom on their Web site. They are not open for weekend hours at the present, but are working on a way to allow tours at least one day a month to accommodate people who can’t visit during the week. Call for details about when that day will be – worth the time and effort.

As for the choice between crowds and buying stuff indoors or the walking and observing the ever-changing world outdoors – well, I know which I’ll pick.

Full Snow Moon Hike is Sunday, Feb. 28 at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (DPNC), 109 Pequotsepos Rd. Mystic, 5 to 6 p.m.

Explore the woods and wild under the beauty of a full moon led by Maggie Jones, DPNC staff. Families and adults can enjoy the walk, which takes place at the Haley Farm in Groton. Heavy rain will cancel. Free. Call for details (860) 536-1216.

Through Sunday, Feb. 28 is the Northeast Fishing & Hunting Expo at Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Blvd., Hartford. Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The 13th annual show offers hundreds of booths with the latest products for both fishing and hunting enthusiasts. More than 65 hours of seminars presented by nationally known fishermen and hunting experts. Fly casting lessons for children who can also try out the Bass Casting Competition. Admission: $10, $2 children (6-12), free, under 6. Cash only.