Woodland Stroll on Snowshoes




Beyond the Garden Fence

Those of us who have access to woodlands throughout the seasons are indeed fortunate.  We can discover plants previously unknown to us, and become aware of the habitats of creatures that prefer trees, brambles, and fallen logs. 

During winter, the woodlands often present surprises, as we discovered during a late January stroll on snowshoes.  Determined to get away from the day-to-day rush, we set out with no schedule or concern for time.  Soon after we entered the woods, we heard the distinctive vocalization of a Raven coming from high above the trees. 

We were soon greeted by the delightful sounds of male Black-Capped Chickadees and knew that milder weather would appear soon.  While there were several of those hardy little birds nearby, only one followed us as it delivered its cheery ‘dee-dee’ notes.  Familiar with their habits, we knew that if we presented seeds or peanuts in outstretched hands, it would eventually dart in to grab the offering. 

While pausing on the trail to listen to the echoing sounds of a Pileated Woodpecker, we noticed a large, dark patch of something resembling jumping flecks of black pepper on the snow.  We watched the ‘Sand Fleas’ for a few minutes, and decided to learn more about them when we returned home. 

Though frequently referred to as Snow Fleas, those tiny flecks are not actually fleas or insects.   They are Springtails, so named because of their ability to jump in any direction when a spring-like apparatus is applied.  Completely harmless and mostly unseen during warm weather because of their colouring, they are part of the wooded areas’ clean-up crew as they assist in the decomposition process by eating rotting leaves and other decaying matter. 

A large grove of white cedars holds many secrets as it is inhabited by snowshoe hares, red squirrels and other small mammals that feed on seed clusters that hang from snow-laden branches.  During harsh winters, it provides not only shelter but also one of the White-tailed deer’s favourite foods – the scaled leaves of small cedar offshoots.  We did not venture into the grove, but paused and wondered about the number of inhabitants, then continued on our way.

Rowan Tree Myths, Legends, and Facts

Sometimes we do things without fully understanding why, and later realize that we actually had the reason hidden somewhere in our minds.  There are folks who believe that we carry the spirits of past generations that guide us. 

Rowan Tree Berry Cluster

Years ago, my daughter gave me a Rowan Tree (often known as a Mountain Ash) as a Mother’s Day gift.  Without hesitation, I decided to plant it a few feet from my front door.  It flourished, bore flowers and berry clusters, attracted birds that picked every bit of fruit from it in the autumn, and survived a move to my new home where, once again, it grows near my front door.

Several years later, while researching the Rowan, I learned of that fast-growing tree’s ability to tolerate air pollution.  Also, I learned that in many different cultures through centuries, it was revered for its special powers and properties.

The Old Norsemen treated the tree as holy and sacred for, according to their mythology, Embla, the first woman, was made from the Rowan tree.  Also, they believed that when Thor fell into a swift-moving river during his journey to the underworld, a Rowan tree bent over to help him as he struggled to reach the shore.

According to many, the tree’s protective influence strengthens a person’s life energy which then allows her/him to break victim consciousness and be self protective through intuitive insights.  To this day, many believe that the Rowan’s energy can increase individuals’ abilities to communicate with the spirit realms.

The trees’ berries bear a five-pointed star – the ancient symbol of protection – that represents the five elements:  spirit, earth, air, water, and fire.  Believing that this “Tree of Life” provided protection, Celtic people frequently planted them in churchyards to ward off evil spirits, or placed Rowan twigs on graves “to keep the unquiet dead from leaving their graves”.

In some Scottish areas, Rowan branches were hung above stable doors to prevent witches from taking the horses for a midnight ride.  Highland Scottish women wore necklaces of Rowan berries strung on dyed red thread, while in Wales people wore crosses carved from pieces of the tree’s wood. 

Some Irish people believed that fairies loved it so much that they hired a giant to protect their Rowan tree.  Highland Scots made wines of the berries while the Welsh made ales, and the Irish used them to flavour mead. 

Symbolizing growth and rebirth, the Rowan tree’s  dense wood, considered the best for making walking sticks, Druids’ staffs, divining rods, and, of course, magic wands, has always been used by the wise ones.

Why did I plant my Rowan tree near my front door?  Perhaps because that's where the ancient people planted theirs.