"The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown." -Traditional English Christmas carol

As I am writing this, the thermometer outside reads 49 degrees! If it weren't for the shortening of the days and the lengthening of the shadows, we might forget that we are quickly approaching the long nights of winter. This is usually a time of getting ready and preparing for the harsh days ahead. While we've been busy raking the volumes of leaves now fully off the trees, I have had trouble resisting the temptation to wear my shorts while doing the job. The warmer-than-usual weather these past few weeks has lulled me into a complacency that this mild weather will continue into March. But if nature is a good guide, I should pay heed to the red squirrel outside my window, hastily gathering acorns and seeds and get to work chopping firewood! And though the inevitable storms will no doubt bring with them cancelled school and commuting challenges, a glance at images from last winter remind us that it can be both beautiful as well as rejuvenative for nature. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

-Mark Smith

Executive Director

P.S. Due to work taking place inside the Isaac Davenport Mansion, we will have combined our annual Holiday Open House with our January 7 Winterfire -- I hope you will join us then!