Budding aspens

A carpet of green stands out amidst the blackened trees.  It is vibrant, almost emerald in its color reminiscent of rolling hills in Ireland, covering the ground of the ghost-like trees.  Spring has finally arrived in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and nature has awakened from its dormant state during the winter.

One of the most amazing things about the aftermath of wildfires is nature’s resiliency and ability to heal itself.  As I drive through my neighborhood right through the heart of the fire scar caused by the Cold Springs Wildfire a mere 10 months ago, I know longer feel the despair or horror I once felt.  Instead I feel a sense of wonder and awe to look at the new growth — wildflowers, wild grasses growing — covering the ground in vast expanses.

And it’s not just the small plants just covering the ground, but the singed Aspens mixed in, buds opening up a little more each day.  The warm temperatures and spring rains encourage them to feel it is safe, it’s time to spread open our leaves, feed off of the sun’s rays and grow.  Aspen trees actually represent a love-hate relationship between the forest and wildfires.

Although not as flammable as the neighboring pines and firs, they too can be easily destroyed by a hot-burning fire.  Yet, the spaces cleared in the forest, allow more sunlight and more water, ridding them of competition while creating an ideal environment for them to grow.

Add to that the fact, that they are able to basically clone off a parent tree, and areas burned over by fire make it ideal habitat for Aspen.  As long as one single Aspen tree survives among the ashes, they will be able to reproduce, and reproduce quickly by sprouting, ultimately taking over acres of the landscape.

Plants and trees are not the only living thinks grateful for the sunshine and open spaces of the forest.  Since last year’s fire, the number of wildlife, specifically ungulates has risen greatly in our neighborhood.  I can’t seem to go more than a few days without seeing mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, or moose grazing.  The tender shoots of grasses make for excellent feeding for these hoofed mammals.

Seeing all the green lifts my own spirits as well.  Feeling buoyed by the braveness of the Aspen trees putting forth their tender buds fosters my own courage.  I feel inspired to spend more time outside, to run more, to hike more, to contemplate the peaks I can climb this summer.  If the living world around me can respond with such resiliency, I can do it too.

I love winter and all the recreational opportunities it brings.  But seeing the setting sun against the snow capped Indian Peaks in the early evening, with the greening Aspens in the foreground brings hope to me.  Everything around me is awakened and growing again — it’s time to challenge myself and pursue growth as well.

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