For some, the lack of snow cover is a blessing, but for others, it can cause problems.
Those were the words of Jim Knickelbine, the Director of Woodland Dunes Nature Center in Two Rivers. He tells Seehafer News, “Birds right now have an easy time without snow on the ground. They’re able to find an ample amount of seeds. So they tend not to come to birdfeeders as much when compared to snowy winters. But, for small mammals the lack of snow can be a problem for them. They are typically under the snow protected from predators.”
Knickelbine explained when you don’t have snow cover it can be harder on plants and trees. “Because the ground freezes and thaws causing damage to roots. If it’s going to be cold and we never know when it’s about to change…it is good to have some snow cover on the ground to make everything a little more insulated.”
The Woodland Dunes director says one benefit of less snow cover is that you don’t have the amount of snow-melt running off and eventually winding up in Lake Michigan. Knickelbine stated the lake level is down a few inches from last year, with another decrease of several inches expected. And, a lower lake level can be beneficial on the shoreline.
There is a chance we’re going to receive a fresh blanket of snow tonight into Sunday.
