Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 20 : Spring 2014 | Page 26

Spring in Central Aroostook County
starts slowly and then explodes with
color, birds and lengthening days.
by Central Aroostook
Chamber of Commerce

The first sign that the warm weather will soon be here are the
fluffy white pussy willows along the roads. The appearance
of pussy willows means it will soon be time for fiddleheads
and spring fishing!
In this area, spring usually takes a while to fully arrive. We
have beautiful sunny days, cold nights and melting snow
that keep things from warming up quickly.

trails and what will become ATV trails are unusable due to
the amount of moisture in the soil. The logging operations
in the forests stop for the same reason, and the roads offer
a thrill ride if you drive too fast over the frost heaves as the
frost works its way out from under the pavement.
May will bring longer, warmer days and many in the area
will be displaying tissue paper maybaskets. The tradition
of maybaskets is one of the many that we share with our
neighbors across the border.

As winter gives way to spring, the activity of black capped
chickadees increases and their perky songs brighten the
day. The rapidly dwindling snowbanks show green grass As May progresses, the rivers become busy with canoes and
encouraged by the moisture of the melting snow and the kayaks with people fiddleheading and fishing. The thrill of
being free of heavy winter clothing and feeling the warmth
warmth of the sun reflecting off those snowbanks.
of the sun on your skin seems to energize people in this area.
The reflection of the sun off the snow was used as a bleaching Flowers will be planted to be enjoyed through the summer,
agent in days of old, and as we become more aware of the vegetable gardens and crops will be planted. Oh, and the
impact of chemicals on our lives, once again the strength of mosquitoes will return!
the spring sun may be used to brighten things after the long
cold days of winter.
May leads to June with more attention to crops and gardens,
the end of the school year and the beginning of summer
We forget from time to time that because we are so far activities. After Memorial weekend the cottages will be busy
north compared to many U.S. residents, the length of our on weekends and schedules will adjust in preparation for
day changes drastically from one season to the next. Just summer vacations, camps and all the festivals that are held
think how boring it would be if every day had 12 hours o