As the snow melts and the days get longer, we start to see the signs of spring that we’ve all been waiting for. Our readers of Trailblazher magazine have been sharing all the little things that tell them that spring is here in our Rural Reflections series. Kimberly Ann describes the smell of the rain on the soil, and Morgan looks forward to the family tradition of branding on the Ranch in May. Each story is a small piece of the bigger picture of spring coming to life within our rural lifestlye.

Spring shows up in simple ways too. You see it when the first green leaves pop out on trees, and when you can go outside without bundling up 20 layers! It’s there when you hear the birds sing early in the morning, and when the first flowers start to poke up through the ground. The air feels a bit softer, and the sky seems a bit bluer. These are the signs of spring that we all know and love, bringing a sense of new beginnings and fresh starts.

Our Reader’s Signs of Spring

“When Mother Nature mediates a truce with the relentless southern Chinook wind, eventually giving way for the east to gently bring forth the anticipation of abundant growing seasons with the first initial scent of petrichor.”
– Kimberly Anne @kimberlygaehring

“Sliding off the monochromatic scale, life quietly reveals itself in blossoming colours. Feathered friends tend to nest while the ground begins to soften. Our breath is invisible as evening light paints the farm.”
– Kathryn @raspberryontheprairie

“Spring is the lilac blossoms blooming and heralding the migrating birds return. Together they bring hope, warmth and excitement of the long prairie days to come.”
– Erin @green.witch.seed.co

“When the blanket of snow sheltering my garden has all but melted, and the green tips of the garlic I planted in the fall are peeping out from under the covers.”
– Jocelyne @luvabeezwraps

“Living in Alberta, winter can last for the first few months of spring. My favourite first sign is my family’s branding. It’s the first weekend in May. The cows have finished calving, the hard work has paid off, and it’s time for fun.”
– Morgan @a_hunters_girlfriend

“It’s not tangible, but a feeling. The inspiration of emerging life recovering from a season of darkness. Like roots that held firmly, we too will thrive when the sun returns. Spring brings renewal and hope.”
– Laurel @ysebaertacres

“My favourite first sign of spring is when I can hear the sound of drumming grouse coming through the boreal forest while on my morning walks to do my farm chores.”
– Michelle @whiskeycreekranch

“Warm winds, budding trees, the smell of dirt breathing again, and the streams of water running away from snow.”
– Ashley @slightlyfermentedkitchen

“When all your senses come alive. The redwinged blackbirds singing from the bulrushes, the earthy aroma from the thawing soil, and the gentle warmth of the morning sun.”
– Raeanne @thelocalproject_

Photographer Cover Photo Credit: Ash Nayler

More Spring Posts:

• Buzzing Into Spring