Before today, it had been fourteen days since my last visit to Centennial Woods in the great state of Vermont, but after today it has now been 0 days since my last visit to Centennial Woods (because I went there today). I was exuberant to see that the buds of the birch tree have began to show the first signs of swelling and are on their way to reaching a state of bloom! After a long winter of dormancy and weeks of waiting for buds to ripen, I’m happy to report that spring appears to be underway. The ground in the Burlington area is entirely absent of snow by now and most areas even appear to be entirely past mud season considering how firm and dry the surficial soil is. Despite the clear springlike conditions in the Burlington area, it’s important to note that conditions at areas of higher elevations surrounding Burlington are still in the thick of mud season and Burlington is likely experiencing an earlier spring bloom as a result of the warmer climate. Regardless, getting to experience budding and flowering in the Burlington area earlier in the spring is enjoyable and I will make a point to continue observing the ever-changing buds of the trees. Even then, spring in the hills of Vermont is still right around the corner, and I look forward to seeing the green put in the Green Mountains!