On March 8, 2025, the Sierra Club Heartlands Group partnered with Indiana Phenology and Friends of Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve for a hike focused on identifying the first signs of spring.
Throughout the hike, we used the iNaturalist mobile app to photograph our observations of the changing season. iNaturalist shares photos taken by users with scientific data repositories that help scientists analyze the world around us. The app is also a social network where users can discuss their findings with other fellow naturalists.
Ritchey Woods proved to be an ideal location for observing the first signs of spring. Winter Aconites, which commonly bloom in late winter and early spring, made their debut as they popped up through last year’s fallen leaves.
Examining the decay of fallen leaves is also a characteristic of the changing season.
We also observed the red stems of Dogwood trees, which indicated they were still in their dormant season.
On top of enjoying an educational hike, we also had lively discussions with all the folks who attended. Join us for our next hike: see our events and outings page for details!
Morgan Hartman
Executive Committee member
Heartlands Group of the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter