Easily accessible a hop, skip and a jump from home is the Marthaville Habitat. It’s a great spot in every season, including winter, for an enjoyable hike through the 20 hectares of reclaimed forested land. The beautiful trails take you through a second growth forest, wetlands, meadows and tall grass prairie areas. In the winter, we love to go out during or after a good snowfall and photograph the habitat. Many species of wildlife make it their home. We often like to capture up-close images of animal tracks, branches, leaves and plants with snow and ice covering them like a cozy blanket.

Dried Queen Anne’s Lace with captured snowflakes

Pine with yellowing needles.

Soft snowflakes cupped in an oak leaf.

It is easy to miss all the small, beautiful details of nature as we rush through walks,  discussing our busy days or thinking about our grocery lists.

It is a beneficial thing that being outside enjoying nature can help us all relax and rejuvenate.  In the peacefulness of a natural setting, I seldom have to remind myself to breathe,  release stress, and be present in the moment. It happens “naturally”.

Snow falling on the pond.

Just as in my profession of photography, I need  to remind myself not to get too focused on one thing while outdoors. Sometimes, seeing the big picture means we miss the intricate, beautiful and rare wildflower because our sights are set on the horizon.  In these cases, I find it is important to have someone with you not only to share and enjoy nature with, but to point out a different perspective. So, when you’re outside, hiking, enjoying a habitat or landscape – look up, look down, look behind you, and take in as much as you can.

Ice dangling from pine needles.

Dried milkweed seed pod vertically holding snowflakes.

Pines, reeds and falling snow.