This weekend marks the spring equinox. What is the spring equinox? We’ve asked Michelle Bakowski one of our outdoor education instructors to explain.

“The spring (vernal) equinox, is a day that marks the first day of spring.  On March 20, 2010, the earth is positioned around the sun in a way that all northern and southern points of the earth receive sunlight during the day, and the amount of daytime is equal to the amount of nighttime.  That’s right folks, at this particular time of year the natural tilt of the earth’s axis has no effect on the northern or southern hemisphere getting more or less sun. Therefore, there is no extreme difference in temperature between hemispheres!”

Spring happens to be Michelle’s favorite time of year because ducks return to the lakes of Greenkill, the air smells fresh and feels warm, flowers begin to bloom, and the forests grow back their lush green leaves.