02/21/2024 – Minnesota. Author: Kateri Routh, Executive Director.

I recently posted on LinkedIn about all the muddy paw prints covering my kitchen floor. Mild winter temperatures seem to have created an extended “mud season,” which my dog thoroughly enjoys, but is a bit distressing to the rest of us. This mild winter is unprecedented in the last 30 years and it’s following on the heels of the hottest year on record, with global average temperatures tipping past the 1.5°Celsius threshold.

I ended up chatting with the Great River Greening conservation staff about the potential impacts on our land restoration work thanks to the lackluster temperatures and lack of snow. Our team, composed of dedicated ecologists, has observed alarming trends that could have far-reaching consequences for our natural systems.

Forestry Challenges: Managing invasive species, such as buckthorn, becomes a daunting task when the ground isn't frozen. Work with heavy equipment in forests has less damaging impact when the ground is frozen and firm. Soft, muddy conditions lead to soil compaction and damage, such as ruts, that require additional restoration efforts. Our large-scale forestry management efforts are at risk of being delayed or undermined due to the unfavorable conditions.

Unpredictable Weather Whiplash: The early warm weather can create stress on trees and native plants, with the risk of a “false spring.” We are seeing trees leafing out prematurely, and perennials are starting to grow. When this is followed by snowstorms and freezing temperatures later in the winter, it can damage both new plantings and mature plants, adding stress to ecosystems year after year.

Human Behavior and Destruction: Surprisingly, human behavior during a mild winter can have negative impacts on restoration work. Hiking on muddy sites may destroy fall seeding and planting efforts. Despite more people enjoying the outdoors, there's a lack of awareness about the fragile ecosystems we're striving to restore.

Water Management Challenges: Heading into what appears to be the third year of drought, the lack of snowfall and precipitation negatively impacts natural system health. This affects both new vegetation plantings and existing vegetation, posing challenges to sustaining healthy ecosystems.

Adapting Urban Tree Care: Urban trees already face challenges due to limited planting space, root structure constraints, and water access issues. Weather whiplash and drought intensify these challenges, requiring a rethink of planting strategies and increased community education on supporting local trees. One such method could include watering boulevard trees before the typical city maintenance cycle begins.

Months of Cold Needed for Native Seed: The seeds of some native plant species (including columbine, coneflower, blazing star, and prairie smoke), require extended periods of below-freezing temperatures for successful germination—a process known as cold stratification. The absence of usual winter conditions jeopardizes the natural cold stratification process for these seeds, leading to potential mechanical interventions or added replanting costs.

Potential Side Benefits: While the challenges are significant, there are potential silver linings.

• Invasive species like buckthorn may leaf out too early, facing damage from freezing temperatures later in the season.

• Reduced salt usage on roadways benefits waterways and urban trees.

• Increased awareness may also drive individuals to explore planting native gardens, which, once established, are more resilient to varying conditions.

We believe that raising awareness about these challenges is crucial for fostering community support and proactive measures. This warm winter may even inspire more Minnesotans to take action and support more sustainable land management practices.

Photo Credits: Muddy paw prints on a wood floor (Kateri Routh); a project site after buckthorn removal was completed using a forestry mower in January 2023 (Julie Baumeister); a hand holding a native grass seed mix (Brad Gordon); a volunteer waters a newly planted tree (Great River Greening); a volunteer stacks up a large pile of buckthorn (Lawrence Cosslett).