Marion County Conservationist Marla Mertz has some nature observations for the month of March.

March is the usual time of gathering sap from the Sugar Maple trees for making maple syrup, but those who relish in the tradition of gathering the sap started a few weeks ago. The warmer weather really got the sap flowing. Historically, sap was considered an agricultural crop and pioneers gathered as much sap as they could from the sugar maples for their annual supply of sweetener.

The sounds of chorus frogs and spring peepers may be heard from small ponds and roadside ditches holding water. Mertz tells KNIA/KRLS News, some of the wetlands frogs can be heard piercing with their song. These tiny little frogs call when it is still chilly outside. 

She adds, keep your eyes out for the wild turkeys, you may be seeing the Toms and Jakes strutting to impress those ladies.