I got this from "Wilderness Way" magazine from this months edition;
What gifts does snow bring to the land, plants and animals:
-Scrubs the air of pollutants
-Adds nitrogen to the soil
-Recharges the water table and reduces runoff because it melts slowly and soaks in.
-Keeps soil and plants from drying out in the cold, dry winter air.
-Insulates the soil, protecting plants from damaginf freeze-thaw cycles and frost heaving.
-Compresses organic matter, which aids decomposition.
-Prunes trees which stimulates growth and provides forage for ground animals.
-Gives animals a water source when others are frozen over.
-Allows the rabbit and hare to reach higher for buds and twigs.
-Slows down and confines prey for large predators such as the wolf, coyote and cougar.
-Keeps herds healthy by helping to eliminate weak animals.
-Camouflages Hare, Ermine, Ptarmigan who turn white in winte.
-Protects hibernating animals along with those who live in tunnels below the snow.
Wow...
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