October 25- November 15

Hello from Long Lake! I thought I should put up a post to let you know how things are going here. When I looked at the last post date, I could not believe it had been that long since my last one! It seems like keeping up is turning into quite the challenge.
We were just starting to dry out from the heavy rains we received at the end of October (almost 4"), when we received our first snowfall this last weekend with about 3"-5" of wet,white stuff piling up on the ground. Most has melted at the time of this post and if we get any kind of sun it will all be gone. With the rain and snow combined, we have had one of our wettest falls in awhile. However, with the coming of the snow it reminded me winter is now almost upon us and it won't be long until the white is permanently around for awhile. Time to get out those X-country skis and snowshoes!
All of the Canada geese that were using the lake have now pretty much left on their journey south as a result of the recent storm and accompanying snow. I see today a small bunch were out on the lake, but for the most part they have departed. At one time we had up to 200 on the lake using it as a resting spot. Our resident beaver colony has gone into overdrive cutting trees down, some not in the best spots as they also continue to prepare for the long winter. I am thinking with their efforts being re-doubled in the last week or so, it won't be long before the lake is frozen over. They are some of the best meteorologists out there and are pretty good at knowing when their liquid playground is going to become a hard sheet of ice. The staff have been seeing deer on a regular basis on and around campus. A couple of large bucks were spotted with one large 10 pointer being seen just today right around the noon time hour. They are in the rut at this time, so they are very active right now. Another sign of a winter soon to be upon us has been the appearance of Evening Grosbeaks at Long Lake's feeders. They are always nice to see as the males with their beautiful yellow and black markings brighten the dull and drab landscape this time of year. Other animals and nature signs have been spotted almost every day by staff making it a great time to be outdoors, but then what day isn't a good time to be outdoors, right!?
While all of these nature events have been happening, St. Michael-Albertville Middle Schools have visited us and Guardian Angels of Chaska arrived today. We have enjoyed having them here during this time and I know students have been excited about the new and exciting things they did and saw while here. The Buffalo Crafters and Friends of W.Q.E groups also came in during this time to partake in their annual retreat here to Long Lake enjoying the time to quilt and visit with friends.
As I look out my office window at the glassy stillness of Long Lake with the white of snow on the ground, I want to take this time to wish all of you a save and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the time with friends and family and give thanks to the beautiful natural world around us.  Until next time- Todd