It has been a relatively dry winter, with a total of only 4.68" in January and no rain since the 28th.  It has also been relatively warm and sunny. Many plants which become active in February or March are putting out leaves and/or blooming already, such as daffodils, skunk cabbage, wild cucumbers.  The soil is moist (as shown by mole mounds), and there is still water in our seasonal creek and little pond. However the community is becoming concerned about a dry summer and fires.