Soil conditions are near normal after the major rain events 10 days ago. Understory shrubs and small trees are showing green buds now. Oak trees that retain their leaves through winter have almost shed those brown leaves as new buds have continued to grow. Bulb plants such as tulips and daffodils have emerged from the soil and have started to flower. Small mammals have been more active as they search for food coming out of winter. Birds have been very active acquiring materials for building nests and searching for food. Several species that over winter in this area are still here. This is early spring conditions with temperatures starting to increase at a steady rate.