Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, March 2nd - 8th - Caswell County, NC

 Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was submitted on March 8th by observer with station number NC-CS-1 in Caswell County, NC.  We chose this report because of many impacts the observer notes.  We know that it's sometimes a challenge to find impacts outside your household location.  This observer shows the many impacts that can occur in your neighborhood and community. From plants and wildlife, to water supply and quality, to business and industry weather impacts so many sectors of society and the natural environment.  Please take a moment to read this observer's report then think about how you could incorporate some of the types of observations they include into your reports.  Sometimes, it helps to use the work of others as a spring board for our own ventures.  Thanks for setting a fantastic example NC-SC-1!  Keep up the good work!


Categories
Agriculture
Business and Industry
Plants and Wildlife
Tourism and Recreation
Water Supply and Quality 

Oh, what a beautiful morning. Except for piles of snow in parking lots, it's all gone. But the yard is one big wet mess. It will take several days of sun and a good March wind to dry it out. Saw a pond yesterday that has land jutting out, leading to a circular sitting area. The pathway was under water and the sitting area was about half its usual size. I've never seen the water that high in the 25 years I've lived in this area. Hyco Lake reached a high of 411.10 on March 6 but has settled back to 410.83. It has been steadily increasing. As a result the cove is quite muddy in color, a change from when it had a layer of ice and then snow. But that was beautiful to see. Even the main body of the lake had ice on a good portion of it. Not looking forward to my next utility bill. Fortunately we only had brief power outages. Some were without for a day or more while some didn't loose power at all. Other streams, ponds, lakes in adjoining counties are very high Birds are still very active and enjoying the seeds we scattering. Bulbs are popping up and the buds are beginning to swell. With the predicted warm temperatures pops of color should be appearing. Except for grocery stores selling out of bread and milk most stores have suffered because of the winter weather. Garden centers have had a hard time getting shipments as transport across the country was delayed by the weather. Most businesses are saying February was a brutal month in more ways than one. A few hearty souls are still at the campground. Local fishermen must have cabin fever as the lake parking lot was full of trucks with boat trailers. Hope they had good luck as it was a beautiful day. This activity was good for the lake convenience store - its lot was full of vehicles also. Farmers are saying they are grateful for the snow and increase in the water table but this has put them behind schedule in preparing the fields. Now we all will make up for lost time - meetings postponed, outside activities curtailed. But spring is just around the corner!