Willows have a special grace. This one lives on the shore of the Grindstone Creek. While it is well fed by the marshes and creek, well visited by birds and admired by all, her crown nonetheless feathers under the rumbling and trembling of the highway overpass. Regardless, it returns every year, showing growth and responding to the light of the changing season. Every week, a new adventure awaits as spring overtakes the nature in the Hendrie Valley Sanctuary .

Spring warmth and rays are settling over the creek and marshes,

encouraging nature to awaken and unfold...

Nourished by the creek, marsh and spring rays...

early signs of life begin unfolding around this very special willow tree.

It is a peaceful time in the Hendrie Valley Sanctuary,

with an energetic jostle greeting a soon to be summer.

Buds are exploding and wrapping their lace around her trunk...

while winter stalks rejoice.

The marsh is alive dreaming of colours to come,

the willow reaching out to all of the various colours...

that summer will bring.