Winter has come to Mosquito Hill, New London

Last weekend, before our current run of school cancelling snow days, we took a local hike inside an overcast and foggy day with gentle flurries at Mosquito Hill. It was the first real accumulation of snowfall that our area has seen since that one white weekend that was followed by an almost unheard of sunny and mild December. Christmas around here was more rain and fog than crisp and white. Which is why I think it was an almost welcome sight to see winter finally come to our Wisconsin landscape. And this gentle brushing of white looked good on Mosquito Hill.

Now, I enjoy this nature center in all its seasons. The brilliance of fall is especially impressive at the hill and even the late-late autumn, when all that remains are the ruddy oaks and blackened seed pods, is an elegant and scenic time for a hike. I shared some photos in one of my first Fall Travel Series adventures and the spring look of the prairie after a restorative burn even made it into a favorite photo and a post about Nick in 2015. But I have never appreciated the winter here.

And it should be noted that it is just as stunning.

A few highlights are the new hardscape projects that can be seen around the grounds. I instantly fell in love with this bridge that was dedicated in 2022.

I was also very interested in seeing their newest project which was recently completed up at the very top of Mosquito Hill.

Besides removing the brush and trees from select levels on the ledges of the hill, they also constructed a platform with a bench and railings so you can really take your time enjoying the view that stretches out over the city of New London.

Our day had brought with it a slight haze that made it seem like the world was plunged into white beyond the cliff edge.

But the starkness of the trees and the patchwork of the landscape provided plenty to see, even as it seemed to fade into the horizon the further out you looked.

Besides the trail that winds up the hill there are plenty of other places to explore. Woodland paths take you along a river tributary and a clearing dotted with young trees educates you on the definition of a Savannah (and it’s not my favorite southern town!). Winter events include snowshoeing by torchlight (January 19th, 2024), Winter Family Fun Day (January 27th, 2024) and other Saturday activities.

With the tree branches iced in white and the pines hanging full with snow-

Winter had finally come to Mosquito Hill Nature Center.

And it is beautiful.