Chocolate lilies smell like garbage, and other interesting nature facts we learned this spring

This spring had a lot to offer. From the tricky and ever-changing temperatures to absolutely stunning sights, spring doing its thing is a sight to behold every year. 

Hello Spring correspondents and other wildlife educators taught us a bunch of cool spring facts this season. From the science behind bird migration to learning about herping, here are some lessons that stood out for us this spring. 

Benefits of snowmelt make winter worth it

Snowmelt is a vital part of spring — Hello Spring

3 years ago

Duration 1:23

Environmental educator Erinn Drage is one of the correspondents on Hello Spring. In this video, she will talk about the importance of snowmelt in Canada.

In the middle of a freezing winter storm, it's easy to forget that the seasons are temporary! Although the snowy weather can get a little frustrating at times, it is essential to the blooming season that we get to enjoy shortly after. Think of it this way, without the snow in winter, we wouldn't have snowmelt — which is a big component of the movement of water which helps with blooms! 

Fly-ways are highways for birds

Flocks on the move: bird migration in Canada — Hello Spring

3 years ago

Duration 1:15

Connel Bradwell is a wildlife conservationist and a Hello Spring correspondent. In this video he will talk about migratory birds in Canada during the spring.

Connel Bradwell helps us identify some birds on their migratory "fly-way" routes. How will you know it's spring in Canada? One sure sign is spotting the red-winged blackbird. These birds are usually first to the party and show up in late March, just in time for early blooms!

What exactly is herping?  

What is herping? — Hello Spring

3 years ago

Duration 1:08

Environmental educator Erinn Drage is one of the correspondents on Hello Spring. In this video, she will talk about herpetology, and how just about anyone in Canada can find reptiles and amphibians in their backyards.

The word herping comes from "herpetology," which is the study of reptiles and amphibians. These coldblooded animals hibernate during the winter which means you can find them hiding under rocks, old logs and dead leaves waiting for the spring warm up. 

Erinn Drage's tips help us get in touch with our inner herper to explore our areas in a new way. From red-backed salamanders to ring-necked snakes, you might be in for a slithering surprise if you get out there and explore! 

B.C. is home to a rare ecosystem

Welcome to B.C.'s Garry oak meadows, one of the rarest ecosystems in Canada — Hello Spring

3 years ago

Duration 1:14

Connel Bradwell is a wildlife conservationist and a Hello Spring correspondent. In this video he will talk about what the Garry oak ecosystem is, why it's extremely important, and he'll show us some of the wildflowers found there in the spring.

One of the rarest ecosystems to exist in Canada is the Gary oak meadow in British Columbia. 

Roughly 700 different species of plants can be found there — supporting more plant diversity than any terrestrial plant ecosystem in Canada! If you've never heard of or seen a chocolate lily, brace yourself, because it smells like garbage.

Click here for more scenes from spring across the country. Show us your spring with the hashtag #HelloSpringCBC.