Five Ways to Celebrate Spring

By Alexandra Smith

The March Equinox, which heralds the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, officially begins on Thursday March 20 this year. After a particularly cold winter in Pennsylvania, including polar vortexes and above average amounts of snow, it is likely that many will welcome spring with open arms. Below are five ways to celebrate spring.

1. Plant or build something
The emergence of spring brings with it the sounds of birds chirping and the growth of fresh grass. A great way to celebrate the reemergence of birds is to build a bird house or feeder. A bird house can provide a home for birds looking to nest, and a feeder will attract a variety of beautiful birds right to your backyard. Planting a garden is also a great spring activity. Your favorite flowers, vegetables, and herbs can be planted, and you can enjoy the fresh spring air while you garden.

Planting a garden with your favorite flowers, plants, or herbs is a great way to enjoy the outdoors during spring. (Photo by Alexandra Smith)

2. Spring clean
Spring is a great time to get organized and clean. Opening up doors and windows allows dust to escape your house instead of stagnating in the room you’re cleaning. Hosting a garage sale is also a great way to get rid of unwanted clutter while making money at the same time. Garage sales can also be a fun activity and build a sense of community when neighbors participate as well.

3. Eat seasonal food
Try visiting a local farmers market to pick up some spring produce. Supporting local farms strengthens your community’s economy and is great for the environment because the food doesn’t have to be shipped across the country, thus reducing carbon emissions released into the air. Apricots, asparagus, arugula, carrots, peas, rhubarb, and strawberries are just a few fruits and vegetables that are in season during the spring months in Pennsylvania. One way to enjoy your seasonal produce is to have a picnic in a local park.

Produce such as asparagus, strawberries, and carrots are in season and abundant during the spring equinox. (Photo by Alexandra Smith)

4. Be a tourist in your town
When the weather is nice, it can be fun to do outdoor activities and be a tourist in your own community. Some outdoor activities can include fishing (the opening day of trout season is April 12), camping, and golfing. Pittsburgh also hosts a variety of places and events that are outdoors like Pirates games, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, and Phipps Conservatory. If you’re up for traveling, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which features a variety of spring events and cherry blossom trees in full bloom, is being held from March 20 through April 13 in Washington, DC.

Watching a Pirates game at PNC Park in downtown Pittsburgh is one way to get outside and spectate at a community event. (Photo by Alexandra Smith)

5. Enjoy the little things
With the sun setting later and the days getting warmer, spring is a great time to read outside, drink iced coffee, fly a kite, wash your car, take walks on nature trails, or ride a bike. Other little ways to celebrate spring include listening to rain, spotting a rainbow, and bird watching.