Wildflowers are not the only living things that are enjoying the beginnings of spring. Back in late January, as I started off on a walk out in the Gothe State Forest behind my house, I came across this Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) near the head of the trail. Some people also know these trees as red cedars, red junipers, or eastern junipers. Most of the tips of the tree leaves were sprouting new growth and the contrast between the new and the old was very pretty. I also really enjoyed the textures of both the new growth and the old. None of the wildflowers had started to bloom yet, but all sign of spring always welcome. The first signs of spring always fill me full of anticipation of butterflies and caterpillars, flowers, bees, and longer, warmer days.