It’s late March and the road is dotted with toads. Small, dark lumps pull themselves across the asphalt, doing anything they can to reach their breeding ground near Helenesee, a lake in Brandenburg, Germany. It’s a journey the toads make through forest and over busy roads, and many don’t survive the encounter with oncoming traffic. They are drawn here by instinct: Each spring, the toads follow the same route back to the water where they were spawned. As winter comes to an end, signs of the changing season abound: Green leaves unfurl and migratory birds return. In fresh waters in the northern hemisphere, especially ponds and slow-flowing streams, much of spring’s magic lies just below the surface. Take a look in your backyard, local park or a protected nature reserve. Shrinking ice reveals a world alive: Fish that have spent the winter in torpor—a kind of deep sleep—begin to return to the surface. Aquatic plants redouble This story is from Kinfolk Issue Fifty-One Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 48 Figure Skating with Mirai Nagasu The Olympic athlete has known glory, pain and transcendence on the ice. Arts & Culture Issue 48 The Kitchen Sink An ode to the fount of domestic life. Arts & Culture Issue 48 Wim Hof An audience with the Iceman. Arts & Culture Issue 48 Water, Water Everywhere How the 32-ounce water bottle became a lifestyle prop. Arts & Culture Issue 40 In Season Potable water meets palatable design. Arts & Culture Issue 37 Consider the Hot Tub Cleaning up the history of steamy soaks.
Arts & Culture Issue 48 Figure Skating with Mirai Nagasu The Olympic athlete has known glory, pain and transcendence on the ice.
Arts & Culture Issue 48 Water, Water Everywhere How the 32-ounce water bottle became a lifestyle prop.
