Crocus Hunt and Sketch Walk with Carolyn Fisher (Adventure for Wilderness) – April 27, 2025

May 7, 2025

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Text by Ruiping Luo
Photos by Ruiping Luo and Carolyn Fisher

We were a small group that braved the cold storms and snow flurries to gather at the south side of Nose Hill Park. With mixed rain and snow forecast for the afternoon we gathered on the open hills that offered little protection from fierce winds. Our goal was to find, observe and draw the light purple crocuses that herald the coming of spring.

Finding the crocuses was easy. At the end of April, the southern slopes of Nose Hill Park was dotted with purple buds, some open to reveal their bright yellow centers. Drawing them was less easy, especially when we were forced to expose numbing fingers to the unforgiving gale. Still, we persevered, following local artist Carolyn Fisher as she led us through some simple sketching exercises.

To warm up, we continued our hike up the slopes, exchanging stories and facts about the various plants and wildlife we saw. A small valley offered temporary shelter from the wind, and by the time we emerged, the snow had mostly stopped, and the sun was just visible through the dark clouds. It was a journey that challenged us, and provided a real experience of spring on the prairies.