This has been an unusual winter in the Twin Cities area. We’re virtually snowless. While winter-embracers are grumbling, those of us who have never really accepted the idea that everything should be covered in a blanket of white from November to April are calling this brown winter a dream come true.

I visited several wetland areas over the weekend and found some odd (for Minnesota) but beautiful February views. These photos were shot at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington, Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield and Lilydale Regional Park in St. Paul.

With a winter like this, golf can’t be far off, right?

View from the visitors center at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Bloomington, Minnesota

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

A family out for a walk on the ice, Wood Lake Nature Center, Richfield, Minnesota

Wood Lake Nature Center

Wood Lake Nature Center

Wood Lake Nature Center

Forest between the old town of Mendota and the Minnesota River

Ice fishing at Lilydale Regional Park, St. Paul, Minnesota

Lilydale Regional Park

Lilydale Regional Park