Spring has officially sprung! Which means it’s time to finally leave your warm and toasty bed, head outside, touch some grass, and enjoy the wonders of nature to the fullest. At least until the pollen in your eyes gets to be a little too much.

But maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll run into a dryad, one of those mysterious and beguiling wood nymphs who reside deep within forests and groves. Just be careful! Demigods, satyrs, and even the rare mortal who can see beyond the Mist have been known to quickly fall head over heels for these tree spirits.

And sometimes a person will fall for a dryad before fully understanding the nymph’s unique culture and place in the natural world.

And so, we’ve invited a roundtable of dryads to come and share their stories, clear up any misconceptions we may have about them, and of course, provide some guidance on how to make the most out of the new spring season.

Read Riordan: Hi, dryads! Thank you for joining us today. Before we get into it, would you mind explaining to our readers what exactly a dryad is?

Juniper (Dryad representative from Camp Half-Blood): Sure! When it comes down to it, we’re not too different from mortal human beings.

Aside from our green skin . . .

Poison Oak (Dryad representative from Camp Jupiter): Mystical command over plant life . . .

Joshua (Dryad representative from Aeithales): Unbreakable bond with a specific tree . . .

Juniper: And pointy ears! But seriously, if you’ve ever wondered who those fun, cute, and helpful nature spirits hanging around your camp’s forest are, it’s most likely us!

Read Riordan: We bet that you three are thrilled about Persephone’s return and the beginning of spring!

Juniper: Hmm, I suppose so. Although it is nice to get some peace and quiet for a good chunk of the year . . .

Read Riordan: You sound less than enthusiastic, Juniper.

Poison Oak: I think what my dear friend is trying to say is that, despite what you might think, spring isn’t exactly a bed of roses for us.

Read Riordan: Oh? How so?

Juniper: Well, spring means that summer is right around the corner. And for us dryads who are employed at the demigod camps, that means that we have a lot to prepare for. Not that I’m complaining or anything.

Joshua: Are you sure employed is right word, Juniper? From everything I’ve heard, Dionysus and Chiron take advantage of our natural kindness to help that place run smoothly.

Juniper: That’s not quite how I would characterize the situation. And even if they were technically taking advantage of our labor, I would still want to help in any way I can.

Poison Oak: By serving them fruit punch and pitching in for the three-legged race?

Juniper: Well . . .

Joshua: I heard that they pay you in acorns and friendship bracelets.

Juniper: I really don’t mind. What use do we have for money anyway?

Read Riordan: We had no idea that Camp Half-Blood was so stingy . . . But to be honest, we’re not that surprised.

Juniper: I still feel honored to help. Those demigod kids usually arrive at Half-Blood scared and traumatized. Ensuring that they find some sense of peace and safety in this hostile world brings me great joy.

Besides, I’ve met so many wonderful friends at Half-Blood. And one special person who became more than a friend . . .

Poison Oak: But still, you need to learn to advocate for yourself every now and then! You know, I was able to negotiate a raise at Camp Jupiter. It took some effort, but now they pay me 25 acorns an hour.

Juniper: *Gasp!* Wow!

Joshua: This whole conversation just makes me even more grateful for the communal living we have at the Aeithales greenhouse. Next time you’re in Palm Springs, drop by for a visit. We’re still in the process of rebuilding, but I can guarantee you’ll have a nice time. The other cacti dryads and I are expected to do way less work than Juniper and P.O. over here.

Although somehow, I’m still the one always stuck with unicorn clean-up duty. Not that I mind. The droppings are sparkly and smell like mint chocolate chip ice cream. Only smell like, though. You’re not supposed to eat them.

Read Riordan: Changing the subject, and quickly! Juniper, you mentioned a special friend you made at Camp Half-Blood . . .

Juniper: Well, I’m a bit of a private person when it comes to my relationships . . .

Grover: I’m more than happy to dish about it, though!

Juniper: Grover! Where did you come from? Were you hiding in those bushes this whole time?

Grover: Hiding, eavesdropping, scavenging for berries. Tomato tomahto.

Poison Oak: Ugh! Everybody already knows about their relationship. It’s boring! Ask me about Lavinia. She’s teaching me dirty words in Russian. Want to hear some?

Read Riordan: Maybe some other time . . .

Poison Oak: Then ask Joshua about his love life!

Joshua: I’m, uh, not currently seeing anyone.

Poison Oak: Yeah, but I can think of at least one little demigod daughter of Demeter who wants to see more of you.

Joshua: I’m pleading the Fifth.

Read Riordan: We didn’t know that green skin could blush. Anyway, it looks like we’re running out of time. Would you three like to share any information about dryads with our readers?

Juniper: I think it’s important for mortals to remember that each and every dryad they meet will be different. Yes, we may all share similar skin tones and pointy ears, and we all love trees. But those similarities are mostly cosmetic.

Some of us are soft. Some of us are a bit prickly. Some of us will cause a rash if you get too close. Uh, no offense, P.O.

Poison Oak: None taken.

Joshua: What we really want to say is, don’t make assumptions about us. At the end of the day, we’re all individuals with our own distinct likes and dislikes.

Poison Oak: And if you’re going to ask us out, don’t take us anywhere lame. Not to the movies. Not to the club.

Take us somewhere cool. Like the woods. Or a nice grove! Maybe a National Park?

Joshua: Or a greenhouse!

Juniper: Guys, those are all our usual hang-out places.

Poison Oak: Duh. Because they’re awesome.

Juniper: Most important, if you’re a demigod new to the world of spirits and mystical creatures, don’t be intimidated by us.

Joshua: But don’t take advantage of our kindness, either. Unless you’re hot.

Poison Oak: And protest deforestation now! Call your senators!

Grover: And don’t eat the little red berries you find in the bushes. They’ll make your stomach hurt!

Poison Oak: . . . Why are you still here?

Read Riordan: We’ll let you three return to your beloved trees now. Thank you again for taking the time to share your . . . unique perspectives.

As for our readers, which dryad would you most like to run into in the woods? Be sure to let us know!