January 15

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a snowshoe hike with my dog, Remi.  The midday weather was partly sunny, a temperature of 24-degrees and a gusty wind out of the west.  Three inches of light, fluffy snow had fallen overnight to cover old tracks and create a fresh surface for new ones. I followed the trail passed Mallard Marsh and through Bobolink Meadow where I walked next to a few penny-sized Meadow Vole holes. I entered North Woods and continued along the trail where I observed a few squirrel tracks. In the distance, I could barely see a Red-Bellied Woodpecker fluttering from tree to tree.  Suddenly, far ahead, I noticed about a dozen deer racing north through the dense undergrowth. After exiting North Woods, I changed my usual route and turned east rather than west. I followed the trail along the edge of Willow Wallow and ascended Reflection Hill from the west.  I noticed how the wind had blown the dried grass that hung over the trail, back and forth to trace arching patterns on the soft snow. Circling Reflection Hill, I gazed across Grebe Pond and Rich Rd. to see the old white, weather-beaten house that had been vacant since last fall. Heading south, I descended Reflection Hill and hiked toward Brady Cemetery.  As I walked up the slope into the cemetery, I looked up to see the towering White Pines on either side of me. Proceeding into the cemetery, I came to a White Cedar tree where I pinched off a scaly, flat green twiglet, crushed it between my fingers and smelled its subtle fragrance. Moving a short distance away, I came to a Red Cedar tree. I repeated the same steps with one of its round, green twiglets. I noticed the cedar fragrance was even more subtle than the White Cedar’s. As I left the cemetery, I looked up to see a Red-Tailed Hawk soaring gracefully overhead. As it flew high above the cemetery, it was joined by another Red-Tailed Hawk, perhaps its mate. Next, I turned north and followed the trail through Native Grassland. From the east side of Grebe Pond I was surprised to see another large muskrat lodge that was hidden from my view on Reflection Hill.  Finally, I arrived back at the Classroom Building where I noticed the usual flurry of bird activity at the feeders.  For no apparent reason most of the Gold Finches, Snow Buntings, Juncos and Chickadees would suddenly retreat from the feeders to the safety of nearby Cherry trees, only to dart back a few seconds later. Finally, it was time to hop aboard the minivan and head for home.

Love awoke one winter’s night

And wander’d through the snowbound land,

And calling to beasts and birds


Bid them his message understand.

And from the forest all wild things


That crept or flew obeyed love’s call

And learned from him the golden words


Of brotherhood for one and all


Author Unknown