July 30

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi.  The late morning weather was clear with a temperature of 82 degrees and a light wind out of the northwest. Instead of taking my usual hike around the Nature Area, I walked directly up to Reflection Hill to repeat an observation exercise that I did back in March. My task was to move quietly around the circular path on the top of Reflection Hill with my binoculars in hand, pausing for a few minutes in each direction to take in the sights and sounds.  Starting on the north side, I saw a single Morning Dove fly overhead. Also, I noticed on the hillside lots of Queen Anne’s Lace as well as some Yellow and White Sweet Clover.  Also, there was an over abundance of Autumn Olive bushes. I was amazed how quickly they had spread. Looking beyond, I noticed the water in Mallard Marsh could not be seen because of the dense growth of Cattails and Reed Canary Grass. Walking counterclockwise down the trail, I saw patches of Canadian Thistle, Brome Grass and a beautiful Banded-Wing Dragonlet. A shrieking Green Heron flew over my head from east to west. Gazing off to the west, I could just make out the tops of the benches on Artist Overlook. My view of Succession Field was totally obstructed by the dense thicket surrounding Willow Wallow. Also, I heard the song of a Yellowthroat coming from the willows. Continuing around the top of the hill, I noticed lots of seed heads of Timothy Grass, Orchard Grass, Rye Grass and Red Fescue next to the trail. Gazing south, my far off view of Brady Cemetery was blocked by two large Cottonwood trees in Frog Fen. Continuing along, I observed some small Yellow and Orange Hawkweed plants as well as Red and White Clover growing on the trail.  Gazing east onto Grebe Pond, I observed a dozen Geese, a half dozen Mallards, a pair of Grebes, and several swooping Tree Swallows. On the north shore, a Great Blue Heron stood still and then took off and flew south over the water that was almost completely covered with green pondweed and algae. Looking over at the dock, it appeared the water level had dropped about a foot since last spring. Further away, Native Meadow had a whitish hue from the abundant growth of Queen Anne’s Lace along with large patches of yellow from the Black-eyed Susan’s. Also, lots of young Tree Swallows were perched on the power line above the meadow. Following the path back to the starting point, I noticed a few Chicory and Milkweed plants. I looked closely at the Milkweed for Monarch Caterpillars but was unable to find any. Finally, descending the hill, I headed back to the van and took off for home. Driving south on Rich Rd., I recalled being surprised the other day to see a Coyote standing in our neighbor’s bean field south of Adams Rd.

It is a sultry day; the sun has drunk

The dew that lay upon the morning grass;

There is no rustling in the lofty elm

That canopies my dwelling, and its shade

Scarce cools me. All is silent, save the faint

And interrupted murmur of the bee,

Settling on the sick flowers,

And then again, instantly on the wing.

William Cullen Bryant

July 23

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi.  The early morning weather was mostly cloudy, humid with a temperature of 74 degrees and no wind.  Exiting the van, I was surprised to see that a new dairy operation had commenced on the property to the north. As I descended the hill toward Mallard Marsh I saw that some of the Curly Dock flower clusters had turned dark brown. This plant has been used as an astringent to treat wounds and bleeding. Also, rubbing the leaves on the skin can relieve the itchy symptoms of a stinging nettle rash. The seeds were once roasted and used as a coffee substitute (hence its other name, Coffee-weed). The vegetation around the Mallard Marsh was so tall that I could barely see the water surface. Walking through Bobolink Meadow, I recalled yesterday being pleasantly surprised by the sighting of four male Bobolinks. However, I wasn’t sure what they were doing or where they were going. At the entrance to North Woods, I turned south and headed toward Willow Wallow where I notice a few white Hedge Bindweed flowers near the ground. I turned west and continued toward Succession Field where I observed several dark pink blossoms of Swamp Milkweed on the west end of the pond. As I walked along Succession Field, I was amazed how the heavy dew allowed me to see dozens of small spider webs attached to the tops of the meadow grasses. At the far west end, I observed a huge Basswood tree with its large, heart-shaped leaves. This tree produces fragrant and nectar-producing flowers in mid-summer. These flowers are used as the medicinal herb, lime blossom that reduces nervous tension and anxiety and aids with sleep. Just before reaching Artist Overlook, I saw five deer take off, four toward Willow Wallow and one toward South Woods. Continuing along the south trail, I noticed lots of fresh Goldenrod galls including both the smooth, green “ball” gall and the leafy “flower” gall that forms when the Goldenrod Gall Midge, a miniscule fly--lays its egg in a leaf bud. After the grub hatches, its presence somehow keeps the stem from growing and elongating, even though the plant continues to produce leaves. This results in a tight, flower-like cluster of foliage, usually at the top of the Goldenrod's main stalk. As I approached Frog Fen, I saw a patch of lavender flowers of Canadian Thistle. I climbed to the top of Reflection Hill where I observed geese, grebes and mallards on Grebe Pond. I walked down Reflection Hill and just before the footbridge, I noticed a couple of pink Spotted Knapweed blossoms. Next, I headed toward the Classroom Building where I saw a single plant of Blue Vervain with its lovely purple blossoms and several delicate, white blossoms of Water Parsnip.  Finally, I arrived back at the van and took off for home.

Across the open common land


shines glowing purple floral blooms


The bumble bee can hardly stand,


as flowers' scent is rising fumes



And lies there in the summer shade


a resting deer quite joyfuly


for in this beauteous sunlit glade


all's observed by sent'nel tree



This tall oak stands by sparkling stream,


whose water splashes grass and rock,


reflecting in its azure gleam,


the woodland plant and dandy clock



While goes beneath the cloudless sky,


amidst a warm and dreamy breeze,


a squirrel idling, passing by,


past numerous, careless, floating seeds.

 Stephen Patrick

July 17

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi.  However, I had to postpone my weekly hike until Sunday. The early morning weather was mostly sunny, humid with a temperature of 75 degrees and no wind. I descended the hill and hiked past Mallard Marsh where several small frogs hopped across the trail. Walking through Bobolink Meadow, I saw lots of large, white blossoms of Queen Anne’s Lace (Wild Carrot). Also, I noticed a few white blossoms from the Indian hemp plant. Native people from North America produced various useful items from the hemp fibers. They made cordage and thread as well as twine which was excellent for making fishing lines and nets. At the entrance to North Woods, I observed a single Purple Loosestrife plant. Since this species is an invasive plant that can choke out wetlands, I will be vigilant to make sure it does not spread. As I entered the coolness of North Woods, a deer took off and headed toward Succession Field. I exited North Woods and continued around Succession Field and noticed dozens of 1-2 inch long, bronze-colored Meadow Hawk Dragonflies darting among the grasses. I entered South Woods and hiked past Swanson Swamp where I heard the low strumming call of 2-3 bullfrogs. I exited South Woods and continued on to Artist Overlook where I paused to notice how the large patches of Reed Canary Grass had turned from green to golden brown. I continued along the south trail and turned at Frog Fen toward Brady Cemetery.  I passed the cemetery where I noticed several blue blossoms of Chicory. The roots of this plant are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and additive, especially in the Mediterranean region (where the plant is native), although its use as a coffee additive is also very popular in India, parts of Southeast Asia, South Africa and southern United States, particularly in New Orleans.  Following the trail into Native Meadow, I was amazed to see the field colored with a dense growth of white Wild Carrot and yellow Black-eyed Susan’s. In the southeast corner were several tall, yellow Common Mullein plants sticking up. Every so often I would observe the beautiful pale pink blossoms of Wild Bergamot and the dirk pink blossoms of Bull Thistle.  I continued hiking along the edge of duckweed-covered Grebe Pond where I noticed the resident family of seven geese swimming quietly near the northwest end as well as four other adult geese swimming near the middle. I passed the barn and arrived back at the Classroom Building. Finally, I wiped off the sweat, hopped in the van and headed for home.

Loud is the summer's busy song


The smallest breeze can find a tongue,


While insects of each tiny size


Grow teasing with their melodies,


Till noon burns with its blistering breath


Around, and day lies still as death.

John Clare

July 9

Today would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However I was vacationing on Beaver Island and Remi was at the Happy Trails Pet Hotel back in Alma. Beaver Island is a scenic, 54 square-mile island in Lake Michigan off the coast from Charlevoix, Michigan. Today, my wife, Caroline and I along with our friends, Buzz & Linda Wynbeek planned to hike a mile-long trail around Miller’s Marsh, a 230-acre wetland that includes open shallow water, extensive sedge meadows, and surrounding Beech-Maple forest. The morning weather was mostly sunny, 65 degrees with a pleasant breeze out of the southwest. Before starting the hike, we explored a nearby meadow and noticed numerous wildflowers including: Orange and Yellow Hawkweed, Bladder Campion, Lesser Stitchwort, Goat's Beard, Ox-eye Daisy, Milkwort and St. John's Wort. Also, we discovered several Monarch caterpillars on Milkweed leaves. Shortly after starting our hike, we stopped to admire a maple tree whose base had been chewed by a beaver. Chewing on wood gives the beaver even wear between its upper and lower incisors. Continuing along, we noticed to our left several tall White Pine trees growing on a peninsula in the main water body of the marsh. We walked along and paused in the middle of a small grove of Canadian Hemlock trees. These trees are typical of the northern latitudes where well-drained soils are prominent and where hard, cold winters are standard. Following the trail, we observed a large American Beech tree that was quite hollow but was still alive. We walked along and saw a large number of plants carpeting the forest floor that looked like miniature pine trees. Actually these were very primitive plants known as Club Mosses. Because of their small size and resemblance to conifers, they are known as "Princess Pines.” Next, we walked through a grove of the beautiful Paper Birch trees. These trees are usually part of the early successional stages between a cleared area and a climax forest. Continuing our hike, we saw on our left a beaver lodge near the shore of the marsh. This structure is the year-round home of a family of beavers. Whatever the season, this mound of branches allows these mammals to reside above the water level but still have access to their underwater channels for foraging. Continuing the hike, we paused at an area dominated by sedges. Sedges are important marsh plants and are characterized by having three-sided or triangular stems. Thus the saying, "Sedges have edges." Nearing the end of the hike, we found ourselves in a Beech-Maple climax forest.  The two trees, American Beech and Sugar Maple, ultimately became the dominant forms of woody vegetation in this area due to their shade and moisture tolerance. Returning to the starting point, we observed a male Redwing Blackbird high in a tree singing its warning song. Finally, we hopped in the car and headed back to the cottage.

There is poetry in nature


Music floating on the breeze


A bird sings out a melody


The beat moves through the trees



Dove's wings flapping in the air


A rustle in the leaves


Flowers nodding gentle heads


Luring in malise



An echo rings out through the fields


The glitra's peaceful tune


Golden grasses whispering


Sand shifting on a dune



All these things together


Compose nature's perfect song


A harmony like no other


T'will play till days have gone 
 

Amuwen

July 2

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi.  The late morning weather was mostly sunny with a steady breeze out of the northwest and a humid 84 degrees.  Before descending the hill toward Mallard Marsh, I gazed to the west and marveled at the lush summer landscape. How things had changed since the stark, snowy scene of six months ago. Walking through Bobolink Meadow, I saw a few white-flowered Yarrow plants. This plant, often mistaken for Queen Anne’s Lace, was used by Native Americans as an herbal medicine. The stalk was chewed or stewed to induce sweating to "break" fevers and colds. They also pounded the stalks into a pulp to be applied to bruises, sprains, and swelling. Continuing my hike, I noticed several pink, spherical flower-clusters of Common Milkweed along with their wonderful scent. Soon I’ll begin to search for the colorful Monarch Caterpillars on the leaves. At the entrance to North Woods, I turned south and headed toward Willow Wallow where I noticed a small patch of Nut Sedges to the right of the trail. Arriving at Willow Wallow, I saw that the cattails on the near shore were at least seven feet tall blocking my view of the pond. I followed the trail around Succession Field where I spotted a few yellow blossoms of Field Clover hidden in the tall grass. I arrived at Artist Overlook where I observed a heavy layer of pond scum on Sora Swale. I continued along the south trail and saw some yellow, star-like blossoms of St. John’s wort. In some countries, such as Germany, this plant is commonly used as an herbal treatment for mild depression, especially in children and adolescents. Following the trail east, I noticed a small patch of Porcupine Sedges. I turned south at Frog Fen and walked toward Brady Cemetery where I observed several Wild Grape vines covering one of the small White Pine trees. At the entrance to Native Grassland, I was surprised to see a patch of Northern Bush Honeysuckle with their delicate yellow-orange blossoms. Moving on, I noticed some beautiful purple blossoms of Alfalfa as well as two attractive Purple Coneflowers.  Following the trail north, I observed several patches of the pale, rusty-colored flower-clusters of Curly Dock.  I continued hiking along the edge of Grebe Pond where I recalled yesterday catching a rare glimpse of the seven-member goose family that had made this pond their home for the last two months. As I hiked along, I saw some yellow, Dandelion-like blossoms of Wild Lettuce. Finally, I arrived back at the Classroom Building, got in the van, turned on the air conditioning and headed for home.

The linden, in the fervors of July,

Hums with a louder concert. When the wind


Sweeps the broad forest in its summer prime,

As when some master-hand exulting sweeps


The keys of some great organ, ye give forth


The music of the woodland depths, a hymn


Of gladness and of thanks.

 William Cullen Bryant