Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 70 degrees and no wind. I descended the hill and passed Mallard Marsh where I noticed large patches of Canadian Thistle flowers that had gone to seed and turned fuzzy white. Not surprisingly, I’ve seen lots of Goldfinch lately since thistle is their favorite food and nesting material. In fact, this bird delays its nesting until thistle goes to seed. Walking through Bobolink Meadow, I saw a few Small White Aster blossoms. Also, I recalled being surprised yesterday to see a Mink running on the trail about 30 yards in front of me. At the entrance to North Woods, I noticed the tiny white blossoms of Virginia Knotweed. Entering the woods, I saw the purple blossoms of Field Milkwort. I followed the trail west and observed that all the vernal ponds had finally dried up. I exited North Woods and continued around Succession Field where I saw the white flowers of Catnip. I stopped and picked a leaf to smell its pungent odor. Next, I spotted a plant with white flowers that I’ve had a hard time identifying. After keying it out, I decided it was Butterfly Bush. On the far southwest corner, I saw the tiny yellow flowers of Agrimonia and the pale pink flowers of Spotted Joe-Pye Weed. The origin of this plant’s name is uncertain. The most prevalent theory holds that it refers to a Colonial-era Native American named Joe Pye, who is said to have used the plant to cure typhus. Next, I was surprised to see so many dead birch leaves on the trail. I entered South Woods and saw the very tiny white flowers of Enchanter’s Nightshade while hiking past Swanson Swamp. Next, I observed the white blossoms of Boneset. Tea from the dried leaves of this plant makes a good laxative. I exited South Woods, passed Artist Overlook and continued along the south trail where the morning sun caused the dewy grass to sparkle. I turned at Frog Fen toward Brady Cemetery. I passed the cemetery and entered Native Grassland where the colors and variety of wildflowers have been impressive all summer. Unfortunately, I still haven’t seen evidence of the prairie grasses that we planted last year. I glanced over to Grebe Pond and was surprised that no waterfowl were present. I walked along the east side of pond and noticed a few Tree Swallows perched on the overhead power lines along with a Morning Dove. When I reached south side of the barn, I noticed some yellow blossoms of False Sunflower. Finally, another hike was finished. So the dog and I got in the van and took off for home.
Surrounded by beauty amongst the trees
hearing the whisper of a gentle breeze
Rustling tree tops sway to and fro
a seed drops to the ground encouraged to grow
Thick vegetation covers the earths floor
the quietness fills your very core
Watching the birds take to flight
from one branch to another it's quite a sight
Listening to the sounds of the flowing stream
leaves me to wonder if I'm in a dream
Leaves crunch under my feet with every step of the way
leaving behind the worries from my day
The sun shimmers through the canvas above
shining down to the soft grasses it's love
The air is fresh, clean and clear
the sounds of nature is all you hear
Spreading a blanket across the sod
I watch a butterfly leave her pod
Tranquility abundant I relax in stride
becoming one with nature, I sigh with pride
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