October 8

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi.  The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 53 degrees and no wind. Looking off to the west, I noticed a thin layer of radiation fog covering the landscape. Descending the hill, I passed Mallard Marsh and walked through Bobolink Meadow where I saw how many Milkweed pods had dried out and split open to reveal the seeds with their silky, white hairs. Further down the trail, I scared up 3 rooster pheasants and 1 hen. Entering North Woods, I admired the colorful forest floor covered with leaves of brown, gold, red and orange. I exited North Woods and continued around Succession Field where I observed a Hawthorn bush with its berry-like fruit. The fruit, called haws, are edible, but are commonly made into jellies, jams and syrups, rather than eaten fresh. A haw is similar in size and shape to a small olive or grape, and red when ripe. Haws are important for wildlife in winter, particularly thrushes and waxwings; these birds eat the haws and disperse the seeds in their droppings. Continuing down the path along the west boundary, I noticed the bright red berries of the Multi-flora Rose, called hips. Rose hips are a source of food to the Bobwhite Quail, Ring-Necked Pheasant and White-Footed Mouse. Animals that eat the hips help to distribute the seeds far and wide. Rose hips can be used in jams and for making herbal tea. They are rich in vitamin C.  Because rose hips often hang on the bush all winter, they are an excellent emergency survival food. The pulpy exterior of the hips can be eaten raw. Next, I hiked quietly through South Woods observing more colorful leaves blanketing the ground. I exited back to Succession Field and headed east. I turned south and stopped at Artist Overlook. The morning sun almost blinded me; so I shaded my eyes just in time to see a Great Blue Heron take off gracefully from Sora Swale and fly southwest. Standing still looking east, I recalled fondly how excited the school children were yesterday to stop here and chase butterflies and dragonflies with their insect nets. Continuing along the south trail, I glanced up to see a single Killdeer calling out as it flew overhead.  Also, I noticed how the soybean field to the south had lost its green foliage and exposed the beige-colored bean pods. I turned north at Frog Fen and climbed Reflection Hill where I observed that all was quiet on Grebe Pond with the exception of another Great Blue Heron taking off and heading south. I walked down the hill and arrived back at the Classroom Building.  Finally, another hike was finished so I got in the van and took off for home.

Lady Autumn, Queen of the Harvest,


I have seen You in the setting Sun


with Your long auburn tresses


blowing in the cool air that surrounds You.


Your crown of golden leaves is jeweled


with amber, amethyst, and rubies.


Your long, flowing purple robe stretches across the horizon.


In Your hands You hold the ripened fruits.


At Your feet the squirrels gather acorns.


Black crows perch on Your outstretched arms.


All around You the leaves are falling.


You sit upon Your throne and watch


the dying fires of the setting Sun


shine forth its final colors in the sky.


The purple and orange lingers


and glows like burning embers.


Then all colors fade into the twilight.


Lady Autumn, You are here at last.


We thank You for Your rewards.


We have worked hard for these gifts.


Lady Autumn, now grant us peace and rest.

Deirdre Akins