April 14

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was mostly cloudy with a temperature of 53 degrees and a slight breeze out of the southwest. Walking past the Storage Building, I noticed a patch of Purple Deadnettle growing next to the propane tank. Though similar to stinging nettle in appearance, it is not related and does not sting, hence the name "deadnettle". Young plants have edible tops and leaves, are good in salads or in stir fry as a spring vegetable. If finely chopped it can also be used in sauces, but there is little to recommend about its flavor. Before descending the hill toward Mallard Marsh, I scanned the landscape to the west. I passed the pond and continued through Bobolink Meadow where a rooster pheasant scampered across the trail far ahead. Entering North Woods, I looked down to see some blossoms of Marsh Blue Violet emerging from the leaf litter. The tender young leaves can be added to salads, boiled to make a palatable cooked green or added to soups as an okra-like thickener. Even though they are somewhat bland and are best mixed with other greens, they are rich in Vitamins A and C. The dried leaves can be made into tea. The flowers can be candied. I continued on the trail west and exited the woods where I stopped by the decomposing deer carcass to see small green Scarab beetles and Carrion Beetle Larvae feeding on the remains. I continued around the west end of Succession Field and entered South Woods. I paused at the edge of Swanson Swamp and once again did not see the mother goose on her nest. I exited South Woods, passed Artist Overlook and continued around to the east side of Sora Swale. Hiking along south trail, I turned at Frog Fen and headed south toward Brady Cemetery. I passed the cemetery and turned north into Native Grassland where I looked over the blackened landscape and smelled the charred vegetation from last week’s controlled burn. Fire has always been a partner with healthy prairies. Native Americans and Euro-Americans set prairie fires to help hunt animals and clear the land. Prairies are managed and maintained by prescribed burns. During each burn, non-native plants are removed, allowing prairie plants more nutrients and room to grow. Prairie plants can survive fires since they have deep roots and grow from a point underground. Prairies are burned at regular intervals to help keep them healthy. I continued past Grebe Pond where I observed a Common Grackle perched high in a tree. Finally, I walked past the barn, got in the van and headed for home.

Awakened leaves


Sprout innumerable green dashes –


Like a painter brushing


New thoughts


On brown branches.

Bright birds sing and chatter,


Spring bursts


Everywhere.


And the clear scent of flowers


Lifts heavenly fair.

The cycle of living


Is once more enhanced,


As renewed life


Has quickened


Nature to dance.

Donna Lyon Rhose