April 7

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 35 degrees and no wind. Before starting out, I looked out over the western landscape. I descended the hill and paused at Mallard Marsh where I was surprised to see several green shoots of Cattails emerging from the water’s edge. Continuing through Bobolink Meadow, I stopped at the entrance to North Woods to notice clusters of samaras hanging from the Red Maples. I entered the woods and followed the trail west where I spotted two Downy Woodpeckers flying among the trees. Also, I noticed a 30 ft. tree had fallen next to the path. I exited the woods, went over to the deer remains and saw that little had changed since last week. Circling Succession Field, I entered South Woods and hiked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I noticed the mother goose was not sitting on her nest. Also, I noticed the Witch Hazel trees were beginning to leaf out. Leaving the woods, I saw lots of Trout Lilly leaves growing from the leaf litter. I looked forward to seeing the beautiful yellow flowers that would soon appear. I continued onto Artist Overlook where I stopped to view Sora Swale and observed my first Tree Swallows of the season as two were swooping near the pond surface. Also, a single noisy goose flew in from the east and landed on the pond. I followed the south trail to Frog Fen and gazed up a Reflection Hill. I turned south and headed toward Brady Cemetery where I noticed some pine branches laying on the ground, charred from the recent grass fire. I passed the cemetery and entered Native Grassland where the dead, standing vegetation had been cut as we planned to resume the controlled burn this afternoon. I continued north and spotted two male Mallards and three Geese on a mirror-like Grebe Pond. Before ending the hike, I walked by the Observation Deck and down to the pond to check out the dock. Arriving back at the Classroom Building, I spotted the white blossoms of Shepherd’s Purse growing along the south side. A member of the mustard family, this weedy annual has flat, heart-shaped pods. Shepherd’s purse is an astringent diuretic herb with good urinary antiseptic, as well as blood coagulant properties. The odor of the plant is peculiar and rather unpleasant. It has an aromatic and biting taste. Shepherd’s Purse is used to treat diarrhea, treat and prevent duodenal ulcers. Since it stops internal and external bleeding, it is used as a wound remedy. Finally, Remi and I got in the van and headed for home.

The wonders of nature bring into full bloom


It's colors and signs of seasonal bliss


It draws the heart toward it's vividful views


And unto the things that it should not miss



It's creatures that are drawn out from their dens


Bring warmful views to the earth once more


That they would grow and produce in a thriving state


In abundance of all it's galore

Min Kim