May 5

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 48 degrees and a slight wind out of the northeast. I started out, stopped at the propane tank and opened the metal cap to see a nest of sleeping baby Starlings. At the crest of the hill, I scanned the early May landscape. Walking past Mallard Marsh, I noticed the male Redwing Blackbirds were more visible and vocal as they perched in trees to protect their nesting area. On the trail sat an American Toad. I wandered through Bobolink Meadow, entered North Woods and followed the trail west where I saw some beautiful Wild Geraniums. Early Native Americans recognized the value of this plant and used it as an ingredient in many medicinal treatments. Chippewa Indians used dried, powdered rhizomes mixed with grape juice as a mouthwash for children with thrush. A poultice from the base or pounded roots of the plant was used to treat burns and hemorrhoids. The leaves and roots were used to treat sore throats, hemorrhages, gonorrhea and cholera. At the large vernal pond, two male Mallards took off and flew north. As I crossed over the boardwalk, I spotted some blue Woodland Phlox and smelled the fragrant blossoms. Continuing west, I spotted six deer running silently through the underbrush. Exiting the woods, I stopped to observe what was left of the decomposed deer carcass. Circling Succession Field, I walked over to investigate the tent caterpillar nest that had turned brown from all the feces. I entered South Woods and hiked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I observed three colorful male Wood Ducks as well as one female taking off and letting out their familiar call. I walked a little further and another male Wood Duck took off. I passed Swanson Swamp and noticed one of many Jack-in-the-pulpits. This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and eating it results in a powerful burning sensation. It can cause irritation of the mouth and digestive system. On rare occasions the swelling of the mouth and throat may be severe enough to affect breathing. Near the exit of the woods, I noticed some of the May apple plants had lovely white blossoms. I stopped to smell their sweet fragrance. I continued to Artist Overlook and gazed at Sora Swale where I could hear a single Spring Peeper. Continuing along the South Trail, I saw blossoms of both pink and white Honeysuckle. At Frog Fen, I turned toward Brady Cemetery. I entered the cemetery and walked over to a patch of Pussy Toes sticking up from the lawn. Leaving the cemetery, I hiked into Native Grassland and paused at Grebe Pond to see and hear one Canada goose. I headed toward the barn and arrived back at the Classroom Building. Finally, I came to the van and took off for home.

Walking in the woods


On this fine spring day


Blue sky above, footsteps below


Birds in the trees


Singing songs of May


Birdsong above, footsteps below


Breeze tickled leaves


Whispering.."come, this way"


Breeze above, footsteps below


Walking in the woods


On this fine spring day


Celebrating life above, with my footsteps below.

by Jerrilyn Swersky