June 30

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early afternoon weather was sunny with a temperature of 85 degrees and a steady breeze out of the southwest. I exited the van and walked over to the northwest side of the parking lot to check on a Killdeer nest while both parent birds watched me anxiously. Today, I planned to repeat the Reflection Hill activity where I slowly circle the trail and pause as I face each direction to take in sights and scents. As I passed the Classroom Building, I noticed some Common Mallow blossoms on the lawn. This plant is also called Cheese weed because the seeds look like little cheese wheels. The leaves, stems and immature seeds of this plant can be eaten raw or cooked and are quite high in vitamins and minerals. Native people used this plant for various medicinal reasons, including as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent. Arriving at the top of the hill, I gazed north and noticed that Mallard Marsh was totally hidden by the dense growth of Cattails and Reed Canary Grass. Next to the path, lots of Milkweed were in bloom. So I bent over to smell the sweet fragrance of the pink flowers. I proceeded counterclockwise around the trail and saw lots of Timothy Grass in bloom. This grass is commonly grown for cattle feed and, in particular, as hay for horses. Pollen of this grass is a common allergen. Next, I paused and faced west where I spotted some Orchard Grass sticking up with Artist Overlook and South Woods in the distance. Continuing around the hilltop, I noticed some Yarrow plants. I picked a leaf, crushed it between my fingers and smelled the wonderful aroma. While walking, I was reminded how surprised I was yesterday at seeing two more male Bobolinks flying around up here and perching on some bushes. I paused again and faced south where I observed how the neighbor’s golden wheat field contrasted with the surrounding green vegetation. Continuing on the path, I noticed a fresh green gall on a Goldenrod plant. Next, I stopped, faced east and scanned Grebe Pond where I could see a family of four geese swimming. Since the goslings have grown so much, it’s hard to tell them from their parents. Proceeding onward, I noticed lots of White Sweet Clover. The pea-like seeds of this plant are used as a seasoning for bean and split pea soups. Young shoots, raw or cooked, can be added to salads. The flowers, raw or cooked, can be used as a vanilla-like flavoring. The dried leaves contain coumarin that can be taken as an anticlotting agent for the blood. The dried flowering plant has also been used in ointments for external ulcers. I completed the loop, descended the hill and headed back to the Classroom. Finally, we went straight to the van to find shade and head for home.

Standing on a hill, near the end of June

I enjoy the warmth of an afternoon

I look to the south, far and wide

Will the whitetail run or will it hide?

I look to the east to the meadow beyond

A killdeer is singing its warning song

I look to the north to the marsh below

What’s on the cattail? Blackbird or crow

I look to the west and behold I see

A cardinal perched in a willow tree

Whether it be cloudy or clear

There are wonderful views from here

D. DeGraaf

June 23

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, we were with our good friend, Jeff Reynolds and his dog, Winston, hiking a nature trail in Mitchell State Park near his Cadillac home. The midday weather was sunny with a temperature of 70 degrees and a gentle westerly breeze. At the start of the trail, I noticed a patch of colorful Crown Vetch. This invasive plant is a problem in natural areas such as this where it excludes native vegetation by fully covering and shad­ing it. All parts of this plant including the leaves, stems and flowers are poisonous to humans. Ingestion can lead to death. Continuing along the trail, I spotted both St. John’s Wort and Beach Pea. Glancing over to a shrub next to the trail, I noticed a dragonfly sunning itself. Next, I spotted an unfamiliar plant called Leafy Spurge. This plant displaces native vegetation through shading and by usurping available water and nutrients. Also, it produces toxins that prevent the growth of other plants underneath it. It is an aggressive invader that can completely overtake large areas of open land. We paused at a deck overlooking a pond where Jeff spotted a magnificent Great Blue Heron taking off and perching on a dead tree sticking out of the water. Floating on the pond were several white flowers of Water Lily. Rhizomes and leaves of this plant were used by Native Americans as remedies for a wide variety of ailments, from colds to ulcers. The leaves and roots are eaten by beavers, muskrats, porcupines and deer. Along the trail were several Blue Spruce trees. We crossed a small creak, where I noticed a Painted Turtle resting on a log. We got off the main trail and took a side trip into a dense wooded area where Jeff spotted lots of glossy-leaf, evergreen Wintergreen. I picked a leaf and crushed it to smell the aromatic scent. It is the leaf that essential oil is distilled from. Also on this trail were several Club Moss plants. This plant can be used as a potent anti-spasmodic, a sedative as well as a diuretic. Disorders such a indigestion and gastritis can also be treated using this plant. Itchy, irritated skin can be alleviated by application of prepared club moss spores as a topical treatment. Back on the main trail, I saw lots of Spreading Dogwood with their small, bell-shaped blossoms. Also, I spotted what looked like Yellow Loosestrife close to the path. Along the way, I observed several Honeysuckle plants with berries on them. Even though birds will eat them, they are not recommended for human consumption. Walking along, we saw a few snail shells on the stone path. Also, I noticed lots of blossoms on Viburnum shrubs. Next, we came across a small Canadian hemlock tree. As we neared the end of our hike, I was pleased to see a Monarch pollinating a Milkweed flower. Finally, we returned to the car and headed back to our host’s house.

The dandelions spread across the meadow

And dot the vibrant green with wondrous yellow,

And dot the vibrant green upon the meadow.

The sunlight plays upon this field I see,

And orchestrates a wind-chime melody,

A chorus playing over this field I see.

What nature tenders, I soliloquize,

The green and yellow meadow before my eyes,

And the sunlight strings that are playing just for me,

A wind-chime chorus over this field I see.

Tom Kraft

June 16

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The noontime weather was sunny, humid with a temperature of 82 degrees and a gentle south wind. I stood at the crest of the hill and looked fondly at the western landscape. I descended the hill; passed Mallard Marsh and continued through Bobolink Meadow where I spotted a male Bobolink perched on a low bush singing loudly. Since, this bird has been seen in the same area several days in a row, I am hoping it’s staying around to guard a nest. Further along, I noticed some Common Buttercup. This plant typically causes irritation and blistering of the skin if handled, and if swallowed, intense burning of the mouth and digestive tract, followed by nausea and convulsions. I turned at the entrance to North Woods and headed toward Willow Wallow where I saw that an Elderberry Tree was blossoming. These flowers are popular in teas and cordials because their balmy flavor lends itself to sweetened beverages. I turned west at the pond and hiked around Succession Field where I noticed a patch of Field Clover. Continuing along the edge of South Woods, I was pleased to see a Monarch caterpillar feeding on a milkweed. I arrived at Artist Overlook where I saw a few Yarrow blossoms. Continuing along south trail, I was reminded of the surprise I had earlier in the week to see my first Skunk walking casually about 30 feet in front of me. Next, I was surprised to see the snapdragon-like flower of Butter-and-Eggs. I turned at Frog Fen and headed toward Brady Cemetery. Passing the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland where I spotted a patch of Alfalfa. Alfalfa seeds, leaves and stems have manganese, vital to the human digestive system in its manufacture of insulin. Alfalfa juice is very effective in the treatment of heart diseases. It is useful in respiratory disorders. Daily use of the seeds helps build immunity to stomach distress. The seeds are useful in the form of sprouts. They are delicious and nourishing in salads and soups as well as in sandwiches. Next, I stopped at Grebe Pond to see a few swallows swooping just above the surface to catch insects. Heading north, I passed the barn and wandered over to the east side of the parking lot to see lots of Wood Sorrel. The leaves, flowers, and immature green seedpods of this plant are all edible, with a sour, lemon like flavor. A chilled, sweetened, wood sorrel tea makes a refreshing beverage along the lines of lemonade. Finally, we arrived back at the van and took off for home.

It was a lovely day

I found myself in nature’s lap

Surrounded by the 5 elements of nature

There was the blue sky above me

There was the chilled river on one side

There was a small camp fire lit on the other side

There was the vast earth below me

And a cool breeze was blowing from all sides

As if nature was protecting me

I had become the nature’s child

There was no perturbing noise to distract the tranquility

I felt I had become one among the nature

My whole soul was at peace

Free of all stresses of the human life

Oh what a lovely expedition it was….

Kavitha Krishnamurthy

June 9

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The afternoon weather was sunny with a temperature of 86 degrees and a steady west wind. Standing at the crest of the hill, I noticed some white Hoary Alyssum. Horses can be poisoned from ingesting the dried plant in hay, or from grazing on large amounts of the plant in fields. Clinical signs include fever, swollen limbs, loss of appetite, dehydration and death. Next, I saw that a Yellow Goat’s Beard flower had gone to seed displaying a white, fuzzy “goat’s beard.” I descended the hill and paused at Mallard Marsh where I spotted a pair of Grebes. Hiking through Bobolink Meadow, I recalled my joy yesterday of sighting my first Bobolink of the year perching and singing from a small bush. As it took off and flew north, I longed for the days when these rare birds nested here and were seen frequently. Next, I stopped to smell a beautiful Wild Rose blossom. Entering North Woods, I stopped near the boardwalk where I noticed some tiny flowers of Honewort. Young leaves, stems and flowers of this plant are edible - raw or cooked. They can be used as a potherb or added to salads with a flavor somewhat like celery. Exiting the woods, I wandered over to the deer remains that were hidden in the dense vegetation. Circling Succession Field, I stopped to examine an oak tree whose leaves were dotted with tiny green bumps. Each bump is a gall inhabited by the larvae of the Jumping Oak Gall Wasp. When the minute galls fall to the ground they begin hopping about like jumping beans. The larva inside is active during the summer months, but ceases its activity by late summer and fall when it changes into a pupa. Out in the meadow I saw lots of Oxeye Daisies. I entered South Woods and walked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I observed some Wild Iris. Exiting the woods, I continued toward Artist Overlook where I spotted some grass with the white froth from Spittlebugs. Spittlebug nymphs turn a liquid secretion into bubbles by moving or pumping their bodies. The ‘spittle’ shields them from predators, insulates them from temperature extremes and prevents them from dehydrating. I paused at Artist Overlook to gaze at Sora Swale. Following the south trail, I turned at Frog Fen and headed toward Brady Cemetery. Passing the cemetery, I hiked into Native Grassland and stopped at Grebe Pond where I counted a family of geese with one gosling, a family with two goslings and four others. Following the trail toward the barn, I spotted lots of yellow Lance leaf Coreopsis. I came to the Classroom where I noticed Mayweed growing over the drain field east of the building. Finally, it was back to the van to turn on the air conditioning and head for home

The morning mist begins to lift


O'er a carpet of green.


And high above, the dawn out of,


A golden sun does gleam.


A tickling breeze on senses pleased


Stirs the new day's life,


Awakening souls from branch and hole


To the world so rife.


With glorious, notorious


Beauty un-compared


Here the essence of the presence


Of spirit is now declared.


Upon the moor, so clean and pure

There is no darkened shadow


And light does fill the mind so still


At sunrise in the meadow.

Toni McKilligan

June 2

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was mostly cloudy with a few raindrops, a temperature of 49 degrees and a steady west wind. As I descended the hill toward Mallard Marsh, I noticed some blossoms of White Campion. This sweet scented, night blooming plant was used during the Elizabethan era in England in a concoction made with sugar and wine. This concoction was used to sooth the heart. The root, which contains saponin was used to expel intestinal worms. Also, the root was simmered in hot water and used as a soap substitute for washing clothes. In addition, it was used as a fish poison. Saponin does not kill the fish, but rather stuns them so that they float to the surface where they can be collected with ease. I stopped at the pond to admire the large, purplish inflorescences of Reed Canary Grass. I ventured off the path and walked over to a patch of Sensitive Fern. Native Americans used this plant to treat arthritis and infections. They steeped the plant and used the liquid to treat venereal disease and as a hair wash, made a poultice of the plant tops to treat deep cuts, and steeped the roots and used the tea to alleviate post-childbirth pain. The plant was also cooked and eaten after seasoning with salt, pepper and butter. Continuing through Bobolink Meadow, I spotted some Red Clover. At the entrance to North Woods, I turned south and headed toward Willow Wallow where I recalled earlier in the week being surprised to see a large, foot-long Snapping Turtle resting on the trail (likely a pregnant female looking for a suitable nesting sight). As I circled Succession Field, I was pleased to spot a fresh, golf ball size Puffball growing in the middle of the trail. I bent down, picked it and broke it open to make sure it was solid, white and therefore edible. I took a bite and savored the mushroom taste. Next, I saw that the Gray Dogwood trees were blossoming. Arriving at Artist Overlook, I spotted one deer running toward Willow Wallow and another running along the edge of Sora Swale. Continuing east along south trail, I spotted lots of Orange Hawkweed (devil’s paintbrush). I turned north at Frog Fen and climbed Reflection Hill where I noticed the small yellow flowers of Black Medic near the ground. Reaching the top of the hill, I gazed at a serene Grebe Pond. I descended the hill, passed the Classroom Building and wandered east of the barn to check out a patch of Ground Ivy. Prior to the introduction of hops to England in the 16th century, ground ivy was used to flavor, clarify, and preserve beer. Historically, ground ivy was also used in Europe and North America as a cure-all for everything from inflammation to congestion and tinnitus. Today people still use it in teas, soups, and salads. Due to its strong flavor, a few leaves provide a nice earthy, peppery flavor. Finally, back to the van and homeward bound.

The leaves on the branches sing softly in the breeze 


The shadows dance on the grass


The sunlight hits everything with a shining glow 


The butterflies model their jewels for everyone to see 


While the grass reaches up towards the sky


The water hums a sweet lullaby


Until the wind catches the moment
and moves it along


Then the sunsets, saying goodnight 


That's when it all begins


The stars, swinging in time


The footsteps of animals, gently wandering to and fro


The moon suddenly awakens to say hello,

and all to soon, goodbye


And the day comes to life once again

Unknown