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

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