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