August 12

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, I was returning from Colorado and Remi was still at the kennel. So, we waited until Sunday to do our hike. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 60 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the northwest. I stood at the crest of the hill to inhale the cool summer air. Walking down the hill, I paused at Mallard Marsh to see some of the Queen Anne’s lace flowers were beginning to fold up. Proceeding through Bobolink Meadow, I noticed a beautiful Painted Lady butterfly resting on Bull Thistle. Also, I noticed the continued absence of Bobolinks as I assumed they had left for their arduous migration to South America. At the entrance to North Woods, I turned south toward Willow Wallow and spotted a Curly Dock plant with its reddish-brown seeds. I passed the pond and entered Succession Field where I saw a Viceroy perched on some Indian hemp. Note the thin, black, horizontal line on the hind wings that distinguishes it from a Monarch. Also, I spotted a Red-veined darter dragonfly sunning itself. Hiking along the edge of North Woods, I was surprised to observe a few Purple Loosestrife plants. Since they are a rapidly growing invasive, I will need to kill them soon to prevent their spreading. I stopped at Artist Overlook and gazed far to the east toward the barn. Next, I followed the south trail past Sora Swale where I spotted some Heal-All flowers growing on the path. Over the centuries this plant offered a variety of benefits. In witchcraft, it was grown in gardens to drive away the devil. One group of Native Americans made tea from the root to drink before going hunting, supposedly sharpened their powers of observation. It was applied internally and externally as an antibiotic. Also, it was used to treat burns, bruises, sprains, cuts, liver disorders and hemorrhoids and as a mouthwash for gum problems. I arrived at Frog Fen and turned south toward Brady Cemetery where I could see some of the Wild Lettuce was going to seed. Passing the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland where I spotted lots of yellow False Sunflower. Also, I was pleased to see an abundance of warm season prairie grasses including Big Blue Stem and Little Blue stem. I headed north to Grebe Pond where I couldn’t help but remember awhile back the awesome sight of 13 adult Egrets perched in the willows on the west shore. These white, heron-like birds stood out in sharp contrast to the green vegetation. I assume they were gathering for their fall migration. I continued toward the barn where I noticed a Common Wood Nymph butterfly perched on a milkweed plant. Finally, I kept going past the barn and Classroom Building to the van where we hopped in and headed for home.

A comfortable place,

Peaceful and nice,

It looks beautifully placed,

Grandmother Earth just lying there

Like a soft green bed
With a sky blue comforter

Flowers and fresh smells

Making breathing and

Smelling a great pleasure

Reverend Ashira Goddard