August 25

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early- morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 62 degrees and no wind. I descended the hill, passed Mallard Marsh and hiked through Bobolink meadow where I spotted two deer loping west toward the woods. Also, I noticed a Milkweed Bug and a House Fly on the same Milkweed plant. I entered North Woods and followed the trail west where I looked down and could barely make out a small toad sitting on a log. Can you find it? I was amazed how this small amphibian has adapted to its environment. While observing the toad, I was surprised to see a Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar crawling on the same log. Walking along, I spotted the bright red berry clusters of Jack-in-the-Pulpit. Meanwhile, I heard the calls of several Sand hill Cranes coming from the north. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field where I noticed most of the leaves on a Basswood tree had turned brown and were beginning to fall off due to a fungal blight. Also, I saw that the Dogwood bushes were full of white berries. Continuing on the path, I spotted an edible Spiny Puffball. Entering South Woods, I walked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I saw a few Jewelweed plants. Also, there were several Orange Spotted mushrooms that are known for their hallucinogenic properties. I exited the woods and headed toward Artist Overlook where I was surprised to see some Virginia creeper leaves had turned color already and the vines displayed their blue berries. Hiking around Sora Swale. I was surprised to see a single Wild Foxglove plant. Although all parts of the plant are toxic, it has a use in modern medicine for heart conditions, being the plant from which digitalin is extracted for treating heart disease. Digitalin increases the force of heart contractions and so helps in congestive heart failure. Next, I followed south trail to Frog Fen and turned south toward Brady Cemetery where I observed a flock of Starlings flying over the neighbor’s newly plowed field. I passed the cemetery and entered Native Grassland where I noticed how the warm season grasses were growing tall including Canadian Wild Rye. I stopped at Grebe Pond and saw a Great Blue Heron wading off the far shore. Also, dozens of Tree Swallows were swooping over the water to catch insects. Continuing north toward the barn, I observed some beautiful Bull Thistle blossoms. I passed the barn and came to the Classroom. Finally, we hopped in the van and headed for home.

Days of summer come and go

Cycles of nature continue to flow

Flowers of the field turn to seed

Deer of the woods grow and feed

Trees of the forest die and decay

Their wood turns to soil someday

Fuzzy caterpillar will soon be

A lovely butterfly soaring free

End of August is almost here

Rhythms of life are beating clear

D. DeGraaf