September 29

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 44 degrees and no wind. At the crest of the hill, I gazed to the west at the early fall foliage and decided it was time to pay attention to color changes of vegetation as green chlorophyll begins to disappear. I descended the hill, hiked past Mallard Marsh into Bobolink Meadow where I scared up four hen pheasants and one rooster. Near the entrance to North Woods, I noticed that all the leaves on a Green Ash tree had turned yellow and some of the leaves of Silver Maple were turning red. I walked west through the woods, exited and continued around Succession Field where I saw some Rose hips and Nannyberry fruit. Also, I noticed the unusual fruit of the Musclewood tree consisting of green chains of nutlets and bracts hanging from the branches. I entered South Woods where I noticed hickory nutshells and hulls on the boardwalk left by the squirrels. Hiking along the edge of Swanson Swamp, I saw that the Witch Hazel Trees had clusters of seed capsules. When mature, these capsules will snap open and throw the seeds up to 20 feet from the tree. Exiting the woods, I continued toward Artist Overlook where I spotted a Wooly Bear Caterpillar crawling on the path. This amazing creature will overwinter in this stage and turn into a Tiger Isabella Moth next spring. I turned north back toward Willow Wallow where I paused to observe a small patch of a new plant, called Northern Willow herb. A tea made from the entire flowering plant was used to treat colds, fever, anorexia, indigestion, gastric troubles and internal bleeding. The fresh plant, often used as an expectorant and analgesic, made it useful in the treatment of cold and flu symptoms. I kept going along the edge of the pond where I scared up five Mallard ducks. Next, I climbed up the east side of Reflection Hill, walked around and descended the south side heading for Brady Cemetery. I came to the cemetery where I counted a dozen Canada Geese standing in the neighbor’s plowed field. I continued on the trail through Native Grassland past Grebe Pond and headed north toward the barn. Arriving at the barn, I spotted some Foxtail grass. Foxtails seeds (awns) can cause problems for pets. They can easily attach to the animal and because of their shape can penetrate deep into the body. They have the potential to cause serious infection and irritation. I passed the Classroom Building where I spotted some Smartweed along the east side. Finally, we entered the van for our journey home.

Clues of autumn are all around

Colorful leaves are raining down

Yellow goldenrod fills my view

Meadow’s changing color and hue

Aster blossoms are a lovely sight

They dot the field in shades of white

Birds gather and soon depart

Their journey south is about to start

Chorus of crickets is a welcome sound

They hide well, they can’t be found

Vernal ponds are empty once more

Spring rains will help them restore

Squirrels are busy doing their thing

They gather food to last till spring

Mighty sun continues to shine

Daylight hours rapidly decline

Lots of nature to remember

As I bid farewell to September

D. DeGraaf

September 23

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, we were returning from a trip and had to wait until Sunday. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 39 degrees and a slight wind from the northwest. I paused to commemorate the start of the fall season and faced east to welcome the sun as yesterday it reached the autumnal equinox and began to warm up the southern hemisphere. Next, I turned, faced west to view the landscape and then walked down the hill to Mallard Marsh where I noticed that many of the brown cattail seed heads had burst open to reveal the fluffy white seeds. Native Americans used these seeds to start fires, fill blankets as well as stuff pillows and diapers. I continued through Bobolink Meadow and approached the entrance to North Woods where I noticed a maple tree with leaves with black spots. This condition is known as tar spot, a disease caused by a fungus that infects maple as well as box elder. This disease is usually a cosmetic problem and does not affect the long-term health of the tree. Heavy infections can cause premature leaf drop. Next, I turned south, walked by Willow Wallow and began circling Succession Field where I saw an unusual growth on an oak leaf called a Woolly Oak Leaf Gall. This abnormal plant tissue is due to the feeding of the larvae of cynipid wasps. Even though they are wasps, they do not sting or pose any danger to humans. In fact, these wasps are so small they are not likely to be noticed, as they resemble gnats. Hiking along the trail on the far western boundary, I spotted an fuzzy caterpillar eating a leaf. Next, I paused at Artist Overlook where I heard a Wood Duck in Sora Swale. Following the south trail, I observed as least 100 Canada Geese flying in several formations from east to west. I came to Frog Fen, turned north and began my climb up Reflection Hill where I spotted some Wild Grape leaves with an odd looking growth called a Tumid Gall. Larvae of a small fly known as the grape tumid gall maker cause grape tumid galls, also called grape tomato galls. Also, I spotted a few Wild Raspberries that had not yet been eaten by the birds. Continuing to the top of the hill, I stopped to gaze at a quiet Grebe Pond. I descended the hill and walked toward the Classroom Building where I noticed some of the willow trees had unusual branch development called Willow Witches’ Broom. A number of stresses, both biological and environmental, can lead to the formation of brooms. Organisms such as fungi, mites and aphids can cause abnormal growth when they attack a host tree. Environmental stresses that injure the growing points of branches can also trigger the formation of brooms. Finally, we passed the classroom, came to the van, got in and headed for home.

Fall comes once again.


Frost begins creeping over


like icy shadows.



Leaves shed cool green gowns


in exchange for warm garments.


Red, orange, yellow.



Night lengthens itself.


The sun weakens, cowering


in its submission.



My mind relaxes.


Soft breezes caress my cheeks.


Fall is here, at last.


Judith Pordon.

September 15

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 45 degrees and no wind. I stood on the crest of the hill and scanned the late summer landscape to the west. Descending the hill, I passed Mallard Marsh and walked slowly through Bobolink Meadow where I saw lots of Heath Aster. In Latin, aster means star, the name also used by the Greeks for this flower. The "star-flower" was believed to be sacred to the gods and so wreaths of asters were placed on their altars. Aster leaves were burned to frighten away serpents in medieval Europe and roots were crushed and fed to bees in poor health. Although the early English name was "starwort," later the flower was named "Michaelmas Daisy" as it blooms around St. Michaelmas Day in September. I entered North Woods and followed the trail west where I spotted some colorful Jack-O-Lantern fungi growing next to a dead stump. Crossing over the boardwalk, I spotted several Beech Drops. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field and entered South Woods where I followed the trail along the edge of Swanson Swamp. I exited the woods and headed east where I saw some Flat-top Aster and Small-flower Aster. Next, I turned north and went toward Willow Wallow where I spotted New England Aster and Sky blue Aster. I walked past the pond and began to climb Reflection Hill where I was surprised to find a patch of Canadian Thistle in full flower this late in the season. I looked up to see a solitary crow perched high in a dead Ash tree calling out. At the top of the hill, I noticed a Honeysuckle shrub displaying unusual leaf growth referred to as Witches’ Broom. An aphid feeds on the plant causing leaflets to distort and fold up. The folded leaflets protect the aphids from hard rains, heavy winds, predaceous insects and contact insecticides. Numerous buds along a branch grow simultaneously, giving a bushy or broom-like appearance. Next, I got off the path and wandered east down the hill to find a Crab Apple tree with bright red fruit. I picked an apple and took a bite to savor the very tart taste. I returned to the trail and descended the hill south toward Frog Fen where I found some Rough Stink Bugs on willow leaves. I also spotted a grasshopper feeding on a wild grape leaf. Passing the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland and headed north to view a vacant Grebe Pond. Hiking along the edge of the pond, I made it to the barn where I spotted some Lamb’s quarter. The leaves and stems of this plant are edible so I picked off a leaf and ate it. It had a flavor like spinach or chard with an earthy, mineral rich taste. Finally, I passed the Classroom Building and came to the van as we ended another enjoyable hike.

When despair for the world grows in me


and I wake in the night at the least sound


in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,


I go and lie down where the wood drake


rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.


I come into the peace of wild things


who do not tax their lives with forethought


of grief. I come into the presence of still water.


And I feel above me the day-blind stars


waiting with their light. For a time


I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Wendell Berry

September 8

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 53 degrees and a gentle breeze from the west. Starting out, I descended the hill, passed Mallard Marsh and hiked through Bobolink Meadow where I scared up a dozen pheasants. I turned at the entrance to North Woods and headed south toward Willow Wallow where I spotted some Woolgrass. Also, I was reminded of earlier in the week seeing a lovely white Egret taking off from the pond and flying toward South Woods. I turned again at the pond and walked west into Succession Field where the blossoming Goldenrod colored the landscape yellow. Most of the plants were Canadian goldenrod. However, some were Lance-leaf Goldenrod. Many people believe that these plants cause hay fever. They are unfairly blamed because their showy flowers bloom at the same time as less conspicuous Ragweed flowers that cause the itching and sneezing. In fact, Goldenrod pollen is too heavy to be carried on the wind. Instead, it is carried by insects that pollinate the flowers. Also, I spotted a few white Turtlehead blossoms. Next, I stepped off the path and went over to find the decomposing deer. Since the dead body has been there for nine months, what was left of the remains was difficult to find being covered with dense grass. I continued to circle Succession Field and instead of heading to Artist Overlook, I turned north and walked back to Willow Wallow. I hiked along the edge of the pond and climbed Reflection Hill where I saw two Canada Geese fly overhead. It’s been several weeks since I’ve seen or heard these familiar birds. Descending the hill, I followed the trail south to Frog Fen where I found a Japanese beetle sitting on a Wild Grape leaf. Adult Japanese beetles feed on foliage, flowers, and fruits. Leaves are typically skeletonized or left with only a network of veins. The larvae, commonly known as white grubs, primarily feed on roots of grasses often destroying turf in lawns, parks, and golf courses. I passed Brady Cemetery and entered Native Grassland where I was pleased to see an abundance of Indian Grass growing tall in the field as part of our prairie restoration project. I continued north and stopped at Grebe Pond. Moving along the edge of the pond, I headed to the barn where I spotted some Nodding Smartweed. This plant is sometimes called “swollen knees” because of the swollen joints along the stems. Its leaves and stems can be used for tea for treating fevers and diarrhea. The whole plant is antiseptic; a soapy tea-wash made with the leaves and stems can be applied to cuts, sores, and burns, or used like soap for bathing. Finally, I passed the Classroom Building and got in the van for my homeward journey.

I'm pondering the meadowlands That lay around the bend, The tall grass waving gently Like ripples in the wind; Away from madding crowds and noise, Reclusing while I'm there, I'll have the peace of mind I'd sought, And breathe the country air. To get away a little while Is the respite that I need, And in the meadowlands, I know, My hungry soul will feed.

Tom Kraft

September 1

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 60 degrees and a gentle north breeze. Today I planned to focus on late summer sounds, both natural and man-made. What critters would announce their presence? How quiet or noisy would Mother Nature be? I stood at the crest of the hill to look west over the landscape and listen. Proceeding down the hill past Mallard Marsh, I hiked through Bobolink Meadow where I heard crickets, grasshoppers and katydids. I entered North Woods and followed the path west through some dense shade. I arrived at a bench where I paused to take in the quietude. I exited the woods and circled around Succession Field. Suddenly, I spotted a beautiful Pearl Crescent Butterfly sunning its wings. Entering South Woods, I hiked along the edge of Swanson Swamp. Close by, I noticed some interesting bracket fungi. Near the shore, I was surprised to see a patch of Water Hemlock growing out of the shallow water. Also known as beaver poison, children's bane, death-of-man, poison parsnip, and false parsley, this plant is in the same family as parsley, parsnips, celery, and carrots. It is similar in appearance to Queen Anne’s Lace, smells like fresh turnips, and tastes sweet, but is the most toxic indigenous plant in North America. Although the lethal toxin, cicutoxin is present in all parts of the plant, the root contains the highest concentration. Water hemlock toxicosis is characterized by acute onset of violent seizures that resemble strychnine poisoning. Salivation is followed by muscle twitching that rapidly progresses to seizures, champing of the jaws, coma, and death. Exiting the woods, I stopped by the picnic tables to look over Succession Field and listen. Next, I walked past Artist Overlook along the edge of Sora Swale. Then, I followed the south trail to Frog Fen where again I perked up my ears to hear any sounds. Heading north, I climbed Reflection Hill and paused once more to listen carefully. I descended the hill and walked toward the Classroom Building where I heard some noisy crickets. At the last minute, I decided to turn south and stop at the observation platform to take in the sounds including a plane overhead. Then, I walked out on the dock on Grebe Pond where I paused to hear some Green Herons. Finally, I arrived back at the van where we got in and took off for home.

The voice that beautifies the land!! The voice above, The voice of the thunder, Among the dark clouds Again and again it sounds, The voice below The voice of the grasshopper, Among the flowers and grasses Again and again it sounds, The voice that beautifies the land.

Delvis D. Rogers