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