October 13

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was cloudy, a steady rain with a temperature of 37 degrees and no wind. Descending the hill, I hiked past Mallard Marsh through Bobolink Meadow where I noticed a small Chokecherry tree north off the trail that still had a few green leaves. I entered North Woods and paused on the boardwalk to see a Slippery Elm tree and feel its “sandpapery” leaves. Native Americans used Slippery Elm in healing salves for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammation. It was also taken orally to relieve coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach problems. It contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. Continuing west along the trail, I looked closely at the colorful leaf litter. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field and entered South Woods where I walked along the edge of Swanson Swamp and stopped to pick a small green apple from an American Crabapple tree. I took a bite and even though it tasted very sour, it does make excellent jam due to its high pectin and acid content. Following the trail, I noticed a Shagbark Hickory tree. Native Americans used all parts of the tree and held it in high esteem. If a mother’s milk was not available, babies were fed hickory nut milk mixed with dried bear or deer meat. Hickory milk, made by boiling the crushed nuts, was an important item in the adult diet as well. Oil pressed from the nuts was used for cooking. Hunting bows were made from the wood and stone axe heads were bound to their handles by flexible, young hickory twigs. Next, I spotted some leaves of a Mockernut Hickory tree. Exiting the woods, I continued to Artist Overlook where I spotted a few green Pin Cherry leaves. Following the south trail, I observed four deer dart off from Sora Swale. At Frog Fen, I turned south toward Brady Cemetery where I was startled by a rooster pheasant that took off right next to the trail and headed north. At the entrance to Brady Cemetery, I noticed the Staghorn sumac leaves had turned a brilliant red. Entering Native Grassland, I saw the dried seed heads of Bergamot. I paused at Grebe Pond where nothing was stirring. Heading north toward the barn, I was amazed by the abundance of white aster blossoms. Next, I passed the barn and walked around to the west side of the Classroom to admire the Black Locust tree. Native Americans chewed the root bark of this tree to induce vomiting and to reduce toothaches. All parts of the tree are considered toxic, although beekeepers disagree about the honey's toxicity. Some deem it the best of honeys. Finally, we got in the van to dry off and took off for home.

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came -

The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

George Cooper