January 12

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was partly cloudy with a temperature of 43 degrees and a slight southerly breeze. As soon as I got out of the car, I spotted a large hawk perched in a tree off to the north. I paused at the crest of the hill to view the snowless landscape. Descending the hill, I hiked past Mallard Marsh and entered Bobolink Meadow where I still had vivid memories of the controlled burn that took place here one day back in April of 2004. At that time, the Bobolink population was thriving with as many as a 20 nesting pairs scattered about the property. To ensure a healthy population for the future by restoring suitable habitat, 20 acres of meadow were burned along the north boundary extending west from Rich Road, past Mallard Marsh through Bobolink meadow to the edge of North Woods. Being part of my first burn crew, I learned a lot that day about the importance of back burning, pre-mowing and perimeter plowing. Mother nature helped with cool temperatures and an east wind to keep smoke away from houses. Except for a few nervous moments keeping fire out of the neighbor’s calve coops and despite some complaints from others down the road, we were pleased with our efforts and results. Even though the blackened earth greened up quickly, it took several years before new habitat attracted nesting Bobolinks. Entering North Woods, I followed the trail west and paused at the boardwalk where I noticed the iceless vernal pond. I exited the woods and remembered that it had been one year since I discovered a young button buck lying dead off the trail. I walked over to the spot and moved away some vegetation. All that remained were a few large bones and some hair. Since deciding not to disturb this spot anymore, I covered everything back up so Mother Nature could complete her work. Moreover, I was grateful for witnessing the amazing process of decomposition over the past year. Next, I circled Succession Field and entered South Woods where I noticed that a scavenger had been feeding off the Raccoon carcass. Exiting the woods, I observed some snow that remained on the trail. I passed Artist Overlook and followed the south trail around to the east side of Sora Swale where I spotted the remains of a deer sticking up through the ice. I continued east where I was surprised to see a Wooly Bear Caterpillar curled up on the trail. Next, I came to Frog Fen, turned north and climbed Reflection Hill where I was also surprised to see three waves of noisy Canada Geese flying overhead, heading west. I descended the hill, passed the Classroom building and wandered down to Grebe Pond to check out the makeshift dock that was set up since the ice was not thick enough for school children to walk on to collect water samples. Finally, we made it back to the car and took off for home.

Trail of adventure welcomes me
Perfect path of discovery
It meanders through a meadow
It follows a favorite field
It turns around the trees
It ascends a lovely lookout
It descends the higher hill
A need to commune with nature
A need I can fulfill

D. DeGraaf