January 5

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 19 degrees, some patches of ice fog and no wind. With no new snow this week, the ground remained covered with about 2 inches of it along with some bare spots. Glancing up, I observed a quarter moon against a clearing sky. As I gazed fondly at the western landscape, I welcomed in 2013 and remembered the significance of this year as the 20th anniversary of the Nature Area. During my hikes this year, I plan to reflect on 20 years of memories as well as recount some of the history of this land back to the 1800’s. For it was back in 1993, being somewhat a new employee of the Gratiot-Isabella RESD, that I was asked to oversee the development of an outdoor education center on a 90-acre, abandoned, pig farm we had leased from the Gratiot Soil Conservation District for one dollar. My initial observations of this land were unimpressive. Little did I know that from these humble beginnings, I would fulfill a life-long dream, reignite a passion for nature and define my career for the next 20 years. Descending the hill, I paused at Mallard Marsh and thought about the evolution of this wetland from dry ground to what it is today. Back in 1999, as part of a U.S. Fish & Wildlife wetlands restoration project, drain tiles were broken, dirt was excavated and a berm was formed here. Soon water filled in, cattails began to grow and this marsh was created. I proceeded through Bobolink meadow where I saw some dried, frozen Goldenrod flowers. At the entrance to North Woods, I turned south toward Willow Wallow where I gazed at the sun rising through the patchy fog. I passed the frozen pond and walked around Succession Field where I could barely see a deer through the thick fog. The snow-covered trail was well worn with a mixture of deer, dog, human and rabbit tracks. I entered South Woods and walked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I heard the familiar call of a Red-bellied Woodpecker. Continuing on the path, I was surprised to see some blood spots on the snow as well as some deer hair. Since there was no evidence of predation, I suspect a hunter retrieved his kill from this spot. I could only hope the animal was not illegally shot on the property but off the property and died there. Exiting the woods, I arrived at Artist Overlook where I paused to see 3 deer run slowly along the edge of Sora Swale. Following the south trail, I spotted lots of small rodent tracks crossing the path. I arrived at Frog Fen, turned north and climbed Reflection Hill where I gazed down at ice-covered, Grebe Pond. I descended the hill and came to the Classroom Building where I was surprised not to see any activity at the bird feeders. Finally, we got to the car, turned on the heater and headed to Alma.

A white blanket covers the yard.
Snowflakes fly swiftly threw the air.
There sits a Cardinal on the frozen bush.
Feathers puffed and bold.
Singing a winter tune.
the wet snowflakes melt on his head.
Hearing the creak of a gate,
and with one swift movement he lifts into a gentle soar.
Off he goes into the white sky.

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