March 2

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was mostly cloudy with a temperature of 19 degrees and a slight northwest breeze blowing a few snow flurries. I stood at the top of the hill and looked west to see that the landscape remained white as another 5 inches of snow fell earlier in the week. I strolled down the hill, past Mallard Marsh into Bobolink Meadow where I saw a couple of deer far off in the neighbor’s corn stubble. At the entrance to North Woods, I spotted lots of turkey tracks. I turned south and hiked to Willow Wallow where I stepped out on the ice and continued south across the frozen pond. Wandering between dense brush, I saw plenty of evidence of rabbit and deer activity. I got off the ice, returned to the trail and circled Succession Field where I was disappointed to notice fresh snow mobile tracks. Walking on the path along the western boundary, I glanced to the west across the fence and wondered what the Nature Area would be now if we had acquired that land back in the 1990’s. For it was in 1993, soon after hearing news about the RESD leasing 90 acres from the Conservation District, the landowner to the west offered to sell us 120 more acres to expand the nature area all the way to Pingree Rd. In 1997, the land was appraised and a grant to the DNR’s Natural Resources Trust Fund was submitted and rejected. Shortly thereafter, he reduced his offer to 58 acres and in 1998, a second grant was submitted and approved. However, unable to agree on a selling price, the owner withdrew his offer and grant funds were returned to the DNR. So it was only then that the Nature Area property was established and development could begin in earnest. Next, I turned east and followed the trail along the edge of South Woods to Artist Overlook where I gazed down at Sora Swale. I followed south trail all the way to Frog Fen where turned south and continued to Brady Cemetery. Ascended the hill into the cemetery, I past a few grave markers and gazed at the surrounding landscape. Next, I walked around and discovered the gravestone of Sarah White, wife of Amos White who owned and farmed the Forest Hill property in the early 1860’s before it was purchased by Joseph Brady. Two of Joseph’s sons, James and Samuel were part of the Brady family farm and were also buried here. The snow-covered ground around the grave markers was filled with a variety of animal tracks including some made by crows. Leaving the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland and followed the trail north to Grebe Pond. I got off the trail, walked out on the ice and followed the east shoreline back toward the barn. I passed the barn and arrived at the Classroom where I checked out the bird feeders. Finally, we made it to the car for our trip back to Alma and home.

I wander a cemetery up the hill
I frequently visit. I enjoy it still
I walk, pause and snoop around
This place is hallowed ground
I gaze at the surrounding land
View from here is really grand
Gravestones are worn, no doubt
Weathering has rubbed them out
Markers speak of yester years
Buried ones were pioneers
Part of history has been told
Many here were brave and bold

D. DeGraaf