March 9

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, we were at 250-acre Sapphire Lake near Lake City hiking with our good friend, Jeff Reynolds and his dog, Winnie. The late morning weather was mostly cloudy with a temperature of 34 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the south. We left the car and followed a trail down to the lake where we estimated the snow depth at one foot. Next, we stepped out on the snow-covered ice and walked along the shore where we saw some large White Pine trees just ahead. Continuing along, we spotted a scraggly looking Jack Pine tree. The rare Kirtland’s Warbler will only build its nest in a young Jack Pine. In neighboring Crawford County, large stands of these pine trees are periodically burned by the DNR to cause their cones to open and distribute their seeds for new tree growth. Crossing the lake, we saw lots of snowmobile trails going every which way along with several deer tracks. Also, I was surprised to see a Ring-billed Gull feather on the snow. This common shore bird usually migrates south in winter but will stay around if there is open water and a food source. Arriving on the far shore, we observed some leafless Tag Alder trees with their distinctive catkins dangling from the branches. A decoction of its bark was used to treat digestive disorders. Also, it was used to treat skin diseases, especially boils. Nearby were some needleless Tamarack trees and a few Maple trees that were starting to bud. We circled back and noticed a small patch of Phragmites. This invasive reed was once grown to control erosion along riverbanks. It can spread rapidly and choke out cattails. Finally, we arrived back at the car and headed back to Jeff’s home in Cadillac.

I wonder a lot about those trees,
Why do they bear flowers, fruits & seeds?
And shrivel when their foliage freeze;
Then blossom in the summer breeze.
Why are they cursed not to walk?
Is it to be reaped by birds & bees?
Do they quiver when the wind stalks?
And bow when the tempest whips.
Why do they crawl upright?
Is it to worship the Eternal Light?
Do they whimper in the moonlit night?
Or just shimmer until dawn arrives.
The trunks, the rinds, the twigs;
Their shields against Nature's rots.
But would they sense the twinge

When humans break their rods?

Ross H. Bruce