August 24

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, he stayed home while I participated in a bird and butterfly hike at the Nature Area along with six community members led by Stan Lilley. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 61 degrees and no wind. We gathered at the barn that was recently named in memory of Marletha Raske, a former guide who passed away last winter and scanned Grebe Pond where we saw lots of Tree Swallows swooping after insects as well as a few Wood Ducks and Mallards floating near the south shore. Heading south into Native Grassland, we immediately captured a butterfly called a Great Spangled Fritillary. Following the trail along the edge of the pond, we spotted several Song Sparrows including adults and fledglings. Approaching Brady Cemetery, we observed a single Canada Goose flying overhead as well as a perching Cedar Waxwing and Goldfinch. We explored the cemetery where we saw Robins, Cardinals, a Downy Woodpecker and a Phoebe. Heading north toward Frog Fen, we spotted two Clouded Sulfur butterflies fluttering in the field and one cawing crow perched in a tall tree far to the north over Willow Wallow. Heading west on south trail, we captured a Common Wood Nymph. We turned north along the edge of South Woods where we heard the typical call of a Catbird. Also, we noticed a nest of fall webworms in a Cherry Tree. These larvae overwinter as pupae in cocoons concealed in ground litter. Adult whitish moths will first appear next June but may continue to emerge in small numbers during most of next summer. Passing Artist Overlook, we turned west and hiked along the edge of South Woods where lots of Birch leaves were covering the trail. Continuing along the west end of Succession Field, we captured a rare Spicebush Swallowtail. Turning east along the edge of North Woods, we spotted two small butterflies, a Pearl Crescent and Summer Azure. Also, we heard the call of a Great Crested Flycatcher from North Woods. As we approached Willow Wallow, we were greeted by the persistent cry of a Blue Jay. We continued east along the edge of the pond and came to the base of Reflection Hill where we saw berry clusters of Elderberry and Woody Nightshade. This entire plant contains solanine, the same toxin found in green potatoes and other members of the nightshade family. It also contains a glycoside called dulcamarine, similar to atropine, one of the toxins found in deadly nightshade. The toxin amount varies with soil, light, climate and growth stage. Ripe fruits are generally less toxic than the leaves and unripe berries, but even ripe berries can be poisonous. After ascending and descending Reflection Hill, we came to the Classroom where we spotted a Giant Swallowtail. Finally, we rested awhile in the shade of the Observation Platform before we took off.

Birds begin morning tunes
As we walk in the early day
Meandering in a meadow
Mother Nature shows the way
A trail that’s easy to follow
Path before us leads on
Over hill, past a swale
From woods to placid pond
Beside a tree, across a ditch
A field where butterflies soar
We continue to hike along
There’s so much to explore

D. DeGraaf

August 17

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, we were near Cadillac hiking with our good friend, Jeff Reynolds and his dog, Winnie. The midday weather was sunny with a temperature of 77 degrees and no wind. We left the car and followed a narrow circular trail through a dense forest dominated by Red Maple, Red Oak and Red Pine. Along the path deep in the woods, I was surprised to see the leaves of a small Red Maple had already turned to autumn colors. Once in a while, we crossed a clearing covered with ferns and something called Sweet Fern that we picked to smell it’s citrusy aroma. Sweet fern is not actually a fern; rather, it is a member of the Bayberry family. Native Americans used the leaves in smudge fires and lined their baskets with them when gathering highly perishable berries. All parts of the plant were used, especially the top leaves in a tea to promote overall good health. A decoction was used internally to treat rheumatism, diarrhea and internal bleeding. It is quite effective when used topically to sooth Poison Ivy itching. Next, we spotted some Wintergreen growing on the forest floor and picked some to smell its minty fragrance. Occasionally, we saw Big Tooth Aspen and Witch Hazel. Further along the trail, we came upon a patch of Huckleberry, a favorite food source for the Black Bears that live in this area. We followed the trail along the edge of the Clam River where the dogs were eager to get a much-needed drink. This river flows east out of Lake Cadillac in Wexford County, travels 50 miles to the southeast through Missaukee County and empties into the Muskegon River west of Harrison in Clare County. Near the end of our hike with spotted a few Hawthorn trees with their ripening haws. Finally, we returned to the car for our trip back to Jeff’s house.

For love of nature’s ways
I live my years and days
I walk lots of open space
Hope no one will displace
For love of earth and sky
There’re many reasons why
I know every plant and tree
Name every creature I see
For love of natural things
Beauty each one brings
I have learned their truth
Since the time of my youth

D. DeGraaf

August 10

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. Instead, we hiked at the Emma Burnham Outdoor Center on Jackson Rd. in St. Louis, Michigan. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 59 degrees and no wind. Exiting the car, I was surprised to see a doe running full speed past us and disappearing into the woods. I proceeded south where I explored a 3-acre open field and spotted a mixed patch of Chicory, Wild Carrot and Red Clover. Also, I noticed lots of the invasive, Spotted Knapweed. Along the edge of the woods, I saw clusters of Cherry Galls on a white oak. This gall is caused by a tiny gall wasp. The larva remains in the gall after leaf-fall, emerging as an adult wasp in winter. Also, I noticed the bright red fruit of Baneberry. All parts of this plant are poisonous while the berries are the most toxic. However, accidental poisoning is not likely since the berries are extremely bitter. A healthy adult will experience poisoning from as few as six berries. Ingestion of the berries causes nausea, dizziness, increased pulse and severe gastrointestinal discomfort. Next, I observed the lavender blossoms of Purple Loosestrife. Entering the woods, I immediately spotted a healthy vine of Poison Ivy working its way up a tree trunk. I followed the trail through dense shade below a tall canopy of Beech, Maple and Oak where I heard a drumming woodpecker, a cawing crow and some honking Canada geese. Just off the trail, I noticed someone had carved letters and symbols into a Beech trunk. The path took me along the edge of a small vernal pond where I saw a patch of Water Parsnip. Also, a fallen log was covered with a cream-colored fungus. Continuing to explore the ground, I spotted some Christmas ferns. They get their name because some parts of the plant remain green throughout the year and are thus available for use in decorations at Christmas time. Next, I saw the withering leaf of a May Apple and a cluster of White Baneberries. Native Americans used the juice from the fruits of various baneberry species to poison arrows and used the root as an herbal remedy for menstrual problems. Arriving at a clearing, I gazed north to see a stand of Cottonwood trees and south to see a stand of spruce including Norway and Blue. I continued north on the path as it followed a somewhat hilly section of the forest where the ground was thick with Virginia Creeper. Near the end, the trail crossed over a small pond where lots of immature frogs were rippling the surface as they swam. Finally, we made it back to the car for our trip home.

I retreat to woods
A place to unwind
No cares or worries
I left those behind
In tune with nature
Breathing fresh air
I trod along
In a forest fair
I pause to look
Then proceed
I escape the world
I’m free indeed

D. DeGraaf

August 3

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was party sunny with a temperature of 59 degrees and no wind. From the crest of the hill, I walked down past Mallard Marsh and entered Bobolink Meadow where I stared at a doe that was staring at me. Also, I looked carefully for Bobolinks. Despite having seen a flock of a dozen or so fledglings the last two weeks, there was none visible today. Approaching North Woods, I noticed some lovely blossoms of Bull Thistle. Near the entrance to the woods, I spotted a few Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillars eating a milkweed plant. Like Monarch caterpillars, they incorporate the toxins of the plant which makes them poisonous to predators. I entered North Woods and headed west where I kicked up dozens of tiny Wood frogs hopping on top of the leaf litter. At the boardwalk, I noticed the large vernal pond was finally dried up. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field where I first spotted blossoms of Narrow-leaf Meadowsweet and then Joe Pye Weed. Entering South Woods, I hiked along the edge of a silent Swanson Swamp. I exited the woods and arrived at Artist Overlook where I was reminded of hearing, for the first time, the raucous call of a Great Blue Heron earlier in the week as it took off from Sora Swale. I followed the south trail to Frog Fen and turned north to climb Reflection Hill where I looked down on Grebe Pond. At the north end of the pond, I could make out a pair of Canada Geese standing on a log. Circling the hill, I descended the south side, passed Frog Fen again and headed toward Brady Cemetery. I passed the cemetery and turned north into a flower-filled Native Grassland where I was surprised to see only one butterfly-a Viceroy. Arriving at the grove of Box Elder trees, I noticed a patch of delicate blossoms of Water Parsnip. Next, I paused and gazed at a duckweed-covered Grebe Pond. Heading north to the barn, I walked around to the east side to see the blossoms of Common Tansy and smell it’s minty leaves. Finally, we arrived at the car for our trip home.

Green, green, everywhere green
Mother Nature’s summer scene
Blades of grass on the path below
Leaves on the trees put on a show
Carpet of moss on weathered rock
Patch of duckweed near the dock
Fields and forests display the color
In August there can be no other
I hike the trail and look around
Color green is quite profound

D. DeGraaf