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