March 20

Thursday, Remi stayed home while I hiked at Deerfield Nature Park, a 600-acre Isabella County park located 6 miles west of Mt. Pleasant on Remus Rd. The early afternoon weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 36 degrees and a steady north wind that I was sheltered from by the dense tree stands in the park. Since today is the Vernal Equinox, I exited the car and paused to look at the sun to recognize its position in space as it crossed the celestial equator to begin spring in the northern hemisphere. In the peace and quiet of being alone in the park, I headed west along the edge of the Chippewa River on the snow-covered Lewis Pontiac Trail through a mixed forest of hardwoods and Red Pine. The river was open and the current strong as I watched a nesting pair of Canada Geese swim along the edge. Approaching a newly constructed bridge, I noticed a dozen Cedar Waxwings fluttering and feeding on the ground. As I crossed the bridge, I paused in the middle to listen as ice-cold water rushed into the river from a tributary on the north side. On the other side I followed the River Loop trail east through a woods of oak, maple and occasionally, birch. Looking around, I began to notice the snow cover was receding to reveal patches of last autumn’s leaf litter. Soon, I came to a vista overlooking one of the many scenic streambeds in the park. I turned around and began retracing my steps toward the car where I was pleased to see a male and female Goldeneye swimming far out in the river. These ducks are most likely a nesting pair stopping to rest on their spring migration journey to Canada or Alaska. Next, I came to the swinging bridge which I recalled using several years ago and was now closed for the season. Just off the trail I spotted a patch of equisetum or horsetail. Finally, it was not hard finding the car for my trip home.

Spirit of spring

I know you’ll bring

A time of rebirth

For Mother Earth

I hope you revive

What’s already alive

Bring a shower

To grow the flower

Bring life anew

I’m counting on you

D. DeGraaf