November 12

Wednesday, Remi & I hiked the 25-acre, Kjolhede Kove Preserve in Isabella County. This Chippewa Watershed Conservancy property is located 10 miles northwest of Mt. Pleasant on the north end of Coldwater Lake. The early morning weather was overcast with a temperature of 30 degrees, light snow flurries and no wind. Without any signs or trails to guide me, I headed south into a dense, barren woods where I noticed a few snowflakes had settled on the leaf litter of oak and aspen. Hiking with Remi on a leash was a challenge as we trudged on saturated ground through thick stands of samplings and over several downed trees. Next, I paused at the edge of the Coldwater River which is a 13-mile-long stream that flows south out of Littlefield Lake through Coldwater Lake and empties into the Chippewa River near River Road. Continuing south, I could see fresh signs of deer that included scat, tracks and rubs. Also, I spotted the fuzzy seeds of Old Man’s Beard as well as some colorful orange fungi on a decaying log. Surrounding me were several “snags” or “wildlife trees”. These dead and dying trees are important for wildlife. Birds, small mammals, and other wildlife use them for nests, nurseries, storage areas, foraging, roosting and perching. Snags enhance local natural areas by attracting wildlife species that may not otherwise be found there. Approaching Coldwater Lake, I paused to listen to some Mallard ducks. I continued to struggle through the brush until I could see the lake. Coldwater Lake is 294-acre, mesotrophic lake with a maximum depth of 65 feet. This type of lake commonly has medium levels of nutrients, moderately clear water, a common occurrence of aquatic vegetation and typically supports diverse biological communities. Turning around, I made my way back toward the car where I noticed Tinder Conks or hoof fungi growing on a dead trunk of White Birch. Called tinder conks because of their value as tinder when starting fires, these woody mushrooms resemble the hoof of a horse. Reaching the car, I cleaned the mud off Remi the best I could before we took off for home.

Predator of night

Dark becomes day

Your hunt was hard

Your hunger obey

Picked up a scent

Options to weigh

The kill was quick

Devoured your prey

Found your den

Moon on display

Coyote of the wild

Your time to lay

D. DeGraaf