March 16

Monday, I hiked at Chipp-A-Waters Park in Mt. Pleasant. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 43 degrees and no wind. As I stepped out of the car, I spotted a melanistic eastern gray squirrel sitting at the base of a tree. I walked south a few hundred feet to the bank of the Chippewa River and noticed it was ice-free and flowing fast. However, the small cattail marsh off to the north was still ice-covered except along the shoreline. I headed west on a paved trail where I saw patches of the green, invasive Garlic Mustard and an old dying Cottonwood tree with several fungi attached called Artist’s Conks. This fungus gets its name from the change in color that occurs when the white underside of the conk is scratched. The scratched trace immediately turns brown, allowing artists to create intricate drawings on this natural “canvas.” Besides being used as an artist’s canvas, large specimens have been made into tables and shelves. When burned, it is said to repel insects. Its medicinal properties have been investigated and shown to display antimicrobial and antitumor properties. Next, I turned south and was ready to cross the bridge over the river when I paused to hear not one but two unknown, distinctive birdcalls high in a leafless tree. Later, I sent a recording to local bird expert, Stan Lilley, who identified both calls coming from a single male Carolina Wren. These birds have been mostly year round residents of southern United States. However, since the turn of the century, they have extended their range northward with a few more sightings in central Michigan. After crossing the bridge, I followed a circular loop through Viet’s Woods where I observed a tree covered with Whitewash Lichens. I crossed the bridge again and began retracing my steps back toward the car when I spotted a fresh beaver stump. Finally, I made it back to the car for my return trip to Alma.

Mid March day

Find my way

On a scenic lane

In nature’s domain

Late in the season

I have a reason

To hike this trail

Over river in dale

That leads beyond

Ice-covered pond

Wren in the trees

My ears to please

D. DeGraaf