June 4

Thursday, Remi and I hiked at the 90-acre Pine River Park & Outdoor Center in Alma. The early morning weather was party sunny with a temperature of 55 degrees and no wind. From the parking lot, I followed a paved path west along the Pine River where I spotted the white blossoms of Meadow Anemone and Maple-leaf Viburnum as well as the deep pink blossoms of Wild Rose. Further ahead, I paused to enjoy the mimicking songs of a Gray Catbird perched on a dead branch and a mother Mallard swimming with her ducklings way out in the middle of the river. On the ground, cotton-like seeds were beginning to fall from the large surrounding Cottonwood trees. Leaving the river, I followed the path south through a dense woods of maple, aspen and oak. I reached a clearing and spotted a couple of deer before they retreated into the forest. Continuing south past the Girl Scout cabin, the crimson red fruit of the Staghorn Sumac caught my eye. As the path curved east, I saw the first of many patches of Dame’s Rocket. Like many invasives, this plant was imported as an ornamental from Europe to the US many years ago where its seeds readily escaped gardens into natural areas via water runoff, wind and animal fur. It can spread rapidly as it appears to be doing in this park and outcompete native plants for water, nutrients and sunlight. Passing through another clearing, I followed an earthen trail into a dense woods dominated by spruce and pine. Along the way, I noticed Virginia creeper vines were starting their seasonal ascent up the trunks of many trees. After exiting the woods, I retraced my steps back to the parking lot where I paused to watch a Red-bellied Woodpecker pecking away on a wooden post near the boat launch. Finally, we found the car and headed home.

Wildflowers unfold

Long before noon

Along the river’s edge

Gray Catbird’s tune

High in a maple

Sleeping Raccoon

Spring is fading

Summer comes soon

Nature’s expressions

First week in June

D. DeGraaf