July 22

Wednesday, Remi & I traveled 16 miles south of Alma to hike the Maple River State Game Area, east of US 127. The early morning weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 63 degrees and no wind. Leaving the car and highway noise, we were greeted by dense swarms of mosquitoes as we followed a grass-covered berm east along wetlands lined with tall cattails as well as patches of Buttonbush shrubs. Colorful wildflowers were also in the mix including: Water Parsnip, Moth Mullein, Swamp Milkweed and Purple Loosestrife. Next, I turned south onto a boardwalk that led to an observation deck where I could see fresh trails cutting through the pondweed near shore made by swimming muskrats. Back on the berm and continuing east, I spotted Hedge Bindweed, Swamp Thistle and Sow Thistle. Through the dense cattail growth next to the trail, I could hear some Redwings and Green frogs. Further ahead at an opening in the cattails, I could see where some cattails had been recently harvested by muskrats. I turned south, approached a distant deer before it took off and then climbed a 30 ft. observation tower to look over some of the vast wetlands that are part of the 9000 acres that make up this state game area. Also, I was pleased to look at and listen to a summer resident Swamp Sparrow. Retracing my steps, I noticed Teasel and Birdsfoot Trefoil. Also, I watched a Monarch flying and perching nearby. Finally, we got back to the car, quickly got in to escape the mosquitoes and head for home.

Is it early morning

When birds greet the sun

Or around midday

When chipmunks run

Is it afternoon

When flowers grow high

Or evening

When moths will fly

Is it near midnight

When nature will hide

Which time is best

It’s hard to decide

D. DeGraaf