September 12

Saturday, I drove 10 miles west of Alma to Riverdale where Remi and I hiked a section of the Meijer Heartland Trail as well as the adjoining Stern Preserve. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 46 degrees and a light variable wind. We left the parking lot and followed the paved trail east on a bridge over the Pine River that flowed fast and full due to recent rains. Continuing east, I noticed signs of transition from summer to fall including the dying back of Bracken ferns and dropping of Basswood leaves. Other signs I observed were the many blossoms of Sky-blue Aster and the reddening leaves of Sumac. Also, I paused to enjoy the ripe fruit of Autumn Olive. Hidden in the grass next to the trail I spotted half dozen fresh Horse Mushrooms. Turning around, I retraced my steps that included passing through a tunnel of over hanging Box Elder trees on my way back to the car. Arriving at the parking lot, I turned north to explore a small piece of property owned by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy called the Stern Preserve. Established in 2008, this property consists of 14 acres and 1,400 feet of natural habitat along the Pine River. It is named in honor of Clayton and Mary Lee Stearns who were long-time residents of Riverdale. A large part of the land was an open field of grasses and sedges along with Goldenrod and thistle. Turning east toward the river, I noticed mature spruce and hardwoods along with a few invasive Autumn Olive shrubs. At the river’s edge, I paused to take in the scenic landscape. Finally, we returned to the car and headed home.

Late in summer

Nature’s décor

Sun shares less

Asters share more

Nests are empty

Redwings gone

Vigilant, the doe

Bolder, the fawn

Marsh still lives

Dragonflies hover

Blue Herons wade

Fish to discover

D. DeGraaf