September 7

Labor Day Monday, being able to see again after successful cataract surgery, Remi accompanied me as I traveled 23 miles south of Alma to hike once more at the Maple River State Game Area. The early morning temperature was mostly sunny with a temperature of 73 degrees and a light breeze out of the west. We left the parking lot and stopped at the boat launch ramp to observe the scenic wetlands and listen to the birds and orthopterans. Proceeding south, I followed the trail along a berm where I saw muskrat trails through the duckweed near shore. While scanning the lush landscape, I spotted large patches of Water Smartweed near the trail. The term smartweed is thought to be a more sanitized version of the original word “arsmart” for the use of the plant in medieval times to relieve itching and swelling of the human posterior. Also, growing out of the water were patches of Arrow Arum. Herbivores avoid eating this plant because of its toxicity: both the roots and foliage contain crystals of calcium oxalate that can cause severe irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and kidney failure. Turning east, I was surprised to see duck hunters ahead so I turned around and retraced my steps where I observed some Slender Nettle. This Nettle is less heavily armed with stinging hairs than Stinging Nettle. While many people dislike Nettles because of these hairs, they are important food plants to several species of butterflies. The young leaves of Nettles are edible if they are boiled in water and transformed into a creamy soup; they are supposed to be an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals. Approaching the car, I nearly stepped on a juvenile Leopard Frog before pausing to sample some sweet wild grapes. Near the car, I noticed blooming Common Plantain on the ground. Shredded leaves of this plant can be used to treat mosquito bites and poison ivy rash. Finally, we hopped in the car and headed home.

Observations on my weekly walk

Sound of a killdeer, sight of a hawk

Frogs that leap, willows that sway

Pheasant’s call at the break of day

Muskrat swims among the reeds

Breeze blows the thistle seeds

Down on the ground, a garter snake

Up from the pond, a mallard drake

In the sky above and earth below

Mother Nature’s late summer show

D. DeGraaf