March 8

Tuesday, Remi and I traveled 23 miles northwest of Alma to explore the McNeel Preserve. Located off Winn Rd, west of Isabella County’s Deerfield Park, this 8-acre, hard-to-reach, preserve is one of 19 operated by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. The early morning weather was partly cloudy with a temperature of 46 degrees and no wind. I parked the car near the entrance to Saratoga Springs Dr. and walked across Winn Rd. To access the property, we first had to make our own way east through 500 feet of dense underbrush along the edge of a narrow creek called, Urie Drain. As the drain turned sharply to the north, I hopped over and entered the preserve where I spotted evidence of recent Beaver activity. Since there were no trails, I wandered around and noticed a small patch of Liverwort, a clump of British Soldier Lichens and a log covered with green moss highlighted by thousands of their “hairy” red filaments. Continuing east, I paused in the middle of a reforested stand of Red Pine to admire the sights and sounds. Through the conifer canopy, I was happy to see some blue sky. A short distance ahead, I arrived at a scenic section of the Chippewa River where I paused to look and listen to this wonderful watercourse. Continuing north along the steep riverbank, the leaf litter showed evidence of surrounding oak, beech and pine trees. Resident deer and rabbits left their impressions in a few remaining patches of snow. Turning west, I re-crossed Urie Drain and headed back toward the car while being entertained by a singing Cardinal. Finally, we got back to the car and headed east toward Mt. Pleasant to do some shopping.

Winter white

Brushed away

Surface brown

Leaves decay

Earth awaits

The artist preps

A new season

Very next steps

Canvas is set

Spring foreseen

Nature prepares

To paint with green

D. DeGraaf