May 19

Thursday, Remi and I traveled 9 miles southwest of Alma to hike with a fellow outdoorsman through part of his 130-acre property along the Pine River. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 52 degrees and no wind. Leaving the car parked at his house, we headed south through an open field and stopped by a small vernal pond where the water was blackened by thousands of newly hatched tadpoles of the American Toad. Since female toads lay between 4000-8000 eggs, it was not surprising to see so many. Also nearby, mixed in with the grasses were some patches of Sheep Sorrel with their tiny red flowers. Historically, this plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments from inflammation and diarrhea to scurvy and cancer. What's interesting about this herb is that every single part of the plant can be used medicinally. Continuing south, we entered a forest of mature hardwoods where I spotted several blossoms of Swamp Buttercup as well as Arrow-leaved Violets. Just off the trail, I found a large, fresh Pheasant Back Mushroom. This edible fungus has an aroma similar to watermelon rind. Trudging through the flooded river flats, I noticed some white blossoms of Rock cress and blue blossoms of Woodland Phlox. Reaching the bank of the Pine River, we paused to observe the gentle easterly flow. Turning north, we saw evidence of Beaver activity including several gnawed stumps and an old lodge. Also, I spotted the delicate, fern-like leaves of Yarrow beginning to show themselves. Next, we turned around and headed east into another woodlot where I noticed some of the May Apples were beginning to bloom as well as Wild Geranium. Having completed our loop, we saw and heard a few geese out in the field. Walking north back to the house, we had to wash the mud off Remi before finally taking off for home.

Gone, winter white

From the forest ground

Below a closing canopy

Floor of lifeless brown

Next, the vernal sun

Warms the litter scene

Mosses and sedges

Introduce the green

Finally, spring colors

Long overdue

Finally, Mother Nature

Sprinkles violet blue

D. DeGraaf