October 11

Tuesday, Remi and I traveled 23 miles southeast of Alma to hike the Wintergreen Trail, located east of Ithaca at the end of Filmore Rd in the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area. The early morning weather was partly cloudy with a temperature of 54 degrees and a light breeze from the south. We left the car and headed south on a sandy, 2-track where I noticed signs of the season as some green foliage was beginning to redden, including Red Maple and White Oak. Further ahead was another sign, as brown needles shed by a mature White Pine tree blanketed the trail in front of me. Although these trees are evergreen, many of their needles die and fall off during this time of the year. Continuing south, I came to a fork in the trail and veered left into a recently logged open area where on the ground, I saw a colorful Orange Peel fungus as well as a young rosette of Common Mullien with its velvety leaves, Next, I came upon a patch of American Wintergreen which this trail is named after. So, I picked a leaf and crushed it to smell the distinctive fragrance, although subtle now compared to spring. Those who enjoy the wintergreen flavor often make tea from the leaves and/or berries. An essential oil obtained from the leaves contains methyl salicylate, which is closely related to aspirin and is an effective anti-inflammatory medicine. Years ago, this chemical was obtained from Wintergreen plants for use in medicines and fragrances; however, now days it is produced synthetically. Nearby, I spotted a type of club moss, called Running Ground Pine, growing among the Wintergreen. After turning around, I began retracing my steps where I noticed a dense stand of mature Red Pine with its straight rows indicating someone had planted it many years ago. Continuing north, I paused to watch as a gentle breeze blew through some Big-tooth Aspen leaves that were turning yellow. Finally, we made it back to the car and headed home.

October’s well awake

Nature can’t defer

Green lost its hold

Others begin to stir

First, subtle orange

Tempts the maple leaf

Yellow starts its journey

Joins the aspen motif

Red’s wait is over

Responding to its cue

Many trees to cover

Early autumn debut

D. DeGraaf