March 28

Tuesday, Remi and I traveled 20 miles southeast of Alma to explore a rare section of the Bad River Watershed in Gratiot County that is accessable to the public. The early morning weather was overcast, misty with a temperature of 39 degrees and slight breeze from the east. After parking in the Hamilton Township Cemetery, I walked north to a steep bank overlooking the Bad River. This river originates 15 miles west of here near Ithaca, runs for another 25 miles east through St. Charles and empties into the Shiawassee River which then continues east into the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. Descending the bank, I continued north to the river’s edge where I paused to take in the sights and sounds of this riparian landscape. Near shore in the shallow water, I spotted a few Unionid Mussel shells. As good indicators of environmental quality, their population around here has steadily declined due to polluted water. Next, I turned east and explored the river flats where I spotted: deer tracks in the mud, Sycamore leaves in the litter and various stages of Raccoon scat on a log. Turning around and heading west, I noticed many signs of Beaver activity including several gnawed stumps and a lodge. Growing on a nearby tree trunk, fresh Milk White Toothed Polypore fungi caught my eye while across the river, the song of a Field Sparrow caught my ear. I continued following the river west across Barry Rd and walked along a path just south of Edgewood Church of God property where I paused to scan my surroundings and listen to the sounds of early spring. Finally, I turned around, headed back to the car and took off for home.

Curtain opens

Stage in view

Nature’s cast

Take their cue

Cranes call

Redwings sing

Ducks on the pond

Geese on the wing

Enter the warmth

Exit the snow

Spring season

Rarin’ to go

D. DeGraaf