May 3

Wednesday, Remi stayed home while I met fellow outdoorsman, Joe Fox at Lumberjack Park near Riverdale to show him the nature trail I’ve been working on and seek his advice on further development. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 39 degrees and no wind. We started out on the north section of the trail and walked east into a wooded area where I noticed a patch of May apple foliage and a single drooping Trout Lily. Continuing east, we paused on a high bank to watch the swollen Pine River flow rapidly from west to east carrying runoff from recent heavy rains. Nearby, we noticed where a woodpecker had recently tapped into the flowing sap of a pine tree. Further ahead, I made my way closer to the river’s edge where I spotted a young Cinnamon Fern with some edible fiddleheads. So, I picked one and enjoyed its subtle fresh taste. Then, we turned north into a stand of Red and White Pine where Joe used his chain saw to clear a large tree that had blown down over the trail while I picked and ate a fresh Morel Mushroom. Next, we turned east and came to the edge of a swollen Mud Creek. After planning the possible construction of a log footbridge over the creek, we turned around and headed back toward the trailhead where we spotted the Synsacrum bone of a wild turkey. This dorsal ridge of bone is located in the pelvic region and is formed by the fusion of vertebrae. Returning to our cars, we drove to another section of the park off Madison Rd and hiked the south leg of the trail where I spotted a few blossoms of Dutchman’s breeches. Before heading back to Alma, I walked west along the wooded edge of Madison Road where I was amazed to see large numbers of blooming ephemerals, including: Trillium, Blue Phlox and Wild Geranium. Finally, I hopped in the car and left for home.

You finally arrived

In the forest seen

You brought along

Your gifts of green

Ceiling above

Leaves take hold

Floor below

Fiddleheads unfold

Mid of the season

Mid of the year

Welcome back May

Glad you’re here

D. DeGraaf