December 31

On a clear, cold Christmas morning, I hiked west from Pingree Rd. on the paved Meijer Heartland Trail through a corridor of leafless trees. The dark asphalt surface provided an ideal backdrop for Mother Nature to display her images and tell her seasonal story. Patches of fallen leaves, along with a dusting of snow on this slate-colored aisle through the woods, spoke of the onset of winter. Nature’s portraits included leaves in various stages of decay, void of chlorophyll, painted on a smooth, black canvas, including Bur Oak, Red Oak and Elm, each showing their distinctive margins and venation. Further ahead on the surface of tar, the artist had created a collage of dry and brittle maple leaves sprinkled with snow. More tales from the tar included tracks of opossum and squirrel on a white overlay. While continuing to walk west, I glanced far ahead to see a sudden flash of a white tail from a whitetail crossing this man-made strip of bituminous pitch and gravel. Other images included posing leaves of Aspen and Cottonwood as well as needles of Scotch pine. From this blacktop surface here on planet earth, I glanced skyward through bare branches to observe the moon, 240,000 miles away and remember the amazing photo of our planet taken 50 years ago today from the Apollo 8 spacecraft as it orbited the moon. At Bliss Rd., I turned around and headed east as the rising sun began to shed its light on the straight path before me where trains once traveled. Continuing to walk the trail of tar, I watched in awe as sunbeams began to shimmer through the leafless brush as the Christmas morning star colored the southeastern horizon and highlighted a tangle of branches. Finally, I returned to the warmth of the car for my travel back home to celebrate the holiday with family and friends.

No colored lights

On pines of green

No shiny tinsel

On spruce are seen

No carol music

Disturbs the peace

Only the wind

Call of the geese

No angels on high

No child is born

Nature awakes

On Christmas morn

D. DeGraaf

December 24

Last Friday, I drove 10 miles west of Alma to revisit the new nature trail in the 50-acre Lumberjack Park, north of Riverdale. The early morning weather was cloudy with a temperature of 36 degrees and a slight breeze out of the north. Leaving the car parked by the south trailhead off Madison Rd, I followed the Sugar Maple Trail north through a corridor of leafless hardwoods while listening to the call of a White-breasted Nuthatch. Continuing north, I descended the stairs and walked on the boardwalk over mud flats that showed some ice cover. Turning east, I hiked a short distance before turning north and beginning to cross the bridge over Mud Creek. Despite overcast skies, I paused halfway, faced eastward and acknowledge the morning sun as it reached its lowest solstice to usher in the winter season. Continuing over the bridge, I proceeded north, turned west down a slope and picked up the White Pine Trail as it headed to the northwest up another slope where I spotted some turkey scat on the leaf liter. Noting the shape, it mostly likely originated from a gobbler rather than a hen. Also, the dark portion is the fecal material while the white portion is crystalized urine. Reaching the north trailhead, I turned around and retraced my steps a short distance before veering right to follow the Riverview Trail. Proceeding southeast, I paused on a high bank to observe the Pine River flowing gently by. Continuing on the trail, I marveled at the numerous patches of green Foliose Lichens on the tree trunks. As the trail turned northward, I spotted a soccer-ball size Bald-faced hornets’ nest suspended from a branch high in the canopy. Continuing through a stand of mature pine trees, I came upon a decomposing log covered with fresh and edible Oyster Mushrooms. Back up the slope, I turned south and once again came to Mud Creek where I observed a small flock of noisy Chickadees fluttering through brush near the bank. After hiking back across the bridge, I spotted a lovely red cardinal nestled in the tangled underbrush. Back over the boardwalk, I followed the Sugar Maple Trail as it looped east, then south and then west back to the car to complete the hike before heading home.

You had barely left

When redwings arrived

My memory faded

When cattails thrived

Forgot about you

When summer came

Autumn commenced

It was still the same

You finally showed

O heavenly sphere

Winter sun

Glad you’re here

D. DeGraaf

December 17

Last Thursday, I stayed close to home and hike on some private land just east of Alma. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 17 degrees and no wind. Leaving the car, I headed north along a 2-track, accompanied by a small flock of Juncos that darted through the leafless underbrush where I couldn’t help but notice the huge wind turbines off in the distance. While looking more closely at the underbrush, I spotted the colorful seeds and husks of American Bittersweet. Since, there was a thin layer of snow on the ground, it was easy to spot some fresh coyote tracks. Following the trail as curved to the west and then south, I entered a forest of mature hardwoods and conifers where the leaf litter showed evidence of oak, maple and pine. Continuing on the trail as it ascended a steep slope and meandered westward across a high narrow ridge with wooded wetlands below, I marveled at what appeared to be glacial type terrain, a rare sight indeed in the predominately flat landscape of Gratiot County. Suddenly, a large raptor flew over the trail ahead and landed high in a nearby tree where I could see it was a majestic Barred Owl. Continuing west, I noticed a few green but frozen leaves on an Autumn Olive shrub beside me and a few fresh opossum tracks on the snowy path at my feet. Next, I paused to watch a family of wild turkeys cross the trail in front of me. Descending the ridge, I wandered over to the edge of one of several large wooded wetlands to scan the landscape. Near shore, I spotted a few fresh rabbit tracks on the snow-covered ice. Turning around, I began retracing my steps to the east when I came upon an unusual site- a healthy looking maple tree whose leaves had turned brown and had not fallen off. While this phenomena is common in oak and beech trees, it is rarely seen in maple trees. Continuing eastward, I exited the forest and came to a gravel pit surrounded by large pine trees where I spotted a set of deer tracks crossing the ice covered surface. Finally, I returned to the car and headed home.

Outer edge of fall

Thin layer of snow

Creatures hunker down

Grasses cease to grow

Farewell sun of autumn

Winds from the north

Sweep the icy pond

Reeds sway back and forth

Gone, flowers of May

Gone, birds of June

Nature takes a break

Winter is coming soon

D. DeGraaf

December 10

Last Tuesday, I drove 14 miles southwest of Alma to hike in Centennial Park, located in the village of Sumner. The early afternoon weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 34 degrees and no wind. From the car parked off St. Charles Rd., I headed a short distance west to the edge of the swollen Pine River to observe the water flowing fast to the south under the bridge. From there, the river will curve around to the northeast and meander for approximately 8 miles before reaching the millpond in Alma. Turning north, I followed the riverbank and entered the walking trail where I followed my shadow through a corridor of leafless trees and shrubs. Below my feet, I noticed a few dead maple leaves on a bed of moss while overhead, the naked canopy revealed a sky of blue and white. Just ahead, I paused to scan the extensive river flats while also noticing a thin layer of ice on a nearby vernal pond. I continued on the trail as it curved east and then back to the south where I spotted some small brown fungi growing from a decaying log. While they looked like Galerina Mushrooms, I wasn’t sure. Since these kind of mushrooms are difficult to identify, mycologists refer to them as LBMs (little brown mushrooms). There are hundreds of species found everywhere, in all seasons and all habitats. Many LBMs are poisonous and some contain the deadly amatoxin. Continuing south, I came upon the remnants of a Ground Cherry vine with some of its Chinese lantern-like husks. Up ahead, the trail displayed some deer tracks while a White Oak tree still retained its leaves. As I was exiting the woods, I noticed the bright red fruit of High Bush Cranberry. Despite its name, this fruit is not cranberry. However it looks somewhat like a cranberry, tastes like a cranberry and ripens at the same time of year. Finally, I wandered back to the river for one last look before returning to the car and heading home.

December arrives

Escorting cold

Dormancy and death

Have now taken hold

Fur on the trail

Bones in the mud

A patch of snow

Drops of blood

Creatures confronted

Predator and prey

One lives, one dies

Mother Nature’s way

D. DeGraaf

December 3

Last Wednesday, I drove 20 miles north to hike in Mt. Pleasant’s 90-acre Mill Pond Park. The early morning weather was cloudy with a temperature of 27 degrees and a slight breeze out of the west. From the parking lot, I headed south along the edge of the Mill Pond that was beginning to ice over. Along the way, a solitary Milkweed plant with a few seeds yet to be dispersed reminded me of the warm days of summer when it had fragrant pink blossoms and was sometime visited by Monarch Butterflies. Just ahead, I spotted some squirrel tracks in the snow as well as some of their nests high in a leafless maple tree. From near shore, I paused to observe some Sugar Maple leaves submerged in the murky frigid water. Retracing my steps back to the beginning, I turned east and followed the main trail where a few oak leaves were scattered on the paved pathway and a few leafless Buckthorn trees displayed some of their black berries. The presence of these berries at this late date indicated they were not the most desirable food source for wildlife. Even though the seeds are mildly poisonous, birds will eat them and their laxative effect helps with seed dispersal trough their droppings. Also, I noticed a few Musclewood (Blue Beech) trees were still clinging to some of their leaves. As the path continued east along the bank of the Chippewa River, I paused to watch the gently flowing current. Based on the current flow rate data from Mt. Pleasant, the water was moving at a rate of 387 cubic feet per second compared to a high of a little more than 2000 feet per second back in March. In contrast, further ahead I came to the river’s edge to look and listen as it passed over a dam and spilled north over some rocks. Crossing a pedestrian bridge, I turned around and walked along the south river bank where off to my left I could see how the snow helped outline the contorted trunks and branches of mature Box elder trees that were a dominant species in the flood plain. Not surprisingly, a few female trees still held on to some samaras. As the path turned south along the riverbank, I spotted a few wispy seeds of the invasive Clematis shrub (Old Man’s Beard). After turning around, I proceeded north over another bridge and retraced my steps west back to the car.

You speak to me

Waters of worth

Sustainer of life

Artery of earth

Raparian wonder

Born in a lake

Carving the land

You give and take

Soothing sounds

Resource giver

Rapids on rocks

Chippewa River

D. DeGraaf

November 26

Yesterday, I stayed close to home and hiked in Alma’s 50-acre Conservation Park. The early morning weather was cloudy with a temperature of 37 degrees and a light gusty breeze from the west. From the parking lot, I headed west along the edge of the Pine River millpond where I spotted a few Canada Geese and Mute Swans swimming near the far shore. Continuing west, I noticed a patch of leafless Red-Osier Dogwood with their burgundy branches. Just ahead, I paused on an observation deck to scan the millpond where, at my feet, the leaf litter showed mostly Aspen, Oak and Pine. Continuing west along a high bank above the river, I noticed the leaf litter was dominated by Red and White Oak along with a few Beech. Turning south, I followed the dirt road past a mature leafless deciduous forest to the newly renovated Girl Scout Cabin. Just past the cabin, I saw a colorful patch of British Soldier Lichens growing on a decomposing stump. Turning east, I first found evidence of deer activity including a fresh buck rub and some tracks in the mud before glancing ahead to see a gathering of them staring at me. Little did they know how fortunate they are to live in this preserve that doesn’t allow hunting. Continuing east across the mowed grassland under the power lines, I entered a dense wooded area of spruce and pine where I came face to face with a young curious whitetail. Following the meandering trail as it turned north, I came upon a few red berries of Viburnum and Barberry. Exiting the woods, I followed a paved road back to the west where the leaf litter included rarely seen Chinquapin Oak leaves. Next, I stopped at the Eyer Bird Observation Hut where I watched the feeders for a few minutes and spotted a Nuthatch, a Chickadee and a Downy Woodpecker. Finally, I returned to the car for a short drive home.

Far away from the hunter’s gun

Run, river run

By light of the moon, light of the sun

Run, river run

Your journey’s not over, only half done

Run, river run

Ice flows have not yet begun

Run, river run

Keeping you healthy is priority one

Pine River run

D. DeGraaf

November 19

Last Wednesday, I drove 31 miles northeast of Alma to hike on the River Point Trail, one of several trails within the 1200-acre Chippewa Nature Center. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 23 degrees and no wind. Leaving the car parked in the cul-de-sac at the end of E. Hubert Rd., I followed my shadow onto a groomed trail northeast into a wooded area that included maples as indicated by the leaf litter. At the fork where a mile-long loop began, I veered right and hiked along with my shadow through a wooded area dominated first by Pin Oak and then by Red Oak and Aspen as indicated by the leaf litter at my feet. Scanning my surroundings, I noticed many downed tree trunks dusted with last week’s snow. Approaching the edge of the Chippewa River, I paused on a high bluff to observe the slow moving current. The main branch of this river begins its 92-mile journey from a dam impoundment in Mecosta County’s village of Barryton. From there it meanders southeast through Mt. Pleasant and then flows more easterly along the M-20 corridor to this point. From here it continues east about a mile where it picks up the Pine River tributary and flows another 4 miles to Midland where it empties into the Tittabawassee River. Continuing counterclockwise on the loop trail, the only green vegetation I noticed were the roundish leaves of a Pagoda Dogwood tree. Nearby, a decaying tree trunk was covered with fresh Oyster Mushrooms. Following the trail as it curved south, I noticed the litter contained more American Beech leaves. Turning east, I walked on a narrow boardwalk over one of many vernal ponds. Continuing east toward the rising sun, I completed the loop and retraced my steps back to the car for my trip home.

Season moves ahead

Nature rids of green

Autumn colors exposed

Falling leaves are seen

Barren is the meadow

Frost glazes the ground

Swallows leave the pond

Wooly Bears around

Grasses cease to grow

Creatures go away

Comes the colder night

Comes the shorter day

D. DeGraaf

November 12

Last Saturday, I drove 6 miles northwest of Alma to hike once again in the 90-acre, Forest Hill Nature Area. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 25 degrees and a noticeable breeze out of the west. Leaving the parking lot, I proceeded west to the crest of Energy Hill where yesterday’s snowfall dusted the landscape. After walking down to the edge of ice-covered Mallard Marsh, I continued west through Bobolink Meadow where I noticed a large section had been mowed in preparation for reintroduction of native grassland species. Entering North Woods, I proceeded west past a swollen vernal pond before turning south into Succession Field. Circling west and then south, I walked through oak alley where Red Oak leaves continued to fall and litter the trail. Also, I paused to notice a Flowering Dogwood tree and was puzzled as to why its leaves were still green. Turning east through birch row, I got off the trail and ventured into Succession Field to investigate a solitary Birch tree that unlike all the other birch trees nearby, still retained most of its leaves. A close examination revealed it was not a white birch like the others but probably a gray or river birch. From there, I entered South Woods, stopped briefly to scan Swanson Swamp and spot a few bright red Winter berries before continuing along the trail where I noticed some of the leafless Witch Hazel trees were still in bloom. Exiting the woods, I turned east and then south past Sora Swale where the muddy trail revealed a few deer tracks. Turning east, I followed the trail through another grassland section that had been mowed before reintroduction of native species. Continuing east, I paused briefly at Brady Cemetery to admire the new sign and restoration work done to many of the gravesites. Turning north through Native Grassland, I paused to gaze at Grebe Pond as well as the recently mowed top of Reflection Hill. Finally, I followed the trail around past Raske Barn., glanced south at Grebe Pond before making my way back to the car for my trip home.

Midst of November

Nature takes a rest

Leafless willow tree

Shows an empty nest

Rain refills the pond

Cattails bow down

Herons bid farewell

Buck shows his crown

At the forest edge

Chickadees greet

Meadow colors fade

Autumn in retreat

D. DeGraaf

November 5

Last Thursday, I drove 8 miles west of Alma to hike in a 74-acre, Department of Natural Resources’ property abutting the eastside of the Pine River north of Riverdale. The late afternoon weather was mostly cloudy with a temperature of 45 degrees and a noticeable breeze from the east. Parking on a dirt driveway off M-46, I followed a 2-track north past a locked gate into a clearing where I noticed leaves on Autumn Olive shrubs were beginning to turn yellow. Continuing north, the path took me through a grove of oak trees whose leaves had turned rusty red. Examining the leaf litter, I noticed they were Red Oak. With no trail to follow, I turned west and made my way through a dense cedar swamp where I spotted some foliose lichens growing on a fallen tree branch and lush moss covering a decaying log. Continuing west, I came to the edge of an expansive floodplain marked by pools of water and fallen trees. Exploring this area, I paused as a gust of wind passed through an American Beech tree blowing down some of its golden leaves. Continuing to meander westward through muddy river flats, I noticed the peeling bark of a Yellow Birch tree and a standing tree trunk marked by several burls. A burl results from a tree undergoing some form of stress caused by an injury, virus or fungus. Most burls grow beneath the ground, attached to the roots as a type of malignancy that is generally not discovered until the tree dies or falls over. Continuing west, I came to the edge of the Pine River and paused to watch the slow moving current as it flowed north to south under the noisy highway toward the city of Alma. After turning around to make my way back, I came upon a large patch of dark green stalks of Equisetum as well as a small patch of light green Liverwort. This plant gets its name from the shape of its thallus. Like moss it doesn’t have leaves, stems or roots. Nearby, I spotted some aging Red-banded polypore fungi attached to a fallen tree trunk. Returning to higher ground, I found a groomed trail and followed it south where I noticed the leaf litter was comprised of maple and aspen. Finally, I returned to the car and headed home.

Gone from the fields

Is the luster of gold

Sunshine of summer

Has now turned cold

Gone are the redwings

That ruled the marsh

Winds of November

Blow strong and harsh

Gone is the green

Of trees and vines

Scenes of nature

Mid autumn signs

D. DeGraaf

October 29

Last Thursday, I drove 33 miles northwest of Alma to hike in the 5-acre, Fox Run Preserve, another property of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. The early morning weather was sunny with a frigid temperature of 23 degrees and no wind.Leaving the car parked off Fox Run Rd., I proceeded east through a mature plantation of Red and White Pine Trees where the ground was covered with needles and cones. A short distance ahead I came to a clearing that was part of a power line easement where I noticed how the hard frost had glazed the blossoms of Goldenrod and Yarrow as well as a basal rosette of Mullein. Continuing east, I came to the edge of a small pond blanketed with green vegetation. Upon closer inspection, I could see that the green layer consisted of millions of tiny duckweed plants. Besides being a food source for waterfowl, duckweed is also edible by humans. It has traditionally played a role in Asian cuisine, where the Thai, Burmese and Laotians use it as a nutritious vegetable. Exploring the area around the pond, I spotted some turkey tail fungi on a decomposing tree trunk. Also, I spotted a birch snag with several oval-shaped bracket fungi attached, both fresh and aged. Commonly known as birch polypore, birch bracket, or razor strop, this fungus, as the name suggests, grows almost exclusively on birch trees. The fruiting body that emerges from the bark can last for more than a year. Technically, it is an edible mushroom, with a strong, pleasant "mushroomy" odor but a bitter taste. The velvety cut surface of the fruiting body was traditionally used as a strop for finishing the edges on razors. Nearby, I noticed a frosty coating on seeds of a Joe-Pye Weed plant sticking up from a patch of reeds. A short distance further east I came to the shore of the 56-acre Hall’s Lake where I paused to observe the sun rising over the water. Looking skyward, I observed a flock of noisy geese flying in formation. Winding my way back to Fox Run Rd, I followed it a short distance northeast to another section of the preserve that abutted up to the boat launch on the south side of Bloomfield Township Park. While scanning this area, I noticed lots of invasive Autumn Olive shrubs. Finally, I found my way back to the car, turned on the heater and headed for home.

On the trail ahead

Squirrel in my site

Darts over logs

In dawn’s early light

Up the maple trunk

Through the frigid air

Scampering skyward

Toward its leafy lair

Long bushy tail

Thick fur of gray

One of nature’s finest

Late October day

D. DeGraaf

October 22

Last Wednesday, I returned to Lumberjack Park near Riverdale to check out the condition of the new nature trail that was opened last summer. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 37 degrees and a gusty wind out of the southwest. Leaving the car parked in the lot at the south trailhead off Madison Rd, I followed the Sugar Maple Trail east over a blanket of fallen leaves. Turning north and then west, I entered the Mud Creek Trail that took me down the steps and across the boardwalk. Turning east and then north I began crossing the bridge over Mud Creek where I paused to notice the reflection of a cloudy blue sky on the surface. Also, while listening to a Chickadee, I spotted a Bur Oak leaf and a Sugar Maple leaf floating underneath. As the rising sun broke through the clouds, I continued north past the creek through a stand of mature Red and White Pine before turning west down the slope to the White Pine Trail. Following this trail northwest through a corridor of conifers, I came to the north trailhead off Lumberjack Rd. where I paused at the parking area and noticed some late blooming Daisy Fleabane blossoms. As the wind picked up and leaves began to fall, I retraced my steps a short distance southeast before veering right and following the Riverview Trail where I came upon a strange looking, rarely-seen fungus clinging to a tree trunk called Ruffled Paper Fungus. Continuing along a high bank above the Pine River, I paused at the Keeler bench to observe the water flowing southeast carrying many fallen leaves. Further ahead, I stepped off the trail to the edge of the river to look and listen. Turning east through another stand of Red and White Pine, I noticed a few Royal Fern fronds still retained their green color. Joining up with the Mud Creek Trail, I retraced my steps back across the bridge where I came upon some fresh, edible, 2-3 inch Dryad Saddle mushrooms. Heading south back over the boardwalk and up the steps, I spotted some grape-size, edible Stump Puffball mushrooms. Continuing south, I finally made it back to the car for my trip home.

October forest

Eyes on the wild

Trail is littered

Leaves are piled

Descending the dome

One by one

Leaves of maple

Beams of sun

Up from the earth

Mushrooms appear

Just ahead

A Whitetail deer

D. DeGraaf

October 15

Last Thursday, I hiked in Chippewa Watershed Conservancy’s Ball Preserve. Unlike most of the preserves, this 5-acre parcel is only accessible from the Chippewa River. The early morning weather was overcast with a temperature of 50 degrees and a strong westerly wind. From the west end of the property I looked upstream a few hundred yards where I could make out the shoreline of the Audubon Woods Preserve. With no trail to follow, I made my way around the convex-shaped riverbank where I paused to take in the sights and sounds of this riparian landscape. Further along, I paused again as a strong gust of wind blew several colorful leaves off the trees overhead into the rapidly flowing current. On the less turbulent water near shore, I observed a few Water Striders scurrying about. Near the eastern boundary of the preserve, I turned inland to explore more of the property that consisted of a dense broadleaf woodland. Perusing the leaf litter, I spotted mostly samples of Sugar Maple, Silver Maple, American Beech and American Hornbeam with an occasional Red Maple and Big Tooth Aspen. Scanning the entire property, I could clearly see that it formed the inside bend of the meandering river. Looking skyward I noticed the canopy was thinning out while on the ground I spotted a few Lady Ferns retained their summer green color. While continuing to walk around, I discovered more signs of autumn including: the yellowing of Spicebush leaves and the reddening of White Oak leaves. Next, I came upon some fresh Oyster Mushrooms growing on a tree trunk. Besides being edible, these fungi play a growing role in mycorestoration, a process of using mushrooms to clean up pollution. Because they secrete enzymes that break down toxic chemicals, these mushrooms have been used to clean up oil spills as well as remove heavy metal compounds from dumpsites. Near the south end of the property, I came upon a large, weathered metamorphic rock with its distorted surface layers. Finally, I took off and headed for home.

Around the bend

Clear and cold

Surface in motion

Leaves of gold

Floating branches

Budweiser can

Debris of nature

Litter of man

Needles and twigs

Onward they go

Artifacts of autumn

Flow river flow

D. DeGraaf

October 8

Last Thursday, I drove 20 miles northwest of Alma to hike in the 2-acre, Winawa Preserve, another property of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 54 degrees and a gusty wind out of the northwest. After parking the car off Nottawa Rd just north of Wing Rd., I entered the north side of the preserve and hiked south into a landscape marked by small clearings surrounded by shrubs as well as mature broadleaf and conifer trees. Exploring the area, I gazed skyward to watch a tall Cottonwood tree rustling in the wind while on the ground I spotted some of its leaves including some that were losing their green color in accordance with the season. Other seasonal indicators that caught my eye were the reddening leaves of Poison Ivy and Virginia creeper. Colorful ripened fruit that I noticed included Wild Grapes and Multiflora Rose hips. This berry-like fruit can be eaten raw but making a hot or cold tea out of them is a popular way to enjoy their unique flavor. To make the tea, these hips can be mashed and steep in hot water. Continuing to walk around the northern part of the preserve, I came upon a large stand of invasive shrubs including Autumn Olive and Bush Honeysuckle with their bright red berries. Making my way south, I came to the edge of a shallow, 1-acre pond covered with Duckweed and Watermeal. Being the main reason for the preservation of this land by the Watershed Conservancy, this body of water harbors one of the best populations of Western Chorus Frogs in Isabella County while also serving as a crucial migratory stop for Sora and Virginia Rails. As I circled the pond, I spotted the colorful fruit of Virginia creeper while also hearing the familiar call of Redwing Blackbirds. Since the breeding and nesting time for Redwings who used this spot was long over and they headed south several weeks ago, it is likely that these birds are migrants from northern areas who are passing through on their way south. Finally, I returned to the car for my trip home.

Landscape of autumn

Transformed once again

Creature of summer

Retreats to its den

Milkweed pods

Dry up and shred

Silky white seeds

Escape and spread

Goodbye to the goose

Farewell to the crane

October commences

In nature’s domain

D. DeGraaf

October 1

Last Friday, while in Chicago for a family reunion, my wife, Caroline and I hiked in the 13-acre, Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, 7 miles north of the Loop. The midday weather was mostly cloudy with a temperature of 62 degrees and a gentle lake breeze from the northwest. After being dropped off by a taxi, we followed a woodchip-covered footpath east into a wooded area where I spotted several patches of White Snakeroot. The common name of this species derives from the erroneous belief among early settlers that the bitter rhizomes were beneficial in the treatment of snakebites. In fact, the foliage and rhizomes are highly toxic, causing fatalities from 'Milk Sickness' because the toxins can pass through the milk of dairy cattle to humans. Veering south, with the city skyline in view, we entered a meadow punctuated with the purple hue of New England Asters along with a few seldom seen Harrington Pink Asters as well as some wispy floss of Milkweed seeds busting from the pods. Upon further exploration of the meadow, I spotted: a Monarch butterfly, a small Fiery Skipper Butterfly and a large Field Grasshopper. In addition, a bush, smothered with invasive Sweet Autumn Clematis vines caught my eye. Turning east, we walked along the sandy Lake Michigan shoreline where I paused to observe some moderate wave action. Next to the pier, I caught a brief glimpse of a female Hooded Merganser while on a far fence post, I saw a Palm Warbler in non-breeding plumage. Upon further investigation, I noticed some lovely Evening Primrose as well as some dainty Nodding lady’s tresses orchids. Also, I walked by a few blossoms of Silverweed as well as a patch of Nut Sedge. Winding around back into the woods, I was surprised to come face to face with a perching immature Cooper’s hawk. Just before completing the circular trail, I paused to watch a Bubble Bee feeding on Calico Aster flowers. Finally, we reached the trailhead and called a taxi to return to our rental.

Onset of autumn

Behold! Some signs

Debut of the reds

Virginia creeper vines

Shriveling brown fronds 

Drape the Bracken Fern

Blossoms of Aster

Everywhere you turn

Late September air

Chills the early day

Cold bloods retreat

Nature shows the way

D. DeGraaf

September 24

Last Saturday, I drove 22 miles northwest of Alma to hike in the 1-acre, Meridian Road Preserve, another property of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. The late morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 52 degrees and a steady cool breeze out of the north. From the parking area at the south end of Isabella County’s Meridian Park, I proceeded south on a narrow, discreet earthen trail along the western edge of the Chippewa River where I paused to face the rising sun penetrating the dense canopy as later this evening it will descend across the celestial equator to mark the beginning of autumn. Continuing south, I noticed some leaves changing colors including: Hickory, Poison Ivy and Virginia creeper. Along the way, the bright red berries of Viburnum and the fluffy white seeds of Old Man’s Beard (Clematis) caught my eye. As the trail meandered near the riverbank, I paused to observe the glistening current flow to the north past blossoms of the Joe Pye Weed that had seeded out. After reaching the Meridian Rd. Bridge, I turned around and began retracing my steps when I caught a brief glimpse of a Chickadee foraging in a spruce tree as well as a Chipmunk scurrying through the under brush. Just before reaching the car, I was surprised to see an immature, 30-inch Northern Water Snake swimming near shore with a 6-inch fish in its mouth. Finally, I returned to the car and drove less than a mile west along Hiawatha Dr. to hike in the 2-acre, Neyer Preserve, another one of the Conservancy’s property. Parking along the edge of the road, I proceed south down a steep wooded, embankment that appeared to be a remnant of a former oxbow of the Chippewa River. Exploring the river flats, I came upon several clusters of Milk-cap mushrooms as well as some Coral fungi. In addition, I stopped by a 12’ x 12’ deer exclosure that was placed there by researchers from the Conservancy. Continuing south, I stopped to glance up river and down before retracing my steps back toward the car where I paused to scan that mature woodlot. Finally, I climbed up the embankment to the car for my trip home.

Orb of the sky

Light of the day

Predictable path

Found your way

Summer’s high

To winter’s low

Reached the mid

Then down you go

Seasonal sign

Of nature’s law

Sun of the heavens

Welcome to fall

D. DeGraaf

September 17

Last Tuesday, I drove 23 miles northwest of Alma to hike in the 8-acre, McNeel Preserve, another property of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 52 degrees and no wind. Leaving the car parked off Saratoga Springs Road, I headed east across Winn Rd onto the preserve where I spotted a few patches of the invasive Crown Vetch. With no trails to follow, I plodded through a dense stand of Aspen trees along the north edge of Urie Drain while noticing the unripen fruit of Silky Dogwood and the ripen fruit of Virginia creeper. Continuing east, both the needle-covered ground and the canopy indicated I was passing under a stand of mature Red and White Pines. As the drain curved sharply to the north, I leapt over it and continued east on a game trail through a dense woods of Beech, Maple & Oak where I noticed patches of Bracken Ferns whose fronds were beginning to turn brown, an early sign of fall. Arriving at the edge of the Chippewa River, I paused to look and listen as the water flowed rapidly, still carrying runoff from heavy rain over the past few weeks. From here this ever-meandering river flows north to Deerfield Nature Park where it makes a sharp turn east toward Mt. Pleasant. Following the river north along a gradually ascending bank, I spotted some raccoon scat on a bed of pine needles, some Maidenhair Ferns as well as a fresh patch of Turkey Tail fungi on a decaying stump. Turning west, I made my way back to the edge of the Urie Drain where I spotted several blooms including: Blue Beards tongue, White Turtlehead, as well as a mix of Sky blue Aster and Goldenrod. Once again, hopping over the drain, I continued wandering west where I spotted some large, aged (12” diameter) Artist Conk fungi on an old stump as well as a few 5-inch diameter Fly Amanita Mushrooms. Also, I was pleased to stumble upon some rarely seen blossoms of Bottle Gentain. Finally, I exited the property, crossed Winn Rd and found my car before heading for home.

Waning days of summer

Nature’s hues revealed

Purple Aster blossoms

Dot the golden field

Maples on the edges

Those in between

Still hold their leaves

Still show their green

Rose hips of red

Berries blue and white

Finches flash yellow

New season in sight

D. DeGraaf

Sept 10

Last Friday, I drove 45 miles northwest of Alma to hike in the 79-acre Peterson Natural Area, another property of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 52 degrees and no wind. Leaving the car in the parking area off 180thAve., I proceeded west into an expansive grassland with the sun at my back and no trails to follow. The first thing I noticed was that the dewy conditions combined with the angle of the sunrays exposed hundreds of spider webs clinging to the vegetation. At the “bulls eye” of many of the large circular webs was a Yellow Garden Spider. This common, colorful orb weaver creates a delicate, spoked web of silk to capture its prey. At the end of today, it will eat what’s left of the web and make a new one tonight. The smaller, non-circular webs that appear messy and disorganized were created by a tiny 1/8-inch Cobweb Weaver (barely visible). Proceeding west, I came upon a large meadow covered with yellow blossoms. While most of them were from Canadian Goldenrod plants including this one being visited by a grasshopper, a few were of the Lanced-leaved variety. It’s time once again to remind the reader that Goldenrod pollen is not the source of seasonal “hay fever” allergies, but instead it’s the less showy Ragweed. Continuing to explore the meadow, I spotted a few blossoms of Small-flowered White Aster as well as Spotted Knapweed. In a field ahead, I noticed a hue of pastel purple coming from a patch of Purpletop grass whose spikelets bloom this time of year. Even though the Milkweed plants I observed were no longer in bloom, one was being partially consumed by a Monarch caterpillar while another provided a basking place for an adult Monarch. Within a month or so, the adults will begin their 3000-mile migration to Mexico. Still meandering around the meadow, I spotted a Pearl Crescent Butterfly resting on a blade of grass. Next, I turned around and began retracing my steps east where I was amazed how the morning sun reflected off a dewy patch of Purpletop grass. Finally, I reached the car and started my journey home.



Throughout summer
Green had its way
Grasses and shrubs
Meadow’s display
Splashes of white
Queen Anne’s Lace
Milkweed pink
If only a trace
Along comes yellow
To blanket the sod
Autumn approaches
Behold! Goldenrod

D. DeGraaf

Sept. 3

Last Wednesday, I drove 32 miles northwest of Alma to hike in the 25-acre Kjolhede’s Kove Preserve, another property of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. The early morning weather was mostly cloudy with a temperature of 68 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the west. Leaving the car parked along side Beal City Rd, I put on my knee boots and proceeded south into the preserve that can best be described as a deciduous jungle whose only access are a few barely used game trails through mud and deep puddles. After spotting the red fruit clusters of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, I made my way to the edge of Coldwater River that was flowing fast and spilling over its banks due to heavy overnight rain. This scenic, 13-mile stream flows south out of Littlefield Lake, passes through Weidman Mill Pond, continues south to where I stood, then passes through Coldwater Lake and finally empties into the Chippewa River, three miles south of here. Trudging south through muddy water as I followed the river toward Coldwater Lake, I noticed a pair of tiny Goldenrod Crab spiders on a Common Boneset blossom. Further ahead, I came upon a large swarm of Woolly Alder Aphids feeding on the sap of a Tag Alder branch. The “wool” on these tiny insects is wax, produced by their abdominal glands. The wax streamers shed water, make the aphid look like mold, and are distasteful and distracting to predators. The strands also assist this insect in flight, helping it float in the breeze and disguising it as an airborne plant seed. These aphids excrete honeydew as a byproduct that is a food source for ants. These guardian ants (brownish color on photo) in turn “milk” the aphids while also protecting them from predators. Since the water got deeper and the footing got worse before I could reach Coldwater Lake, I retraced my steps back to the car and drove east a short distance where I was able to gain lake access. On the rocky shore, I spotted Jewelweed, Purple Loosestrife, Smartweed and Sow Thistle. Gazing to the northwest across the cove, I could make out the shoreline of the preserve. Back to the car again, I headed home.

September awakes

Summer holds on

Beyond the shore

A graceful swan

Herons remain

Redwings have fled

A frog sits still

By the river bed

Nature’s realm

Forest is lush

Away from town

A welcomed hush

D. DeGraaf

August 27

Last Thursday, while in Muskegon for my wife’s 50th high school reunion, we hiked nearby in the 1200-acre, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. The mid morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 67 degrees and a westerly breeze off Lake Michigan. From the parking lot of the Gillette Visitor Center, we first stopped at their butterfly garden where I spotted a pair of adult Monarchs feeding on Jerusalem Artichoke blossoms as well as a caterpillar crawling on a Milkweed leaf. On another Milkweed plant, I noticed a cluster of Milkweed Bugs including nymphs and adults feeding on the seedpods. These bugs undergo incomplete metamorphosis. The nymphs look like adults but do not have full wings and their color pattern is different. They have five instars before they reach adulthood. By feeding on milkweed they obtain nasty tasting chemicals and, in turn become distasteful to a wide range of predators. Following the trail west we entered a mature, back dune forest of American Beech, Sugar Maple and Black Oak as well as Canadian Hemlock. Arriving at a fork, we turned south and followed the Dune Climb Overlook trail to a set of 193 stairs that took us to the top for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan and a portion of the worlds most extensive set of freshwater dunes. These sand hills are among the youngest geological formations in Michigan, formed only 3,000 years ago and constantly changing in appearance, size and their effect on the environment. Retracing our steps back to the fork, we took the Lake Michigan Beach trail as it gradually descended west toward the lake. After noticing a few young Sassafras trees, we moved out of the forest toward the shoreline where I paused to observe a Beach Wormwood plant. Wandering around the fore dune, I spotted two kinds of beach grass including: Marram Grass and Sand Reed Grass. Finally reaching the beach, I paused to look and listen to the breaking waves rolling on shore. Also, I spotted a few Ring Billed Gulls far ahead. Retracing our steps back toward the car, we were serenaded by whining Cicadas. Reaching the car, we headed back to our rental in Muskegon.

Breaking waves

Wash the land

Dunes of summer

Grains of sand

Scenic shoreline

Seagull shrills

Dunes of summer

Shifting hills

Opportunity

We had to take

Dunes of summer

Beside the lake

D. DeGraaf

August 20

Last Wednesday, I drove 18 miles southeast of Alma to hike on the nature trail in Gratiot County’s 100-acre Reed Park. The mid afternoon weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 86 degrees and no wind. From the parking lot, I walked north to the trail and followed it into dense forest of mature deciduous trees where I spotted some colorful fruit of Highbush Cranberry. Following the Beech-Maple Trail east, I scanned the landscape and noticed several trees with trunks of various colors and textures. Those that were easy to distinguish included: American Beech, Yellow Birch, Black Cherry, Musclewood and Hop Hornbeam. As the trail turned to the north, I noticed trunks whose differences were more subtle without seeing their leaves including: Sugar Maple, Red Oak and Basswood. Speaking of leaves, I gazed up at the forest canopy that was nearly enclosed. Continuing north, I spotted a recently fallen chlorotic maple leaf on the leaf litter as well as some acorns and an Acorn Plum Gall. This gall grows on Red Oak acorns in response to eggs laid by a female Cynipid wasp. Cutting the fleshy gall in half revealed tiny larvae that will soon pupate and turn into adult wasps. Following the trail as it turned west then south, I was serenaded by sounds of Cicadas. On my left, I came upon a patch of Elderberry bushes with their compound leaves consisting of seven leaflets. On my right, I spotted the fruit of False Solomon’s Seal. Near the trailhead, I came upon a large decaying stump where I spotted the silken-lined burrow of a Wolf Spider. Also, I observed a Harvestman (Daddy long-legs) whose body was about 1/8 inch in diameter and legs about an inch long. Watch how this amazing creature uses its legs to probe the surroundings (while a Housefly ignores it). These legs, especially the second pair, serve as ears, nose, tongue, and even as supplementary "eyes." They are loaded with nerves and literally thousands of tiny sense organs that lie inside microscopic slits. Finally, I completed the circuit and made it back to the car for my trip home.

Forest of summer

Trail through trees 

Time of the year

To show off leaves

Towering Maples

Stand all around

Spreading their green

Shading the ground

High in the canopy

Beyond my reach

Seeking the sun

Oak and Beech

D. DeGraaf