May 15

Last Sunday, I traveled 19 miles northwest of Alma to hike once again in the 13-acre, Sponseller Preserve, another property owned by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 48 degrees and no wind. Leaving the car parked along side of E. Deerfield Rd., I proceeded south across a rustic bridge over a narrow stream called Johnson Creek. After snaking through the preserve, this scenic waterway flows due north about 2 miles before it empties into the Chippewa River at Meridian Park. Following a muddy game trail, I spotted some colorful wildflowers in bloom including: Marsh Marigold, Beardtongue and Trillium. In several places, the ground was blanketed with dainty Forget-me-nots. According to German folklore, the name of this flower is based on a tale of two lovers walking along the Danube River seeing the bright blue blossoms. The man retrieved the flowers for the woman, but was swept away by the river as he pleaded with her not to forget him. Whether the story is true or not, it’s certainly made the flower a lasting symbol of remembrance. Nearby, I paused to observe the gentle flow of the creek and listen to a Chipping Sparrow, a Cardinal as well as a noisy Mallard flying overhead. Continuing south, I noticed a patch of May apple as well as a small grove of the apple trees beginning to bud out. As the path turned east into an old cedar swamp, I spotted some Horsetail along with lots of Lady Ferns with their unusual red stems. Just ahead, I paused to hear a singing Red-eyed Vireo perched somewhere up in the partially open canopy. Eventually, I turned around, retraced my steps back toward the car where I paused to watch the morning sun bounce off the gently flowing creek. Also, I observed lots of Skunk Cabbage as well as a patch of blossoming Periwinkle. Finally, I made it back to the car and headed home.

One of nature’s finest

Look for you each spring

Waited for your arrival

Longed to hear you sing

Daily I searched for you

In trees and in the sky

No sightings to report

Made me wonder why

Today you showed up

Welcomed by eye and ear

Greetings Baltimore oriole

Glad you’re finally here

D. DeGraaf