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