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