June 10

Here I am hiking in Meridian Park, seeking another encounter with the Chippewa River as we both continue our 90-mile journey through the fields and forests of Mid-Michigan. Since I last saw this waterway leave Deerfield Nature Park, it has traveled about 2 miles southeast to this location. It’s a cool, cloudy morning as I navigate a narrow trail in this scenic riparian landscape west of Mt. Pleasant. Along the way, I spot a scattering of Birdsfoot Trefoil blossoms as well as a Field Sparrow, perched in the undergrowth. From a high bank, I watch as the meandering river flows slowly around the bend and notice how the outer edge of the channel, where the current is strongest, has cut into the slope. On the gravely ground, I see milkweed beginning to grow as well as evidence of Spittle Bugs attached to nearby vegetation (stock photo). Further ahead, I pause in the quietude as the river flows gently to the east while on the far shore, a wading Whitetail catches my eye. Continuing through a narrow corridor of lush undergrowth, I am pleased to eye a calling Rufous-sided Towhee. Next, I come to into a wooded area of mixed conifers where the trail is carpeted with dead White Pine needles. Far ahead, I see and hear a chirping Chipmunk singing a duet with a Mourning Dove. Turning around and retracing my steps, I re-enter a dense forest of broadleaf trees where the damp ground displays blossoms of False Solomon Seals and Canada Mayflower. Down the trail, I come across a few blossoms of Wild Columbine. Back in a clearing, I gaze across the river to the south at a stand of dead Ash trees that reminds me how the Ash Borer disease has changed the forest ecosystem in Mid Michigan and beyond. Back to the car, I pause in gratitude for another opportunity to explore this unique natural resource.

Chippewa waters

Come and go

Fluid of life

Ever to flow

Chippewa waters 

Sight and sound

Feed the fish

Nourish the ground

Chippewa waters 

Earthly span

Gift of nature

Treasure of man

D. DeGraaf