June 17

The late morning sun shines through the dense canopy of Sugar Maple trees as I begin my hike at the south trailhead of Lumberjack Park Nature Trail. The newly fallen green maple leaves littering the trail is a sign that tiny 1/3-inch larvae of the Maple petiole borer (stock photo) are actively feeding. Rarely seen adults are ¼ inch non-stinging wasps called sawflies (stock photo). Fortunately, this premature leaf drop is short term and does not kill the trees. Continuing north on the boardwalk, I’m greeted by several fluttering Ebony Jewelwing Damselflies. Emerging from eggs laid in surrounding water, these insects spend about a year in the submerged naiad stage (stock photo) before molting into winged adults that live about 2 weeks. Up ahead, my attention is drawn to colorful blossoms of Wild Iris peaking through the marshy vegetation. Turning east, I come to the newly repaired bridge over Mud Creek where I spot blossoms of Daisy Fleabane and wild Raspberry growing along the banks. Downstream, seeds from towering Cottonwood trees fall like snow on the flowing water. Making my way west onto the White Pine trail, I pause to look and listen to the commotion of Fox Squirrels chasing each other through the dense canopy. Nearby, a Black Squirrel (Melanistic Gray) stares me down while clinging to a tree trunk. Before reaching the north trailhead, I veer sharply to the left and follow the Riverview Trail to one of my favorite vistas where I rest to enjoy the sights and sounds of the gently flowing Pine River. Looping back to the north through a stand of mature White and Red Pines, I stop to notice a Little Wood-Satyr Butterfly resting on a leaf. Retracing my steps back toward the car, I listen to a chirping Chipmunk perched on the forest floor. Back at the car, I reflect on the good condition of the trail and the work that is being done on a new section that should open next summer.

Signs of spring abound

Mother Nature thrives

Frog sits and watches

Duck swims and dives

Nests fill with chicks

Forest fills with green

Warbler on a branch

Heard but seldom seen

Seasons are changing 

Summer arriving soon

May, a distant memory

Such are days of June

D. DeGraaf