August 5

I’m gingerly making my way down a steep, muddy slope toward the edge of the Chippewa River. Since my last river rendezvous, 3 weeks ago at Indian Pines Park, it has meandered about 5 miles east to this location. In the cool of the early morning with no mosquitoes bothering me, I’m exploring the 3½-acre, Szok Riverbend Preserve, a new acquisition of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. Located 6 miles east of Mt. Pleasant near the corner of E. River and Wise Rds., this densely forested property protects about a thousand feet of unspoiled riparian habitat. Pausing on the bank, I renew my acquaintance with the sight and sound of the river. According to the river monitoring station in Mt. Pleasant, today’s flow rate is quite slow at 215 cubic ft./sec compared to 431cfs on July 1. Not surprisingly, the water level has gone down about 1 ft. during that same period. Hiking upstream near the water’s edge, I spot Mussel shells as well as tracks of the Raccoon that likely feasted on them. Mussels are important to the river ecosystem because they remove contaminants from water as they filter it for food. The more mussels there are, the better the water quality. Large trees leaning over the water include Elm and Basswood. Continuing upstream, I notice blossoms of Bergamot, Water Parsnips and Daisy Fleabane. Trudging through a patch of Tick Trefoil, several of their small sticky seedpods cling to my pants. Suddenly, I hear the raucous call (stock video) of a Great Blue Heron as it takes off from the far side. Turning around, I retrace my steps downstream and take one last look at the river as it continues its journey toward Midland. Finally, I climb up the steep slope past a patch of Maidenhair Ferns to the car. So ends another close encounter with the “Chip”.

Chippewa River

Lo and behold

Your many secrets

Yet to unfold

Your journey I follow

Your banks to walk

Flora to find

Fauna to stalk

Mile after mile

Straight or veer

Your waters speak

Your call I hear

D. DeGraaf