September 23

Just a ½ mile left on my 90-mile journey to follow the main channel of the Chippewa River from its beginning in Barryton, back on April 29, to its end in Midland. The early morning weather is cool and sunny as I hike east on a narrow earthen path along a steep, 20-ft. bank of the river. The surrounding vegetation includes Prickly Ash, Dogwood and Buckthorn with its clusters of black berries. Pausing to enjoy the peaceful landscape, I look out on the slow moving river and see its water is murky with sediment from recent rains. Continuing east toward the rising sun, I notice wildflowers still in bloom include: Dame’s Rocket, Jerusalem artichoke and Aster while those going to seed include: Motherwort, Snakeroot and Burdock. Also, I pass by a patch of Poison Ivy with leaves beginning to change color and one with a Japanese beetle resting on it. Up ahead, I come across a few walnut husks on the trail. Picking one of them up, I break it open to reveal several tiny maggots feeding on the pulp. These larvae of the Walnut Husk Fly will feed on the husk for 3-5 weeks. Mature maggots will then burrow several inches into the soil to pupate. Most will emerge as adult flies (stock photo) next summer. With just a short distance to reach the river’s mouth, I spot clusters of Wild grapes as well as a Wild Cucumber vine with some of its spiny pod-like fruit. Suddenly, I see a Green Heron fly over the river and perch high on the far side. Since these birds migrate, they will soon head to the southern US or Central America for the winter. Continuing east, I glance up at the dense canopy and down at the leaf litter consisting mostly of willow leaves. Down by the water’s edge, a clump of Purple Loosestrife catches my eye. Nearing the river terminus, I gaze ahead at a footbridge called the “tridge”. Making my way onto this structure, I face west to watch the Chippewa River end its journey as it empties into the Tittabawassee River. Next, I face north to watch the Tittabawassee flow toward me, merge with the Chippewa River and then continue to flow southeast where it will spill into the Saginaw River which then flows into Saginaw Bay. With fond memories and my quest completed, I head to the car for my drive back to Alma.

Waters of life

Nourishes earth

Flows in her veins

River of worth

Wonder of nature

Beauty to inspire

Clean and clear

River to admire

More than a stream

More than a creek

Cherish the Chippewa

River unique

D. DeGraaf