September 9

Back on home soil, I’m reuniting with the Chippewa River while marking my 12thencounter, following it from beginning to end. The weather is sunny and cool at the Chippewa Nature Center, west of Midland, as I take the River Trail north along its bank and pause to observe the confluence of the Pine River (left) with the Chippewa (right), resulting in a major increase in water volume and channel width. Exploring the riparian landscape, I spot large patches of Snakeroot mixed with Canadian Goldenrod. On the near shore, I notice a Clematis vine going to seed while on the far shore; a wading Blue Heron catches my eye. From the dense canopy, my ears tune in to the song of a Tufted Titmouse. As the trail passes Six-Island Pond, I glance over the water where several Painted Turtles rest on a log to bask in the sun. Curving east, my attention draws to Purple Loosestrife and Yellow Cress growing on the riverbank while the flowing water sparkles in the morning sun. On the paved path a scattering of grape-size haws appear. Fallen from overhanging Hawthorn trees, this fruit can be eaten raw but may cause mild stomach upset. It is most commonly used to make jellies, wines and ketchups. Other wildflowers seen include Panicle Aster and Jewelweed. As the trail turns south away from the river, I veer onto the Wood duck Trail where an Orthopteran chorus is loud and clear. Also, on one side of the trail, I notice a Monarch Butterfly feeding on a Green-headed Coneflower while on the other side, a stand of Joe Pye Weed. Gazing up at a large tree truck, I spot a cluster of raw Poison Ivy berries. In a few weeks they will ripen to a white color and be a food source for birds such as: flickers, phoebes, waxwings and woodpeckers. White-tailed deer and raccoons browse on them as well. Making my way toward the car, I discover a few signs of the season to come: red berries of Viburnum, red leaves of Virginia creeper and white blossoms of Turtlehead. Back in the car, I head home to Alma.

River scene

Banks of green

Water’s clean

Treasures glean

River flow

Current slow

Nature’s show

Not far to go

River sound

Beauty profound

Gaining ground

Homeward bound

D. DeGraaf