April 20

I’m standing on the edge of one of the many meanders of the Pine River about five miles upstream from where I began my exploration of this valuable watercourse, two weeks ago. I’m in Midland County near the former village of Gordonville. Only a combination grocery store and gas station with a sign that reads "Gordonville" marks the spot just west of here that once was a thriving village consisting of a church, a school, a grocery store, a garage and a restaurant. Lumbermen from Canada settled here in the early 1900’s to cut what was called "square lumber" after the huge white pines were depleted. It was then floated down the Pine, Chippewa, and Tittabawassee Rivers to Saginaw (stock photo) to the lumber mills where it was used in building boats. The midday weather is partly sunny and unseasonably chilly with a stiff west wind as I make my way along the densely wooded north bank where I pause to watch the river flow swiftly by. Up ahead, I pass a pile of deer bones and a patch of the highly invasive Garlic Mustard. Next, I descend the steep bank to the water’s edge where I take in the reflection of trees on the mirrored surface as well as one of the many versions of a Northern Cardinal song. Going back up the slope and continuing to parallel the river, I first notice that Aspen leaves make up most of the litter and then I spot a pile of Mourning Dove feathers, likely the leftovers of a predator’s meal. Soon after, I gaze skyward through a leafless canopy and welcome the sun as it breaks through the clouds to warm me up. As the river curves sharply to the north, I descend the bank once again to explore the edge where I come across a patch of green, straw-size reeds called Horsetail. Scanning the muddy shore, I notice what appear to be Bobcat tracks. Given the recent sightings of a Bobcat at the nearby Chippewa Nature Center, I’m not surprised to find them here. Turning around, I begin to retrace my steps where I see and hear a White breasted Nuthatch. Approaching the car, I spot several dried seedpods of Black Locust trees scattered on the trail. Finally, I reach the car and begin my journey home to continue social isolation.

Through fertilized fields

Meandering flow

Past urban drains

Onward you go

Nitrates and Phosphates

Have poisoned you

Combined with coliforms

A toxic stew

Your water is tainted

Polluting the earth

Time to heal you

River of worth

D. DeGraaf