May 25

Wearing muck boots, I hike north from Midland County Line Rd. onto a muddy flood plain of the Pine River that, just a few days ago, was covered with several inches of water due to locally heavy rain. Under partly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 60’s, I make my way through a deciduous woodland whose trees are leafing out and closing the canopy, except for the towering Ash trees that were killed by the Emerald Ash Borer. Nearby, I gaze up at a Yellow Warbler perched in a Hornbeam tree while on the ground, I notice the receding floodwater has left a muddy stain on much of the green vegetation including a patch of Ground Ivy. Reaching the bank, I pause to look and listen as the shimmering water of the swollen river flows rapidly to the north. Continuing to explore the saturated flood plain, I spot some Wild Mustard blossoms as well as a tree trunk displaying side-by-side ascending vines of both Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy. Also, I am pleased to find Honeysuckle flower buds and enjoy their subtle fragrance. In the mean time, a variety of birdcalls fill the trees including the raucous sound of a Red Bellied Woodpecker. Just ahead, I pause to watch a female Redwing Blackbird, most likely perched above her nest and warning me to stay away. Other observations of note include: a young Basswood tree beginning to bud, Horsetail sporophytes that look like miniature pine trees and Dandelions, some in full bloom and some already seeding out. Back to the road that divides Midland and Gratiot counties, I pause on a nearby bridge and watch the swollen river flow swiftly north while listening to birdcalls followed by mating calls of the Eastern American Toad. From here, I catch the glimpse of a male Downy Woodpecker perched on a willow as well as several Barn Swallows swooping to catch insects off the water. Also, I come upon another posted sign warning of the poor quality of the river water. Back to the car where Caroline is reading and texting, we both look to the south where floodwater, covering a farm field is now running back into the river bringing along whatever chemicals, if any, were previously applied. Thus ends my Pine River encounters in Midland County as next I move into Gratiot County and continue my quest to follow the river upstream to its source.

Finding a pathway

Riparian display

Wildflower array

Song of the Jay

Aspen trees sway

Bird of prey

Green will stay

Dead leaves lay

Stumps decay

Catbird of gray

Chipmunks play

Day in May

D. DeGraaf

May 18

After parking in the Jasper Township Cemetery (a rare “public” access point to the Pine River in Midland County), Caroline remains to read her book while I hike a short distance south through a dense broadleaf woods whose floor is sprinkled with hundreds of blue Violets. Reaching the river under sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 40’s, I pause to again take in the sights and sounds of this adopted watercourse. Moving east along the bank, I spot a few Buttercup and Purple Phlox blossoms as well as Raccoon tracks on the muddy shore. Out on the water, I first watch a Mallard drake land and then a family of Canada geese swimming quietly near the far shore. Nearby, a huge boulder catches my eye and makes me realize that this 2-ton specimen was not transported and deposited here recently by the river but by a glacier thousands of years ago. Further along, I see and hear water draining from a pipe into the river and wonder whether it contains toxic chemicals that run off the cultivated field just above the far bank. After one last look at the river, I turn inland and begin heading back on a 2-track where my surroundings display: a few Trillium blossoms, a few May Apple plants with newly formed green, olive-size flower buds and several patches of Wild Leeks (Ramps). As with garlic, eating this plant has many health benefits including improving heart and liver function. This time of the year, the raw Leek leaves are a perfect addition to a spring salad while the white root bulbs (stock photo) can be eaten year round. Continuing west, a curious Chipmunk catches my eye and the penetrating call of a Pileated Woodpecker catches my ear. High in the canopy, I get a brief look at a Hairy Woodpecker fledgling before it flies away. Further on the leaf-covered trail, I take in a bird song serenade highlighted by a distant Mourning Dove. Near the trail’s end, I get a rare. close-up view of two male Indigo Buntings perched close by in a Birch tree. Walking through the cemetery back to the car, I pause to listen to a Chipping Sparrow hidden high in a Pillar Arborvitae Tree. While driving home, we express gratitude for the chance to get away from the confines of our quarters and enjoy fresh air and blue skies.

Where’ve you been

Onward you go

Staying the course

Pine River, flow

Channel is full

Current is slow

Life giving source

Pine River, flow

Wisdom of your waters

I long to know

Refreshing the mind

Pine River, flow

D. DeGraaf

May 11

The late morning weather is sunny with temperatures in the mid 50’s as I leave the car parked off Magrudder Rd in Midland County and prepare for another Pine River encounter. While making my way south through a wide power line easement, I veer into a wooded area and spot some colorful Periwinkle blossoms scattered in the leaf litter as well as my first seasonal sighting of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Purple Phlox and Pennsylvania Sedge. Continuing around some vernal ponds, I’m pleased to see a patch of Marsh Marigolds as well as a decaying log covered with fresh Oyster fungi. Reaching the bank, I pause to take in the soothing sights and sounds of the riparian landscape and commemorate my fifth encounter with this river as I continue to follow its 50-mile course from end to beginning. Following a deer trail close to the water’s edge, I first notice a male Redwing Blackbird perched on a branch over the river and then the song of a Yellow Warbler catches my attention. As the trail curves along the meandering channel, I gaze out at the flowing water, sparkling with reflections of a noontime sun. Focusing once again on the leaf litter, first, I spot a single Trout Lily blossom with its speckled leaves that resemble a trout, hence its common name. Next, I see a cluster of Dutchman’s breeches blossoms. The common name comes from the pair of outer petals which form a swollen 'V' making the hanging flower look like a pair of white breeches/bloomers hung upside-down. Meanwhile, a decaying stump nearby reveals some fresh Pheasant Back mushrooms. These are quite common and one of only a few decent edibles you will find this time of year. Once you have found tender specimens, they are best cooked straightaway. They should be sliced thin and sautéed or fried hard and fast. Overcooking will create toughness. Continuing away from the riverbank, I notice ferns beginning to sprout and unfold on the muddy ground. Continuing back toward the car, I make my way through a large patch of May apple. Finally, I reach the car where Caroline waits patiently while enjoying the sunshine and a good book.

The springtime forest I stroll 

is burgeoning with green, 

from the canopy above and the

carpet of brittle leaves below.

And yet, I cannot linger 

to admire the dainty Trillium 

or enjoy the sweet song of a Wren.

Instead, I push on, for my senses 

are drawn beyond the tall Aspen 

to a flowing watercourse  that 

lures me with its murmuring 

water and verdant banks.

D. DeGraaf

May 4

From the grassy bank of the Pine River, I watch and listen as the water flows rapidly to the east. The late morning temperatures are in the mid 50’s under sunny skies as I find myself hiking again in Midland County on wooded land adjacent to the Porter Road bridge. Continuing my quest to explore the Pine from its end to its beginning, I notice an overhanging Box Alder tree displays both colorful flowers and young leaflets. While hearing some singing male Redwing Blackbirds, I spot a perching female, noting her plumage that will provide camouflage when she soon begins to nest. On the ground nearby, I see the litter is comprised mostly of decaying Cottonwood leaves and occasionally a colorful male catkin that had fallen from one of these trees as the seasonal cycle of this species continues. Continuing to focus on the ground, spring ephemerals show their presence including Purple Cress and Woodland Violets. Spring ephemeral describes the life habit of certain perennial wildflowers that develop aerial parts, quickly bloom and produce seed. This strategy is evident in deciduous forests like this as it allows these plants to take advantage of the high levels of sunlight reaching the forest floor prior to the formation of a leaf filled canopy. Back to the edge of this ever-meandering river, I pause as the glistening water moves rapidly east and then curves sharply to the north. Away from the bank, I come across a 4-inch clamshell as well as a decomposing log covered with green moss displaying reddish sporophytes. Continuing to search the forest floor, I come across another example of a natural life cycle: some of last year’s fern spore stalks as well as newly sprouting fern fiddleheads. Other ephemerals that catch my eye include Spring Beauty and Wood Anemone. Turning around, I continue along the shore taking in the sights and sounds of this riparian landscape. Moving toward the car, I glance skyward at the open canopy noticing Aspen trees beginning to leaf out. Before getting into the car, I read a nearby sign that reminds me that despite the natural attractiveness of this place, up stream there are human sources of pollution that are poisoning the fauna and destroying the river ecosystem.

Leafless dome

Sunbeams through

Forest prepares

Ephemerals due

The artist is ready

Her time is right

The barren canvas

Awaits the light

Trillium and Phlox

Beauty they bring

Violets and Cress

Portraits of spring

D. DeGraaf