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