For my second Pine River encounter in Isabella County, I find myself standing on the Pleasant Valley Rd. bridge as a gentle current moves south through a lush landscape. The midmorning temperature is in the mid 60’s under partly sunny, but hazy skies due to smoke being blown from massive wildfires on the west coast, some 2300 miles away. Nearby, while listening to a chorus of Orthopterans (Grasshoppers, Crickets & Katydids), I spot some bright red berries of Maple Leaf Viburnum and Clematis vines seeding out to where it gets the name, “Old Man’s Beard.” Next to the bridge, I notice a 1/8-inch Leafhopper on a Knapweed blossom as well as some honeybees moving among blossoms of white Aster. Climbing down along the bank, I come upon some Smartweed, displaying two different color blossoms, most likely an example of genetic polymorphism. Further ahead, I pause to scan a patch of Cinnamon ferns with dying fronds. Upon a closer view, I spot some of their dark spore stalks. Approaching the river’s edge, I stop to take in the scenic riparian landscape. Near my feet, I can hardly see a Green frog resting in the mud. Despite their name, these amphibians are not always green but come in a range of colors from beige, black, brown, yellow, blue and of course green. Working my way back, I come upon two plants with sticky burrs, Burdock and Cocklebur. Also, I notice some Ragweed that is seeding out. Despite its reputation as a source of hay fever, ragweed is surprisingly edible. There's evidence that Native Americans actually planted it and harvested the seeds. The seeds have a large percentage of crude protein. This would have been an important food source during long winters. A nutritious oil was also produced by crushing and boiling the seeds in water. Plant-based fats were almost unheard of, so ragweed oil was definitely anticipated and harvested each season. Interestingly enough, ragweed was also part of the early herbal pharmacy. The crushed leaves are astringent, so that makes them effective in treating bug bites and rashes. Modern science has also discovered that ragweed can help remove toxic heavy metals like lead from the soil. The plants can help clear up industrial waste and improve the soil. Finally, another visit complete, I head for home.
I welcome these days
When Egrets pass through
Creeper leaves glow red
Their berries shine blue
I welcome the sun
On its annual descent
Geese are gathering
The meadow is spent
I welcome the morning
Cool and clear
I welcome autumn
Happy it’s here!
D. DeGraaf
Great hike! Where to next?
ReplyDelete