October 12

For the last Pine River encounter in Isabella County, I leave my car off Chapman Rd., just east of the village of Millbrook. It’s mid mourning under sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 50’s when I pause on the bank to watch the river flow eastward through a scenic autumn landscape. The muddy shoreline reveals a leaf litter of maple and hickory as well as green Starwort pondweed. Gazing skyward, I could barely make out a gibbous moon through the leafless branches of a towering dead Ash tree. Hiking through dense underbrush, I pass by Virginia Stickseed and Burdock where, not surprisingly, several of their seeds and burrs stick to my pants. In 1948, Swiss engineer, George de Mestral duplicated the hook and loop fastener inspired by the Burdock burrs. The result of his new invention was Velcro ® brand fasteners, a name that came from the French words for velvet (“velours”) and hook (“crochet”). Looking down, I spot the posterior of a 4-inch Leopard Frog, noting its skin is darker than the usual green-mostly like a genetic variation. Back to the water’s edge, I look overhead as a gust of wind moves through a stand of colorful, mature maple and then look down to see a couple of never-before-seen Ditch Stonecrop plants with their colorful seed capsules. Continuing to explore the bank, I observe two plants with ripe fruit of nearly the same color and size, namely Wild Grape and Virginia Creeper. Despite these similarities, there are critical differences. Fruit of Wild Grape can be eaten as a trail snack but tastes better after the first frost. Making juice from the grapes is a great way to benefit from their goodness. Also, since the grapes freeze well, they can be used for juice throughout the winter. The leaves are also edible. They can be eaten in a salad (they have a tangy citrusy taste) or cooked. On the other hand, Virginia creeper berries and leaves are toxic. They contain tiny crystals called oxalate crystals.  If chewed, they can cause irritation to the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. Although rare, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty swallowing can occur. Heading back to the car, I pause to notice Timothy Grass is in bloom before taking one last look at the river as the morning sun reflects off the water.  

High in a canopy

Touching a cloud

Leaf of scarlet

Lost in the crowd

Time to let go

Time to break free

Tis the season

Fall from the tree

Waft thru branches 

Without a sound

Welcome to earth

Adorn the ground

 

D, DeGraaf