April 26

It’s mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid 30’s as I face a stiff northwest wind near the small village of Blanchard and gaze over a 13-acre mill pond, considered the source water for the south branch of the Pine River. Soon my presence is noticed by a noisy, mating pair of Canada Geese as they stake their claim to this site for nesting. Working my way along the east side of the pond, I spot white blossoms on a Serviceberry tree. According to legend, the tree was given that name in 19th century New England because it bloomed in April, when the spring thaw allowed roads to become passable and rural residents could once again attend religious services. The tree is also called “Juneberry” because June is when the fruit ripens (stock photo). Near shore, I see a few floating masses of green algae. Commonly called blanket weed, string algae or woolly algae this plant floats freely, occasionally attaching itself to rocks and other aquatic plants. The south branch begins as an outflow of water under a road, then rushes under an old building, first built 130 years ago by the DeWitt family as a lumber mill and later converted to a feed and flour mill. Mark and his son Homer DeWitt got their start here in Blanchard around 1884 by clearing timber and moving earth to build the mill pond, which was not complete until around 1890. Also, during that time they built the mill on the river to harness its power. In 1895, they opened Dewitt Lumber Co., just down the road, that still operates today (stock photo) as one of Michigan’s oldest surviving businesses. Moving a short distance downstream, I spot a cluster of colorful blossoms of Marsh Marigold. While parts of the plant are used medicinally, handling it can cause skin irritation while uncooked parts are toxic to humans due to irritant yellow oil called protoanemonin. Cattle and horses can also be poisoned by consuming it, although it is safe once dried in hay. Further downstream, I pass by a stand of large Cedar trunks including one with several woodpecker holes. Nearby, I notice some open mussel shells as well as the skull of a deer lying in leaf litter of oak and beech. Finally, I pause one last time to bid farewell to this scenic watercourse as it flows gently toward its confluence with the main branch, some 4 miles to the southeast.

 

Waning days of April

Searching for spring

Nature’s reluctant

Her treasures to bring

Looking for blossoms

Yellow or blue

Waiting for butterflies

In the meadow view

Hoping for warmth

From the vernal sun

Longing for green

Where there was none

 

D. DeGraaf