November 15

Under mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 40’s, Caroline, Riley and I are hiking in Isabella County’s 590-acre, Deerfield Park. Right away, I spot lots of wispy seeds of a Clematis vine, referred to as “Old Man’s Beard.” A few months ago, this plant displayed fragrant white blossoms (stock photo). Also called Virgin's Bower, it is believed Clematis blossoms grew in abundance within the castle occupied by the virgin queen of England, Elizabeth I during the 1500’s. Just ahead in a clearing, I come upon a rosette of Common Mullein with felt-like leaves as well as a dying stalk of another Common Mullein that was topped with a cluster of yellow flowers only a few months ago (stock photo). The rosette represents the first-year growth of this plant while the flower stalk is produced in the second year. Nearby, I spot a dried-up rosette gall on a willow sapling. The process begins when a tiny female midge (stock photo) lays an egg on a shoot tip. Elongation of the shoot is suppressed but leaves continue to develop and become crowded together, forming the rosette. A midge larva develops inside the rosette, feeding on the leaves. Presently, inside this dried-up gall, the larva has pupated and will overwinter there. Next spring an adult fly will emerge in time to lay eggs and start the process anew. Continuing to the Lewis Pontiac Bridge, I look and listen as over-flow water from a small, man-made lake to the north surges into the main branch of the Chippewa river. This brings back memories of a similar scene last winter. While crossing the bridge, I look westward as the river flows under me. On the far side, I pause to take in the lovely autumn patterns on American Beech leaves. Proceeding along the south bank, I glance skyward to see that oak leaves still linger in the broadleaf canopy while at my feet, the fading leaf litter contains mostly Cottonwood and Aspen with a smattering of Oak. Following the Wildwood Pathway, I recross the river on the suspension bridge which reminds me of a similar crossing last summer. Heading east, we explored the edge of a bayou where Riley takes a dip.  Approaching the car, I pause one last time to examine the trunk of a huge Maple tree where I notice a mixture of Whitewash Lichens and moss. 

 

Not too far from the hunter’s gun

Run, river run

Your journey’s not over, only half done

Run, river run

By light of the moon, light of the sun

Run, river run

Ice floes have not yet begun

Run, river run

Keeping you clean is priority one

Run, Chippewa run

 

D. DeGraaf