I’m in Shiawassee County, about 8 miles southeast of my last Maple River encounter, making my way from the car to the channel. It’s mostly cloudy, breezy with temperatures in the low 70’s as I follow a 2-track where I spot tall stands of Phragmites as well as blossoms of Red Clover and Common Mullein. Reaching the bank of the 10-ft wide, slow-moving river, I scare up some Wood ducklings as the mother flies up and squeals in their defense. Following the watercourse upstream, I notice the first blossoming Queen Anne’s Lace of the season as well as blossoms of the toxic and lethal look-a-like, Water Hemlock. Nearby, I pause to observe a ½ inch White Spring Moth resting on a leaf. Its larva is a light green, inch-worm caterpillar that provides camouflage while it feeds on leaves of apple, maple, cherry, beech, and hawthorn trees (stock photo). It pupates overwinter and emerges as an adult in early spring. Adults are active night and day and often flutter around exterior lights at night. Up ahead, large white blossoms of Elderberry (Elderflowers) shrubs catch my eye. Both Elderberries and Elderflowers have been used for medicine for thousands of years. While both have been used to boost the immune system and fight off infection, Elderflower tea can provide soothing relief for acute cold systems. A concoction of elderflower, yarrow and mint is a great fever fighter and was often used historically for measles and chickenpox. Elderflowers can also be used to treat conjunctivitis and soothe red itchy eyes, reduce pain and swelling in acute joint inflammation, and relieve toothaches. They are natural antihistamines, and when taken prior to the appearance of pollen, can ease symptoms of seasonal allergies. While heading back to the car, I listen to the song of a Goldfinch and notice some Horsetail stalks displaying cones. These specialized structures, called strobili, will develop large numbers of reproductive spores. Next, I’m driving south to a nearby road bridge where I stop to watch a Muskrat swimming in the river. Turning the car east, I come upon another road bridge to watch the shallow river pass under. From here, I spot a Sandhill Crane walking along the edge of the dirt road. The greatest chance to spot these large, gorgeous birds comes during their annual fall migration when thousands of them return to roost at Big Marsh Lake in Baker Sanctuary, east of Battle Creek, before flying south to Florida for the winter.
Weekly retreat
Place to unwind
No cares or worries
Left those behind
Following the river
Breathing fresh air
Treading along
Nature everywhere
Pausing to look
Then proceed
Escaping the havoc
I’m free indeed
D. DeGraaf
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