About 2 months ago, I started my quest to explore the 14-mile, Pine Creek channel from its end, where it empties into the Maple River, to its beginning. Following the creek north, I first watched it spill over the Rainbow Lake dam. Further upstream, I saw it flow under the Luce Rd bridge and the sturdy railroad trestle near Perrington. Working my way upstream, I remember seeing the narrowing creek flow under the Grant Rd bridge and Hayes Rd bridge. Approaching its source, I observed its water flowing under the Johnson Rd bridge and Pierce Rd bridge where it became increasingly vulnerable to polluted agricultural runoff. Other memories include a soaring and wading Great Blue Heron. So, for my 10th and final encounter with Pine Creek, I’m standing on the St Charles Rd bridge watching its water trickle south. Under partly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 40’s, I explore the banks where a steady east wind blows some dying stalks of Goldenrod and Milkweed. On the cropland nearby, I spot some dried-up, papery husks of Ground Cherry. During the summer, this 3-ft vining plant produces cherry-size fruit wrapped in a thin, lantern-like husk (stock photo). Leaves and stems are highly toxic while unripe berries can cause upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. The ripe orangish yellow berries (stock photo) are a food source for turkey, opossums, skunks and humans. The berries taste slightly sweet and tropical, with a texture that's somewhere between a tomato and a grape. Ground cherries also make wonderful pies and preserves and can be used in any recipe that calls for tomatoes. Crossing the road, I come to the actual source of the creek which is nothing more than a small pool of water, fed by two county drains, that flows gently south through a huge culvert-a humble beginning indeed. While bidding farewell to this watercourse, suddenly, a muskrat swims by me. Ten years ago, the North American muskrat market was booming, thanks to soaring purchases by Chinese and other newly rich nations that desired muskrat fur to line coats and footwear. An auction in North Bay, Ontario featured 55,000 muskrat pelts that were all purchased by China. This high demand was good for Michigan trappers who had no limits on how many they could harvest. A pelt was going for $10-12 —five times what muskrats fetched in the 1990’s. Since then the market has softened. Currently, a pelt goes for $3-4 conservatively, with averages around $5.
Predator of night
Dark becomes day
Your hunt was hard
Your hunger obey
Picked up a scent
Options to weigh
The kill was quick
Devoured your prey
Found your den
Ended your quest
Coyote of the wild
Your time to rest
D. DeGraaf
No comments:
Post a Comment