November 25

With mid-morning temperatures in the low 40’s, I begin my hike in dense fog at Alma’s Conservation Park, serenaded by a Blue Jay. My goal is to plan a path that I hope to turn into a self-guided nature trail, open to the public next summer. Called the “Trail of Trees”, (stock photo) this ½ mile loop will identify and describe common conifers and broadleaf trees growing close to the trail. Beginning in a counter-clockwise direction along the bank of the Pine River millpond, I could label such trees as White and Red Cedar and provide a printed pamphlet giving information about the differences between them. I could include the old, dying White Birch tree and note the lichens and moss that grow on its trunk. Continuing west, I could include the tall White Pine next to the deck and describe its role in Michigan’s logging history. Up ahead, I could include the Big-tooth Aspen tree and describe how its soft wood is used to make pulp and particle board. Further along, I could include the Red Oak tree and the proximate Burr Oak tree comparing their leaf shape, bark texture and acorn size. Turning south, I could include a s Black Locust tree describing its compound leaves and bean-like seed pods. Turning east on the paved service road, I could include the unique bark design of a Norway Spruce tree trunk and identify some of its fallen cones on the ground nearby. I could include a dead Ash ree trunk with borer tunnels and describe the recent demise of this species. Next, I come to the Eyer Learning Circle, turn north and proceed to the outward-facing benches. Moving around the circle and sitting on different benches, I could include an old, dying Scotch Pine tree trunk and point out how the younger trees are commonly used as in-home Christmas trees.  From another bench, I could include an old, bare tree trunk, called a snag, that is a source of food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. As the sun breaks through, I follow a narrow earthen trail north where I could include the large trunk of a Red Pine tree, comparing its bark and needles to the previous-seen White Pine tree. Up ahead, I could include the distinctive bark of a Black Cherry tree trunk and look for its fruit on the ground or high in branches during the summer months. Nearing the trailhead, I could include both the sinewy bark of a small Musclewood tree and the smooth gray bark of a large Beech tree and compare how their wood was used by Native Americans. Next summer, after completing the “Trail of Trees” and returning to the parking lot, I hope hikers will stop to enjoy the Butterfly Garden.

November book closes

Most pages read

Month of memories

Stir in my head

Trees of green

Decay to brown

From colorful canopy

To leafless crown

Moments to ponder

Miles of trails

Whenever the season

Nature prevails

 

D. DeGraaf