December 23

Under mostly cloudy skies, scattered ground fog and temperatures in the low 30’s, I find myself hiking in a section of the massive Maple River State Game Area, east of US 127, between Ithaca and St. Johns. Heading east on a path of crushed asphalt, I look afar to see a curious Whitetail deer watching me, while to my right, I notice a muddy pond covered with a green slime. Upon a closer look, I see a mixture of Duckweed and Water meal. These surface floating plants thrive in water containing unwanted nutrients from geese droppings, lawn fertilizer and agricultural run-off. A dense layer of these plants can block sunlight, preventing underwater plants and algae from photosynthesizing and producing oxygen, killing native aquatic organisms. Along the way, I observe snowcapped seed heads of Buttonbush, Motherwort and Wild Carrot. Scanning the wetlands, I spot a 4 ft wide x 3 ft high Muskrat lodge dusted with snow. These mammals build their lodges, with cattails, mud and other materials cleared from the marsh. The lodge has an underwater entrance chewed out from the inside, creating a shelter that protects them from predators and weather. Besides lodges, muskrats also build smaller platforms (stock photo) for resting and feeding. They don’t just use cattails for lodges, but for food as well, eating virtually every part of the plant. Turning south, I follow a 2-track lined with snow-capped seed heads of the invasive Common Teasel, on my right. This plant is a threat to pastures, natural areas, and roadsides. It was introduced to the United States in the 1700s when it was used in the textile industry to raise the nap on woolen cloth, meaning it was used to brush the surface of the fabric with the dried, prickly heads of the teasel plant (stock photo) to pull out loose fibers and create a soft, fluffy texture on the wool, essentially making it appear plusher and warmer. Soon thereafter, it escaped cultivation and spread throughout the United States. Also to my right, down in a narrow, iced covered creek, I notice an open channel created by swimming muskrats. Heading back to the car, I’m surprised to come upon a Red Maple tree in bloom, displaying red flower clusters. Usually this tree blooms in late winter or early spring. Also, I spot a 4-inch long red winter twig sprouting from a nearby maple trunk.  With a break in the cloud cover, I catch a brief glimpse of the morning sun, recognizing its low elevation above the horizon, only a few days since the winter solstice and the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere.

Time once again

To recognize you

In gratitude

For all you do

For every plant

Your daily rays

For every creature

Warmth that stays

Star of the day

Orb of the sky

Sun of the heavens

Your solstice is nigh

 

D. DeGraaf