April 14

Temperatures are below freezing under mostly clear skies as I stand on County Line Rd bridge and watch the Bad River flow from the green-less landscape of eastern Gratiot County into western Saginaw County. Exploring the floodplain, I spot several large spore stalks of native Ostrich ferns. Characterized by their tall, lacy fronds and upright, spreading growth habit, I imagine the area will be lush with these plants this summer (stock photo). Approaching the river’s edge, I notice the mottled bark on the trunk of a Sycamore tree next to the trunk of an oak.  Sycamore wood is used for crafting furniture, flooring, and interior trim due to its fine grain and workability. It is also utilized in making butcher blocks, barrels, boxes and crates. This wood is used in the production of pulpwood, particleboard, and fiberboard. Its fine grain makes it suitable for musical instruments like violin backs and even guitar bodies. Looking up, my attention is drawn to a mix of calls of a Northern Cardinal and Bluejay. Blue Jays make a large variety of calls, including the most often heard loud jeer. Occasionally, they mimic hawks, especially Red-shouldered Hawks. After a friendly reminder from a landowner that I’m trespassing, I return to the car, head east into Saginaw County and park alongside of Fenmore Rd., to watch the river flow below a high ridge. Referred to as a moraine ridge, this prominent landform was created by the advance and retreat of glaciers during the Ice Age. Further along the bank, I notice a drain tile coming from pastureland across the road. Often when I come upon these metal tubes, it begs some questions. What is the quality of the water flowing out? Is it tainted with coliform bacteria from animal manure? What is the impact downstream? Are there any restrictions on how many tiles can drain into the river? Descending the steep bank to the river’s edge, I look at and listen to the water as it flows rapidly downstream. Along the floodplain, I explore the muddy ground, where I spot a green shoot of Wild Blue Iris and imagine its blossoms appearing in May (stock photo). Making my way along the river’s edge, I stoop down to observe tiny green leaves of Purple Cress and Early Saxifrage. These ephemeral or quasi-ephemeral plants will grow, bloom (stock photo) (stock photo), and die back quickly, before the surrounding trees fully leaf out, taking advantage of the early spring sunlight. As I take one last look at this watercourse, I think back to how far I’ve come from the start and how far I’ve yet to go to reach the end. 

Mid of April

Into the wild

Life and death

Are reconciled

Flesh and bone

Creature gives

Blood and fur

Predator lives

Off the path

Muddy field

Carcass aside

Sprouts revealed

 

D. DeGraaf