June 9

The midday temperatures are in the upper 60’s under mostly sunny skies, as I begin my hike in Alma’s Conservation Park at the recently-opened Trail of Trees that identifies and describes 20 species of trees. Approaching tree # 1, Northern White Cedar, I look among the scale-like leaves and spot some unripe female seed cones that were recently fertilized by pollen from inconspicuous male cones (stock photo) on the same tree. These female cones will ripen by mid-August when they will burst open and disperse their seeds. Making my way to tree # 6, Northern Red Oak, I scan the foliage and see an olive-size growth called an Apple Gall, due to the activity of a small Wasp (stock photo). Female wasps inject chemicals and eggs into the leaf buds, triggering the plant to develop this circular structure. This gall provides nutrients and protection for the developing wasp larvae. Apple galls are initially green and spongy but become brown and papery after the adult wasp emerges. Generally, they do not harm the tree. Coming upon tree # 9, a Black Locust, I pick one of the beautiful white blossoms and enjoy its lovely vanilla-like or jasmine-like aroma. These very popular, edible flowers can be eaten raw, cooked, or used in various recipes. They are described as having a sweet, slightly floral taste, with some likening them to sugar snap peas. Beyond eating them raw, they can be incorporated into crepes, salads, deep-fried, or used to make syrup or jelly. While the flowers are edible, the rest of the tree, including the leaves, bark, and seeds, are poisonous. Further along, I notice several green Sugar Maple leaves scattered on the ground due an insect called a Maple Petiole Borer. Adult Sawflies (stock photo) lay eggs in the stems of these Maple leaves in the spring. After larvae hatch, they tunnel (stock photo) into leaf petioles and feed there for 3-4 weeks. This tunneling causes leaves to fall, often very suddenly.  While leaf drop is quite evident, it generally does not impact the long-term health of the tree. Arriving at tree #19, American Beech, I observe a Carpenter Ant scurrying over the smooth, gray bark. This ½ -inch adult, known as a “worker” ant, is wingless. These ants tunnel into wood to create nests, not to eat the wood itself. They excavate wood fibers, which they then discard as sawdust-like shavings. Instead of eating wood, they feed on insects, sweets (like honey and syrup), and other protein sources. Next to the Beech tree, I spot a 5-inch diameter orangish-colored Bolete mushroom commonly known as Porcini or Penny Bun. These are highly prized edible mushrooms. 

 

Lifeblood of earth

Is what you bring

Your current calls

Your waters sing

Spring treasures

A garter snake

A school of fish

A Mallard drake

Vistas of beauty

Your banks bestow

Pine River

Longing to know

D. DeGraaf