September 22

The afternoon temperatures are in the upper 70’s with sunny skies and a gentle breeze, as I continue my exploration of Bush Creek. From the E. Olive Rd bridge, I watch the water flow slowly along another drainage ditch through acres and acres of cropland. Driving a short distance east, I begin to hike along the south bank of the creek on a 50 ft wide filter strip while noticing the opposite bank displays no filter strip. A filter strip is a band of permanent herbaceous vegetation between a cropland area and a surface water body to treat runoff. It slows the flow of runoff, causing sediment and pollutants to be filtered out, thereby protecting water quality.  Nearby, I spot a beautiful Red Admiral Butterfly feeding on nectar of Canadian Goldenrod. This is a migratory butterfly that overwinters as an adult in warmer climates and migrates to cooler regions in the spring. Their under wings feature a cryptic, colorful marbled pattern. When the butterfly rests with its wings closed, this pattern provides camouflage, (stock photo) making it appear less visible to predators by mimicking a leaf or tree bark. The Red Admiral caterpillar (stock photo) feeds on Stinging Nettle plants. On another Goldenrod blossom, I watch a Bumble Bee feeding on the nectar. Near the water’s edge, I notice yellow blossoms of Beggar ticks and green leaves of Broadleaf Arrowhead. Turning around and heading back, I pause to see a patch of Pokeweed displaying its fruit.  These berries are poisonous to humans but are a food source for many birds. All parts of the Pokeweed plant are toxic, with the highest amounts of poison in the roots, leaves, and stems. The only edible part is the very young, tender stems and leaves, which are used to make "poke sallet". Traditionally, the leaves are boiled in water, drained, and then boiled again to remove toxins. Afterward, they can be fried with bacon fat, scrambled with eggs, or cooked like spinach. Poke sallet has a long history in Southern Appalachian and rural food traditions, where people made use of what grew wild. The name “sallet” is an old English word for “cooked greens”. Near the car, I spot a 1-inch Short-horned Grasshopper perched on the stem of a Common Milkweed whose leaves have turned yellow. These insects are largely vegetarian, feeding on the foliage of grasses and Forbes. They are a vital food source for various predators, including birds, skunks, snakes, and toads. Finally, at the car, I pause to acknowledge the sun at the Autumnal Equinox and look forward, in gratitude to a new season of fall.

Orb of the sky

Light of the day

Predictable path

Found your way

Summer’s high

To winter’s low

Reached the mid

Then down you go

Seasonal sign

Of nature’s law

Sun of the heavens

Welcome to fall

 

D. DeGraaf