December 29

While most of December was cold and snowy, today’s early afternoon temperature is 50 degrees under mostly sunny skies and a breeze out of the west as I begin my hike at Hubscher Park, 8 miles west of Ithaca. This 60-acre property was originally a gravel mining site operated by Hubscher & Son, Inc. for more than 30 years. After mining operations ceased, the land was reclaimed and donated to Gratiot County for a public park. Walking along the edge of a large ice-covered gravel-pit lake, I look up to spot a perching Tree Sparrow and look down on the stoney beach to spot some shells of the invasive Zebra Mussel. Nearby, in the dead, drab leaf litter, I’m pleased to see a color for the season in the form of a few red Nightshade berries. Continuing along the shore, I glance out on the ice to see a Muskrat breathing hole and a few Cottonwood leaves that landed here after being blown from the now-exposed leaf litter. Further along, I pass a stand of Cattails and come upon a Cocklebur plant with their brown prickly pods, called burs that each contain 2 seeds.  Most burs are removed from the parent plant during late autumn and throughout the winter as animals brush against them. They easily stick to fur, hair and are dispersed by these roaming creatures. Climbing up a high bank, I watch a sparrow-like bird take a quick bath before flying off. Passing one of the snow patches, I pause to observe the exposed tunnel of a Meadow Vole. These mouse-like mammals (stock photo) stay active all winter, not hibernating, and thrive under the snowpack where they build tunnels, create nests, and feed on grasses, roots, and even tree bark. They form family groups for warmth and protection, relying on the snow for insulation and cover from predators like owls and foxes. Instead of finding tracks in the snow, I find them on the earthen trail, including white-tail deer and raccoon. Turning around, I look up at a tall Cottonwood tree to spot an unusual, ornate growth attached to the trunk. When a Cottonwood branch breaks off or bark is damaged, the tree responds by growing callus wood around the injury. As it closes over time, it can form smooth, pale, sculpted shapes like this. The lighter tone is exposed or newly formed wood that hasn’t yet darkened or fully re-textured to match the surrounding bark. Near the car, a gust of wind blows the clinging leaves of Oak and Beech. As the light lowers, the hike feels complete. December does not rush out; it simply reminds me that even in the quietest season, nature keeps speaking—if only I look and listen. 

Waves that rolled, rivers that flowed

Sun that shone, skies that snowed

O’er fields of summer flowers

Blooming in daylight hours

Paths of dirt, trails of sod

Up and down slopes I trod

Memories held, far and near

Grateful for another year

D. DeGraaf