December 8

The mid-morning temperatures are in the low 20’s under cloudy skies and a steady south wind as I begin hiking north from Madison Rd on 6-inches of fresh snow into Gratiot County’s Lumberjack Park. Coming to a stairway, I look down at a boardwalk spanning an ice-covered wetlands and think back to 2017 when we built steps and this boardwalk as part of a newly-created nature trail system. Following the trail, the site of the footbridge over Mud Creek brings back lots of memories. Construction of this bridge also took place in 2017 when we dragged two, 30-ft telephone poles across a neighbor’s field to span the creek and cover them with planks, milled from Oak trees in the park. Crossing the creek, I continue on the trail and note how the fresh snow creates a wonderful canvas for nature to depict distinct leaf shapes of White oak, Red oak and even Pin oak. Continuing among mature Red and White pine trees. I come to the edge of the Pine River and pause to listen to a Red-bellied Woodpecker. Arriving at a snow-covered bench high on a bank above the river, I think back to 2016 when this trail was one of the first to be established as part of the park trail system. It was that year when members of the park board asked me to help design and construct a nature trail system that included an undeveloped 20-acre parcel on the northeast side of the river. Over the years, this bench has been a favorite stop for park patrons, whether it be winter, spring, summer or fall. Looping back over the Lumberjack Rd bridge, I proceed along the south riverbank and pause to watch the water flow past snow-capped rocks. Continuing south through the Campground trail, I’m reminded that although the trail was officially opened to the public in 2018, it was not until 2019 that this section was added to the trail system. Nearing the car, I pause on the Madison Rd bridge, watch the river flow underneath me while listening to a Black-capped Chickadee. I also think about the past 9 years and all those who helped create a park-wide nature trail system that is still in use today. This history must be put in the context of the park itself. A hundred years ago this land included the last remaining stand of virgin White Pine in Gratiot County.  Slated to be cut down, a group calling themselves the Lumberjack and Rivermen Association purchased the 40-acre parcel for a park that preserved the forest. As a legacy to the” shanty boys” who once worked there, a bunkhouse and cook shanty were constructed in 1930, a pavilion in 1931 and the caretaker's house in 1947. 

Early December

Mostly leafless trees

Nature at attention

Mother Earth at ease

Beside a frozen pond

No frogs with green skin

Atop the snowy grass

No spider webs to spin

Squirrels of woodlands

Prepare for winters blast

Storing their food

Autumn breathes her last

 

D. DeGraaf