January 19

The mid-morning skies are cloudy with temperatures in the upper 30’s and a SW breeze as I begin my hike on the Meijer Bike Trail, west of Alma. One of my favorite nature trails, this 42-mile paved path follows an old railroad corridor and is maintained by volunteers and local supporters, linking communities across the region. Almost immediately, in contrast to a mostly colorless landscape, my attention draws to the bright red fruit on Winterberry shrubs. Nearby, Oriental Bittersweet vines twist through other shrubs, their orange and yellow fruit splitting open to reveal bright red interiors. This species grows aggressively, often strangling trees, toppling fences, and outcompeting native plants. Not so noticeable are the shriveled clusters of poison ivy berries clinging stubbornly. Off in the woodland, I observe the form of a perching Black squirrel (Melanistic Gray) while at my feet on part of trail that still had patches of snow, I note its tracks as well as tracks of a small Red Squirrel. Places on the trail that are bare, display a Burr-Oak leaf and a Slippery Elm leaf. Not far off the trail, a fresh deer carcass lies partially dusted with snow. Since there is no sign of trauma, it hard to know the cause of death.  Continuing east, I pause on a bridge to watch the water of Honeyoey Creek flow rapidly toward its confluence with the Pine River, some 2 miles south of here (stock photo). This infamous watercourse is a major source of nutrient and bacterial contamination from agricultural runoff and manure, which dumps excess nitrogen, phosphorus, and fecal bacteria into the river. These pollutants fuel algal growth and degrade water quality, especially visible in the Alma Millpond in the spring and summer. Turning around, I spot the trunk of a White poplar tree. These are fast-growing deciduous trees native to Europe and western Asia but widely planted in North America. Their spreading root systems can form colonies and invade native habitats. Next to the path, I notice some Laurel Dodder vines that grow tightly around other plants. Unlike most vines, this plant has no true leaves and little chlorophyll. Instead of rooting in soil, it inserts specialized structures called haustoria into its host plant, siphoning off water and nutrients. Over time, heavy infestations of this vine can weaken or kill shrubs, herbs and trees. Approaching the car, the breeze picks up slightly, swaying the still-clinging leaves of American Beech and White Oak. At the car, I recall that the hike was not dramatic or scenic in a postcard sense. However, in this stark winter landscape, every color, sound, and track mattered a little more to me ever thankful that I slowed down enough to notice.

Birds of the cold

Quest to survive

Swarming the feeder

Staying alive

Cardinal of red

Junco of gray

Eyes of the raptor

Fixed on its prey

A sudden dive

From a tree above

Life for the Hawk

Death for the Dove

D. DeGraaf

January 5

Under mostly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 50’s, today’s nature hike with Caroline and daughter, Allison takes us along the edges of Crissy Field Marsh in San Francisco, California. Once a forgotten military airfield, this wetland was restored to life through careful planning and community effort. Tides returned, native plants took root, and birds followed—transforming pavement and rubble into a living shoreline where water, wind, and wildlife now meet. One side of the marsh, we walk past coastal scrub habitat near the sandy shore of San Francisco Bay. The air carries the faint tang of salt, a reminder that this restored wetland breathes with the tides of the bay. In the distance, we notice Alcatraz Island. Located one-and-a-half miles out in the bay, this landmass was the site of an infamous federal prison. Although the last inmates were transferred off the island in 1963, the main prison block is still open to the public. Across the water, the Golden Gate Bridge appears and disappears as fog shifts in thin veils. A landmark willing to share the stage with tidal channels and marsh grasses. Nearby, we spot human and dog footprints pressed into damp sand--evidence of shared use and shared time. Up ahead, we notice a few blossoms of Coastal Strawberry. This plant is highly salt-tolerant and used for erosion control and dune stabilization. The flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the berries provide food for birds and small mammals. As the trail moves away from the shore, we pause to take in the view of the scrub vegetation and the lake-like open water of the marsh. Next, we watch a Willet shorebird (stock photo) fly over our heads and land far down the muddy shore. At our feet, we spot the closed blossoms of Bermuda Buttercup, Also known as Sourgrass, this low-growing perennial plant is native to South Africa. While admired for its vibrant golden blooms, it is considered a highly invasive and noxious weed in coastal California. Every so often, the wind rises just enough to carry the smell of Eucalyptus from nearby groves. Nearing the car, we pause to observe a Monterey Cypress tree with marble-size female cones. These seed cones, that can persist on branches for years, provide a critical food source for various birds and small mammals. Leaving Crissy Field Marsh, we are reminded what makes this place so compelling is that even in a great city, there are places where nature speaks first and we are wise to listen.

Old year sets

New year rises

California hike

Welcome surprises

No flowerless fields

Or ponds that freeze

Sky with birds

Trees with leaves

East or west

No matter where

Nature’s wonders

Are waiting there

 

D. DeGraaf