November 2

The mid-morning temperature is in the upper 40s under mostly sunny skies as I find myself hiking along the Pine River in Centennial Park, located in the small village of Sumner. Watching fallen leaves drift slowly downstream, something unexpected catches my attention. Near the shoreline, several leaves appear to defy the river's current, traveling upstream before making a graceful U-turn and joining their companions heading downstream. I'm witnessing a small eddy, a circular movement of water created by obstructions and differences in current speed along the riverbank. Exploring a patch of stinging nettle, I spot a half-inch Ichneumon wasp crawling across a leaf. By parasitizing hosts such as caterpillars and other insect larvae, these wasps help control insect populations. On another leaf, I discover a quarter-inch Tachinid fly. Unlike their parasitic larvae, adult flies often visit flowers to feed on nectar, making them useful pollinators. Proceeding north along a woodland trail, I notice the unusual, lantern-like seed capsules of Wild Yam dangling from a vine. Interestingly, the roots contain diosgenin, a compound used commercially to manufacture certain steroid hormones. However, the human body cannot directly convert wild yam into these hormones. Continuing along the leaf-covered trail, my attention turns to the colorful autumn foliage. Brilliant shades of red adorn Wild Raspberry, Red Oak, and the invasive Winged Burning Bush. Native to northeastern Asia, this bush was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant, prized for its spectacular fall color. Unfortunately, its dense growth competes with native woodland shrubs, wildflowers, and tree seedlings. Not all the foliage has surrendered to autumn's changing palette. Among the reds, oranges, and yellows, I discover lingering green leaves of Canadian Moonseed and Greenbrier vines. Overhead, the thinning forest canopy allows sunlight to reach the woodland floor as occasional leaves flutter downward, joining the colorful litter carpeting the trail. Turning back toward my car, I'm delighted to catch my first glimpse of a Dark-eyed Junco, darting among the understory vegetation. Its subtle call is a welcome reminder that these small birds have returned to mid-Michigan for the fall and winter months. As I drive away, I'm reminded that autumn's beauty isn't limited to brilliant foliage. Sometimes its greatest rewards are found in the quiet details—a lingering green leaf, a familiar birdcall, or a fallen leaf briefly traveling against the current before continuing its journey downstream.

Nature wakes November
With much to share,
Leaves upon the forest floor
Capture my stare.

Crimson and orange,
Amber and gold,
Adorn the woodland ground
A thousandfold.

Scattered among them,
Needles of pines,
Brown and brittle,
Mid-autumn signs.

 

D. DeGraaf