June 16

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The noontime weather was sunny, humid with a temperature of 82 degrees and a gentle south wind. I stood at the crest of the hill and looked fondly at the western landscape. I descended the hill; passed Mallard Marsh and continued through Bobolink Meadow where I spotted a male Bobolink perched on a low bush singing loudly. Since, this bird has been seen in the same area several days in a row, I am hoping it’s staying around to guard a nest. Further along, I noticed some Common Buttercup. This plant typically causes irritation and blistering of the skin if handled, and if swallowed, intense burning of the mouth and digestive tract, followed by nausea and convulsions. I turned at the entrance to North Woods and headed toward Willow Wallow where I saw that an Elderberry Tree was blossoming. These flowers are popular in teas and cordials because their balmy flavor lends itself to sweetened beverages. I turned west at the pond and hiked around Succession Field where I noticed a patch of Field Clover. Continuing along the edge of South Woods, I was pleased to see a Monarch caterpillar feeding on a milkweed. I arrived at Artist Overlook where I saw a few Yarrow blossoms. Continuing along south trail, I was reminded of the surprise I had earlier in the week to see my first Skunk walking casually about 30 feet in front of me. Next, I was surprised to see the snapdragon-like flower of Butter-and-Eggs. I turned at Frog Fen and headed toward Brady Cemetery. Passing the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland where I spotted a patch of Alfalfa. Alfalfa seeds, leaves and stems have manganese, vital to the human digestive system in its manufacture of insulin. Alfalfa juice is very effective in the treatment of heart diseases. It is useful in respiratory disorders. Daily use of the seeds helps build immunity to stomach distress. The seeds are useful in the form of sprouts. They are delicious and nourishing in salads and soups as well as in sandwiches. Next, I stopped at Grebe Pond to see a few swallows swooping just above the surface to catch insects. Heading north, I passed the barn and wandered over to the east side of the parking lot to see lots of Wood Sorrel. The leaves, flowers, and immature green seedpods of this plant are all edible, with a sour, lemon like flavor. A chilled, sweetened, wood sorrel tea makes a refreshing beverage along the lines of lemonade. Finally, we arrived back at the van and took off for home.

It was a lovely day

I found myself in nature’s lap

Surrounded by the 5 elements of nature

There was the blue sky above me

There was the chilled river on one side

There was a small camp fire lit on the other side

There was the vast earth below me

And a cool breeze was blowing from all sides

As if nature was protecting me

I had become the nature’s child

There was no perturbing noise to distract the tranquility

I felt I had become one among the nature

My whole soul was at peace

Free of all stresses of the human life

Oh what a lovely expedition it was….

Kavitha Krishnamurthy

June 9

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The afternoon weather was sunny with a temperature of 86 degrees and a steady west wind. Standing at the crest of the hill, I noticed some white Hoary Alyssum. Horses can be poisoned from ingesting the dried plant in hay, or from grazing on large amounts of the plant in fields. Clinical signs include fever, swollen limbs, loss of appetite, dehydration and death. Next, I saw that a Yellow Goat’s Beard flower had gone to seed displaying a white, fuzzy “goat’s beard.” I descended the hill and paused at Mallard Marsh where I spotted a pair of Grebes. Hiking through Bobolink Meadow, I recalled my joy yesterday of sighting my first Bobolink of the year perching and singing from a small bush. As it took off and flew north, I longed for the days when these rare birds nested here and were seen frequently. Next, I stopped to smell a beautiful Wild Rose blossom. Entering North Woods, I stopped near the boardwalk where I noticed some tiny flowers of Honewort. Young leaves, stems and flowers of this plant are edible - raw or cooked. They can be used as a potherb or added to salads with a flavor somewhat like celery. Exiting the woods, I wandered over to the deer remains that were hidden in the dense vegetation. Circling Succession Field, I stopped to examine an oak tree whose leaves were dotted with tiny green bumps. Each bump is a gall inhabited by the larvae of the Jumping Oak Gall Wasp. When the minute galls fall to the ground they begin hopping about like jumping beans. The larva inside is active during the summer months, but ceases its activity by late summer and fall when it changes into a pupa. Out in the meadow I saw lots of Oxeye Daisies. I entered South Woods and walked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I observed some Wild Iris. Exiting the woods, I continued toward Artist Overlook where I spotted some grass with the white froth from Spittlebugs. Spittlebug nymphs turn a liquid secretion into bubbles by moving or pumping their bodies. The ‘spittle’ shields them from predators, insulates them from temperature extremes and prevents them from dehydrating. I paused at Artist Overlook to gaze at Sora Swale. Following the south trail, I turned at Frog Fen and headed toward Brady Cemetery. Passing the cemetery, I hiked into Native Grassland and stopped at Grebe Pond where I counted a family of geese with one gosling, a family with two goslings and four others. Following the trail toward the barn, I spotted lots of yellow Lance leaf Coreopsis. I came to the Classroom where I noticed Mayweed growing over the drain field east of the building. Finally, it was back to the van to turn on the air conditioning and head for home

The morning mist begins to lift


O'er a carpet of green.


And high above, the dawn out of,


A golden sun does gleam.


A tickling breeze on senses pleased


Stirs the new day's life,


Awakening souls from branch and hole


To the world so rife.


With glorious, notorious


Beauty un-compared


Here the essence of the presence


Of spirit is now declared.


Upon the moor, so clean and pure

There is no darkened shadow


And light does fill the mind so still


At sunrise in the meadow.

Toni McKilligan

June 2

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was mostly cloudy with a few raindrops, a temperature of 49 degrees and a steady west wind. As I descended the hill toward Mallard Marsh, I noticed some blossoms of White Campion. This sweet scented, night blooming plant was used during the Elizabethan era in England in a concoction made with sugar and wine. This concoction was used to sooth the heart. The root, which contains saponin was used to expel intestinal worms. Also, the root was simmered in hot water and used as a soap substitute for washing clothes. In addition, it was used as a fish poison. Saponin does not kill the fish, but rather stuns them so that they float to the surface where they can be collected with ease. I stopped at the pond to admire the large, purplish inflorescences of Reed Canary Grass. I ventured off the path and walked over to a patch of Sensitive Fern. Native Americans used this plant to treat arthritis and infections. They steeped the plant and used the liquid to treat venereal disease and as a hair wash, made a poultice of the plant tops to treat deep cuts, and steeped the roots and used the tea to alleviate post-childbirth pain. The plant was also cooked and eaten after seasoning with salt, pepper and butter. Continuing through Bobolink Meadow, I spotted some Red Clover. At the entrance to North Woods, I turned south and headed toward Willow Wallow where I recalled earlier in the week being surprised to see a large, foot-long Snapping Turtle resting on the trail (likely a pregnant female looking for a suitable nesting sight). As I circled Succession Field, I was pleased to spot a fresh, golf ball size Puffball growing in the middle of the trail. I bent down, picked it and broke it open to make sure it was solid, white and therefore edible. I took a bite and savored the mushroom taste. Next, I saw that the Gray Dogwood trees were blossoming. Arriving at Artist Overlook, I spotted one deer running toward Willow Wallow and another running along the edge of Sora Swale. Continuing east along south trail, I spotted lots of Orange Hawkweed (devil’s paintbrush). I turned north at Frog Fen and climbed Reflection Hill where I noticed the small yellow flowers of Black Medic near the ground. Reaching the top of the hill, I gazed at a serene Grebe Pond. I descended the hill, passed the Classroom Building and wandered east of the barn to check out a patch of Ground Ivy. Prior to the introduction of hops to England in the 16th century, ground ivy was used to flavor, clarify, and preserve beer. Historically, ground ivy was also used in Europe and North America as a cure-all for everything from inflammation to congestion and tinnitus. Today people still use it in teas, soups, and salads. Due to its strong flavor, a few leaves provide a nice earthy, peppery flavor. Finally, back to the van and homeward bound.

The leaves on the branches sing softly in the breeze 


The shadows dance on the grass


The sunlight hits everything with a shining glow 


The butterflies model their jewels for everyone to see 


While the grass reaches up towards the sky


The water hums a sweet lullaby


Until the wind catches the moment
and moves it along


Then the sunsets, saying goodnight 


That's when it all begins


The stars, swinging in time


The footsteps of animals, gently wandering to and fro


The moon suddenly awakens to say hello,

and all to soon, goodbye


And the day comes to life once again

Unknown

May 26

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was cloudy, rainy with a temperature of 60 degrees and no wind. Standing on the crest of the hill, I admired the green, western vista. I walked down the hill and stood next to Mallard Marsh where I saw the dense cattail growth. Proceeding through Bobolink Meadow, I came to the entrance of North Woods where I noticed some Alsike Clover. I entered North Woods where I immediately spotted both Poison Ivy and Virginia creeper. In years past, children learned a rhyme to help distinguish Virginia creeper from Poison Ivy. “ Leaves of three, let it be; Leaves of five, let it thrive.” Poison Ivy leaflets are normally in groups of three, while those of Virginia creeper are in groups of five. The berries of Virginia creeper can be harmful if ingested, however, and the rest of the plant contains raphides, which irritate the skin of some people. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field where I noticed the leaves of a Basswood tree were full of holes. This is due to the Basswood Leaf miner, a small insect that feeds on the leaves. I turned into South Woods and proceeded along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I spotted the walnut-size, unripe fruit of a May apple plant. At this stage, the fruit is nonedible as it contains a bitter, resinous toxin called podophyllin. If consumed, it leads to stomach irritation and diarrhea. Later, it will turn yellow and soft and can be eaten. Leaving the woods, I paused at Artist Overlook where noticed blossoms of Multiflora Rose. My hike continued along the edge of Sora Swale where I saw lots of partially-opened flowers of Yellow Hawkweed (King Devil). The term, hawkweed originated from ancient Greece, where they believed that hawks would eat the flowers to improve their eyesight (this not likely true, but a delightful image nonetheless). Continuing along south trail, I observed some dandelion-like Yellow Goat’s Beard. Passing Frog Fen, I turned toward Brady Cemetery. I passed the cemetery and stepped into Native Grassland where I noticed some lovely Virginia Spiderwort. Native American tribes used this plant for various food and medicinal purposes. The young leaves were eaten as salad greens or were mixed with other greens and then either fried or boiled until tender. The plant was mashed and rubbed onto insect bites to relieve pain and itching. A paste, made from the mashed roots, was used as a poultice to treat cancer. A tea made from the plant was used as a laxative and to treat stomachaches associated with overeating. Heading north, I paused and noticed a thick cover of pondweed on Grebe Pond. I continued toward the barn. Finally, it was back to the Classroom Building, back to the van back to the home.

We walk a path today

Mother Nature leads the way

The marsh marks the beginning as

A leopard frog leaps in the cattails.

The meadow lets us meander as

A bobolink banks over the goldenrod.

The woodlot welcomes us as

A deer darts between the maples.

The field favors our presence as

A sparrow speaks on the bush.

The forest trail takes us in as

A squirrel scampers up an oak.

We pause at a high point as

A mallard lifts off the lake.

We hike up a hill to see

Geese glide in the duckweed.

Our odyssey is finally over.

My senses are saturated.

Thanks to my leader

I am blessed once again.

D. DeGraaf

May 19

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The midday weather was sunny with a temperature of 78 degrees and a gentle west wind. When I arrived at the crest of the hill, I gazed west at the lush landscape. I sauntered down to Mallard Marsh where I paused to see a goose, a gander and two goslings swimming quietly. I looked down and spotted a Leopard Frog in the shallows. Hiking through Bobolink Meadow, I observed a male Redwing Blackbird hovering above me as he defended his nesting area with loud calls. At the entrance to North Woods, I turned south and headed toward Willow Wallow where I spotted some tiny Common Chickweed flowers hidden in the grassy path. Passing the pond, I began circling Succession Field. I stopped by to look at the deer remains partially hidden by tall grass. Continuing around the field, I noticed several Pearl Crescent Butterflies pollinating white clover blossoms on the trail. Also, I spotted a beautiful Indigo Bunting moving through the trees. Suddenly, a turkey hen came out of the tall grass near the trail and noisily few off. Next, I turned north back toward Willow Wallow and noticed lots of Rough-fruited Cinquefoil growing next to the trail. Also, I began to see young Milkweed plants showing up. I walked east along the edge of the pond that was covered with green algae. Next, I came upon some thorny Blackberry bushes that were flowering. Ascending Reflection Hill, I stopped to look west at Artist Overlook. I walked south down the hill past Frog Fen and continued toward Brady Cemetery where I heard a snort and looked up to see a deer running south toward the neighbor’s wheat field. Passing the cemetery, I walked into Native Grassland where I spotted lots of Common Fleabane. In the old days folks dried and burned this plant, letting the smoke fill their homes. It was thought the fumes from the smoldering leaves and stems would act as a fumigant and repellant—killing, or at least driving out any fleas in the dwelling, and preventing their return for some time afterwards. Unfortunately, modern scientific tests show absolutely no effects on contemporary fleas. I headed north and paused again to observe Grebe Pond where no waterfowl were seen. I continued north past the Classroom Building and came to the van. Finally, it was time to hit the road for home.

To the 5th month

For which the flowers bloom

Blue skies open

And mornings dew!

The birds sing,

And fly to me and you!

Where fields are green

With grass, so sweet!

Where you can run

And forever leap!

To the 5th month

Where new joys bring

Where the sun stays longer

And the clouds never blink.

Dustin A. Grimes

May 12

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was mostly cloudy with a temperature of 60 degrees and no wind. However, storm clouds and thunder were evident in the southeast. For a change, I planned to reverse my course and begin at the barn where I saw some Creeping Yellow Cress growing near the concrete ramp. Also, I was pleased to see my first Common Yellowthroat of the season. One of the most widespread warblers in North America, this bird, despite its name, can be an uncommon sight. Often elusive and difficult to see, this bird is more often identified by its song. Hiking south into Native Grassland, I paused at Grebe Pond and noticed one family of geese with three goslings and one with two swimming near the middle. I continued south to Brady Cemetery where I spotted a male Baltimore oriole perching and singing high in a cottonwood tree. I passed the cemetery and turned north toward Frog Fen where I saw that the Red Osier Dogwood were beginning to blossom. I turned west and followed south trail toward Sora Swale. I took the short trail north and paused on the east side of the pond. I got back on south trail and stopped at Artist Overlook to gaze at lush Willow Wallow. I entered Succession Field and followed the trail west along the edge of South Woods. Entering the woods, I immediately noticed a few deer running ahead of me. I hiked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I saw some Morning Star Sedge. Exiting the woods, I continued around Succession Field where I spotted some Black Willow trees going to seed. At the entrance to North Woods, I was surprised to see horse tracks on the muddy trail. Continuing into the woods, I hiked east where I noticed how shady it was as the newly formed leaves blocked the daylight. Suddenly, a Fox Squirrel ran across the leaf litter and scampered up a tree. Exiting the woods, I walked through Bobolink Meadow and once again hoped the Bobolinks would return soon from their migration to nest here. This bird would be noted for one of the longest migrations in the western hemisphere—a round trip to South America of approximately 12,400 miles. Bobolinks nest in hayfields and meadows across the northern United States and southern Canada during the northern summer months of May through early July. Walking along Mallard Marsh, I had to watch out for goose scat on the trail. Also, I noticed a Spotted toad sitting on a dead cattail stalk near the shore. Finally, I climbed the hill, passed the newly painted Storage Building and arrived at the van. Another great hike was over so we headed for home.

Trees that went to bed last fall Are suddenly waking up And stretching limbs to take a drink From springtime's festive cup. She's pouring out the smell of flowers, Opening wide her drapes of love, And sprinkling colors everywhere To delight the lovers of This season. She kept her word that She'd return to light the dawn With new things (born of winter's death) For the world to build upon.

Tom Kraft

May 5

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 48 degrees and a slight wind out of the northeast. I started out, stopped at the propane tank and opened the metal cap to see a nest of sleeping baby Starlings. At the crest of the hill, I scanned the early May landscape. Walking past Mallard Marsh, I noticed the male Redwing Blackbirds were more visible and vocal as they perched in trees to protect their nesting area. On the trail sat an American Toad. I wandered through Bobolink Meadow, entered North Woods and followed the trail west where I saw some beautiful Wild Geraniums. Early Native Americans recognized the value of this plant and used it as an ingredient in many medicinal treatments. Chippewa Indians used dried, powdered rhizomes mixed with grape juice as a mouthwash for children with thrush. A poultice from the base or pounded roots of the plant was used to treat burns and hemorrhoids. The leaves and roots were used to treat sore throats, hemorrhages, gonorrhea and cholera. At the large vernal pond, two male Mallards took off and flew north. As I crossed over the boardwalk, I spotted some blue Woodland Phlox and smelled the fragrant blossoms. Continuing west, I spotted six deer running silently through the underbrush. Exiting the woods, I stopped to observe what was left of the decomposed deer carcass. Circling Succession Field, I walked over to investigate the tent caterpillar nest that had turned brown from all the feces. I entered South Woods and hiked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I observed three colorful male Wood Ducks as well as one female taking off and letting out their familiar call. I walked a little further and another male Wood Duck took off. I passed Swanson Swamp and noticed one of many Jack-in-the-pulpits. This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals and eating it results in a powerful burning sensation. It can cause irritation of the mouth and digestive system. On rare occasions the swelling of the mouth and throat may be severe enough to affect breathing. Near the exit of the woods, I noticed some of the May apple plants had lovely white blossoms. I stopped to smell their sweet fragrance. I continued to Artist Overlook and gazed at Sora Swale where I could hear a single Spring Peeper. Continuing along the South Trail, I saw blossoms of both pink and white Honeysuckle. At Frog Fen, I turned toward Brady Cemetery. I entered the cemetery and walked over to a patch of Pussy Toes sticking up from the lawn. Leaving the cemetery, I hiked into Native Grassland and paused at Grebe Pond to see and hear one Canada goose. I headed toward the barn and arrived back at the Classroom Building. Finally, I came to the van and took off for home.

Walking in the woods


On this fine spring day


Blue sky above, footsteps below


Birds in the trees


Singing songs of May


Birdsong above, footsteps below


Breeze tickled leaves


Whispering.."come, this way"


Breeze above, footsteps below


Walking in the woods


On this fine spring day


Celebrating life above, with my footsteps below.

by Jerrilyn Swersky