August 5

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi.. However, I was traveling to Estes Park, Colorado and Remi was back in Alma. So, Sunday, I planned to hike with family members on Bear Lake Nature Trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. The half-mile trail circled Bear Lake, a small lake at 9475 ft. cradled in a rock basin fringed with spruce, fir and pine The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 58 degrees and no wind. I started out and immediately noticed some Pearly Everlasting. A poultice of the flowers or the whole plant can be applied to burns, sores and rheumatic joints. An infusion of the plant can be steamed and inhaled in the treatment of headaches. A cooled infusion of the roots and shoots has been used as a laxative. Continuing on the trail, I spotted some Rocky Mountain Goldenrod. Next, I stopped to see some Fireweed. I picked a leaf and tasted its fresh, lettuce-like flavor. Resuming my hike, I was surprised to see a baby Robin hopping around on a large rock. Also, nearby were Quaking Aspen trees. The 1900 fire opened this area to these sun-loving, smooth-barked trees, perhaps the best-known of Rocky Mountain trees. Next, I paused to notice some green lichens and orange lichens growing on some rocks. The orange coloration results when nitrates occur in the rock or when mammal and bird droppings are deposited on the rock. Moving along, I spotted some Smooth White Aster. Walking along, I came to a large dead pine tree and noticed the tunnel markings of the Mountain Pine Beetle on the trunk. This insect has caused extensive destruction of Lodgepole, Ponderosa and Scotch pine trees throughout the western United States. Continuing around the lake, I was pleased to see a California Tortoiseshell Butterfly perched on a yellow Arnica flower. Suddenly, I spotted a Red Squirrel, referred to as Chickaree scampering through the undergrowth. Also, along the trail were several large boulders of Gneiss- metamorphic rock with bands of light-colored and dark-colored minerals and Granite-pinkish igneous rocks speckled with dark minerals. Finally, I completed the circle and headed back to the car.

The plains ignore us,

but these mountains listen,

an audience of thousands

holding its breath

in each rock.  Climbing,

we pick our way

over the skulls of small talk.

On the prairies below us,

the grass leans this way and that

in discussion;

words fly away like corn shucks

over the fields.

Here, lost in a mountain's

attention, there's nothing to say.

Ted Kooser

July 28

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 61 degrees and a gentle northerly breeze. I descended the hill and immediately saw three Great Blue Herons landing on Mallard Marsh. I paused at the pond where I spotted some Blue Vervain. This plant had many uses in Native American culture as food and medicine. The seeds are edible when roasted and are ground into a powder and used as flour. The leaves and roots are used to kill parasitic worms and prevent the recurrence of malaria. As a medicinal poultice, it is good for headaches and rheumatism. Next, I walked through Bobolink Meadow where I was pleased to see a flock of 15-20 Bobolinks flying from one field to the next. Entering North Woods, I followed the trail west where I saw some Cinnamon ferns. Historically, Native Americans used this plant to treat rheumatism, headaches, colds and snakebites. Frond tips were eaten both raw and cooked. I exited the woods and looked up to see an Eastern Kingbird perched in a dead Ash tree. Circling Succession Field, I noticed some Joe Pye Weed, Narrow Leaf Meadowsweet and Virginia Knotweed. Native Americans treated whooping cough with a tea made from a mixture of leaves of this plant and bark of the honey locust tree. I entered South Woods and hiked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I spotted some edible Coral Fungi growing on a log. Exiting the woods, I continued past Artist Overlook and followed the south trail to Frog Fen where I saw some Chicory. I turned south and climbed up into Brady Cemetery where I stopped by the new grave marker of former guide and friend, Larry Kerr. I exited the cemetery and entered Native Grassland where I noticed the yellow flowers of Black-eyed Susan, Wild Lettuce and Yellow Coneflower. The Ojibwa made a poultice of Yellow Coneflower and applied it to burns. An infusion of the root was taken for indigestion. Pausing at Grebe Pond, I spotted a female Wood Duck and three chicks swimming quietly among the thick duckweed. Heading north toward the barn, I saw some Boneset. This Native American remedy for colds and fever was adopted by early settlers to America. It got its name because it was used to treat break-bone fever, a viral infection that causes such intense muscle pain that sufferers feel their bones will break. Only the advent of aspirin displaced boneset as the popular choice for colds and fever. Next, I looked west to see two Green Herons standing on the dock. I arrived back at the Classroom Building where I observed one of the new signs next to the Granary. Finally, we returned to the van and took off for home.

It’s the end of July. Oh my! Oh my!

I have questions, both what and why.

What bird is singing that song?

Sometimes I’m right, sometimes wrong.

Why are salamanders not around?

Is it polluted water or tainted ground.

What creature made that small hole?

Is it a deer mouse or meadow vole.

Why more tadpoles found this year?

Sometimes the answer is not clear.

Nature is filled with mysteries galore.

Every day, I discover some more.

D. DeGraaf

July 21

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. It was good for us to be back on familiar ground after a 2-week absence. The afternoon weather was sunny with a temperature of 83 degrees and a steady breeze from the west. I paused at the crest of the hill and gazed fondly at the summer landscape. I descended the hill and stopped at Mallard Marsh where I spotted some Canadian Thistle. North American Indians used infusions of Canadian thistle root for mouth diseases and infections and considered it to be useful as a health-promoting tonic, diuretic and astringent. I hiked through Bobolink meadow where I recalled my joy earlier in the week seeing a dozen immature and adult Bobolinks perched on White Sweet Clover. These numbers indicate the successful hatching of two clutches. Continuing along, I gazed up to see a graceful Turkey Vulture soaring high over Sora Swale. Turning at the entrance to North Woods, I followed the trail south toward Willow Wallow where I saw a Swamp Milkweed. I passed the pond and circled Succession Field where I spotted a red dragonfly sitting on Goldenrod. Heading to Artist Overlook, I turned north toward Willow Wallow where I observed several Monarch and Viceroy butterflies. I walked along the edge of the pond and climbed the west side of Reflection Hill where I noticed several Goldenrod bunch galls. Turning south, I descended the hill, passed Frog Fen and continued to Brady Cemetery. Next, I entered Native Grassland where I noticed a sea of colorful wildflowers including a white flower I had never seen before called Virginia Mountain Mint. I pinched off some leaves to smell its fragrant scent. Also, coloring the meadow pink were patches of Wild Bergamot. Members of the Chippewa tribe used the dried, powdered leaves and flowers of this plant as a burn salve. A decoction brewed from its flowers and roots was used to expel parasites. Next, I stopped and looked out on a vacant Grebe Pond. Continuing north, I observed lots of Purple Coneflower. Native Americans used it as an antidote for snakebites and bee stings. It was also used in a smoke treatment for headaches. Purple coneflower was used to calm toothaches and sore gums, and a tea from it was drunk to treat colds, mumps and arthritis. I came to the barn and walked around to the east side where I saw Common Tansy, Catnip, Bird’s foot Trefoil and Bee Balm. Bee Balm taken in a tea is a tasty, well-known remedy for digestive problems. It can also be made as a soothing drink to calm nerves and as a relaxing sleep aid. Finally, we passed the Classroom Building, hopped in the van and headed for home.

Bluebirds sing their melodies.

Butterflies weave and dive.

Dewdrops cling to leaves and stems

On the hills at sunrise.
Bright sun shines overhead.

Warm air blows through the hay.

A hawk cries out from the timberline

Of the fields at midday.
The sky turns orange and red.
Fields don a shadowy blanket.

Deer nibble on sweet clover blossoms

In the quiet of sunset.
Flitting fireflies blink and glow.

Below, silky spiders creep.

Rodents forage through the night.

The meadow is never asleep.

Kathy Rusniak

July 14

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, I was still on Beaver Island and Remi was still back in Alma. Anticipating a busy Saturday, I planned a Friday hike at a favorite trail through the Little Sand Bay Nature Preserve with my wife, Caroline and our friends, Buzz and Linda Wynbeek. The early evening weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 82 degrees and a slight easterly breeze. The trail began as a mowed path through an open field where I spotted a Stag horn Sumac plant. The red berries of this plant can be collected and made into “lemonade.” The leaves and berries were mixed with tobacco and smoked by Native Americans. As the trail became sandy, I was surprised to see a Snowshoe rabbit with its rusty brown summer coat that will turn white in the winter. The trail proceeded through a densely shaded mixed conifer forest of cedar, balsam fir and birch where I noticed some Yellow Loosestrife. The name Loosestrife is a very old one and refers to the belief that the plant had a special virtue 'in appeasing the strife and unruliness among oxen. The plant appears to be obnoxious to gnats and flies and placing it under the yoke, relieved the beasts of their tormentors, thus making them quiet and tractable. Next, I stooped down to see some Jewelweed. This plant is used as an herbal remedy to treat bee stings and Stinging Nettle rashes. It is also used after Poison Ivy contact to prevent a rash from developing. The trail came out on a secondary sand dune behind the beach. There I saw lots of Kalm’s St. John’s wort that is found only along the shores of the Great Lakes. Also, I noticed some Shrubby Cinquefoil. Native Americans used the dried leaves of this plant to make an arrow poison that was thought to go directly to the heart. I gazed out at the beautiful Little Sand Bay and proceeded north along the dunes where I spotted Indian Paint brush. Flowers of this plant are edible and were consumed by various Native American tribes as a condiment with other fresh greens. It has similar health benefits to eating garlic. Next, I spotted Harebell. Roots of this plant were chewed by Native Americans in the treatment of heart and lung problems. Further along, I noticed the invasive, European Swamp Thistle. I came to the water’s edge and walked along the beach where I saw some Houghton Goldenrod. This threatened species was named in honor of Douglass Houghton, a doctor, botanist, civic leader, and Michigan's first State Geologist. This plant grows nowhere else in the world but along the Great Lakes shoreline. Finally, we walked back to the car and headed back to the cottage.

The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air,


the fragrance of the grass speaks to me.


The summit of the mountain, the thunder of the sky,


The rhythm of the sea, speaks to me.


The faintness of the stars, the freshness of the morning,


the dewdrop on the flower, speaks to me.


The strength of the fire, the taste of salmon, the trail of the sun,


and the life that never goes away, they speak to me


And my heart soars.

Chief Dan George

July 8

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, I was traveling to our rental cottage on Beaver Island while Remi remained in Alma. Therefore, it was Sunday when I decided to hike along a beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan beach near the cottage. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 60 degrees and a refreshing breeze out of the north. Starting out, I noticed lots of Bladder Campion among the vegetation in the foredune. Ahead of me, I spotted a Herring Gull walking in the wet sand. When, I got closer, it took off. However, I could see lots of its tracks. Next, I spotted some Silverweed. This plant is used both internally and externally in treating various affections of the body. Internally it is used as a tea to treat stomach colic, kidney stones and arthritis. In popular medicine, silverweed is used for treating severe diarrhea and anemia. Externally, the plant is used for treating skin ulcerations and gum inflammations. Continuing down the beach enjoying the sunrise and the sound of waves hitting the shore, I was pleased to see some Huron Tansy. I stopped, picked a leaf and crushed it to smell its pungent odor. This plant is a threatened species growing only in coastal dunes on the northern shores of the Great Lakes. Nearby was some Spotted Knapweed. This plant is an aggressive invasive species that disturbs natural ecosystems by producing a natural herbicide called "catechin" that eradicates plants around it. I walked along and spotted a single, tall Common Mullein plant growing right on the beach. Sitting among the beach stones was a well-decomposed gull carcass. Further along, I observed Yarrow, Evening Primrose and Beach Pea. Mixed in the stones were the ubiquitous Zebra Mussel shells. The Zebra Mussel is an invasive species first introduced in the Great Lakes in 1988 from ballast water dumped by large ocean-going vessels from Europe. Much of its recent dispersal can be attributed to recreational activities such as boating and fishing. These organisms damage harbors and waterways, ships and boats, and water treatment and power plants. Also, they anchor themselves by the thousands to native mussels making it impossible for them to function. Native mussels have all but disappeared from the Great Lakes. Next, a rock on the beach caught my eye. I stooped down and was excited to find a fossil embedded in Sandstone. Nearing the end of my journey, I glanced up to see a Gibbous moon high in a blue sky. Finally, it was back to the cottage for a cup of coffee.

The sight of sunlight glinting on the water dazzling, 


The sound of waves advancing softly on the sand, 


The feeling of the suns warming kiss on my skin, 


The cool dampness of the sand between my toes, 


The gentle breeze moving through my hair, 


Slipping across the water a yacht gliding silently, 


The breeze filled sails carrying her to deeper waters, 


Above me seagulls swirl singing their daily song, 


Before diving down into the sea to snatch a fish, 


The gentle breeze and warming sun feeding my soul, 


The captivating pleasures of sight and sound so delightful, 


I breathe in the wonderful scent of salt water that fills the air, 


The intoxicating aroma of wildflowers thick along the cliffs, 


A feeling of contentment fills every corner of my being, 


As I walk along the beach I realize... Life is beauty

Cosmic Dreamer

June 30

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early afternoon weather was sunny with a temperature of 85 degrees and a steady breeze out of the southwest. I exited the van and walked over to the northwest side of the parking lot to check on a Killdeer nest while both parent birds watched me anxiously. Today, I planned to repeat the Reflection Hill activity where I slowly circle the trail and pause as I face each direction to take in sights and scents. As I passed the Classroom Building, I noticed some Common Mallow blossoms on the lawn. This plant is also called Cheese weed because the seeds look like little cheese wheels. The leaves, stems and immature seeds of this plant can be eaten raw or cooked and are quite high in vitamins and minerals. Native people used this plant for various medicinal reasons, including as an astringent and anti-inflammatory agent. Arriving at the top of the hill, I gazed north and noticed that Mallard Marsh was totally hidden by the dense growth of Cattails and Reed Canary Grass. Next to the path, lots of Milkweed were in bloom. So I bent over to smell the sweet fragrance of the pink flowers. I proceeded counterclockwise around the trail and saw lots of Timothy Grass in bloom. This grass is commonly grown for cattle feed and, in particular, as hay for horses. Pollen of this grass is a common allergen. Next, I paused and faced west where I spotted some Orchard Grass sticking up with Artist Overlook and South Woods in the distance. Continuing around the hilltop, I noticed some Yarrow plants. I picked a leaf, crushed it between my fingers and smelled the wonderful aroma. While walking, I was reminded how surprised I was yesterday at seeing two more male Bobolinks flying around up here and perching on some bushes. I paused again and faced south where I observed how the neighbor’s golden wheat field contrasted with the surrounding green vegetation. Continuing on the path, I noticed a fresh green gall on a Goldenrod plant. Next, I stopped, faced east and scanned Grebe Pond where I could see a family of four geese swimming. Since the goslings have grown so much, it’s hard to tell them from their parents. Proceeding onward, I noticed lots of White Sweet Clover. The pea-like seeds of this plant are used as a seasoning for bean and split pea soups. Young shoots, raw or cooked, can be added to salads. The flowers, raw or cooked, can be used as a vanilla-like flavoring. The dried leaves contain coumarin that can be taken as an anticlotting agent for the blood. The dried flowering plant has also been used in ointments for external ulcers. I completed the loop, descended the hill and headed back to the Classroom. Finally, we went straight to the van to find shade and head for home.

Standing on a hill, near the end of June

I enjoy the warmth of an afternoon

I look to the south, far and wide

Will the whitetail run or will it hide?

I look to the east to the meadow beyond

A killdeer is singing its warning song

I look to the north to the marsh below

What’s on the cattail? Blackbird or crow

I look to the west and behold I see

A cardinal perched in a willow tree

Whether it be cloudy or clear

There are wonderful views from here

D. DeGraaf

June 23

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, we were with our good friend, Jeff Reynolds and his dog, Winston, hiking a nature trail in Mitchell State Park near his Cadillac home. The midday weather was sunny with a temperature of 70 degrees and a gentle westerly breeze. At the start of the trail, I noticed a patch of colorful Crown Vetch. This invasive plant is a problem in natural areas such as this where it excludes native vegetation by fully covering and shad­ing it. All parts of this plant including the leaves, stems and flowers are poisonous to humans. Ingestion can lead to death. Continuing along the trail, I spotted both St. John’s Wort and Beach Pea. Glancing over to a shrub next to the trail, I noticed a dragonfly sunning itself. Next, I spotted an unfamiliar plant called Leafy Spurge. This plant displaces native vegetation through shading and by usurping available water and nutrients. Also, it produces toxins that prevent the growth of other plants underneath it. It is an aggressive invader that can completely overtake large areas of open land. We paused at a deck overlooking a pond where Jeff spotted a magnificent Great Blue Heron taking off and perching on a dead tree sticking out of the water. Floating on the pond were several white flowers of Water Lily. Rhizomes and leaves of this plant were used by Native Americans as remedies for a wide variety of ailments, from colds to ulcers. The leaves and roots are eaten by beavers, muskrats, porcupines and deer. Along the trail were several Blue Spruce trees. We crossed a small creak, where I noticed a Painted Turtle resting on a log. We got off the main trail and took a side trip into a dense wooded area where Jeff spotted lots of glossy-leaf, evergreen Wintergreen. I picked a leaf and crushed it to smell the aromatic scent. It is the leaf that essential oil is distilled from. Also on this trail were several Club Moss plants. This plant can be used as a potent anti-spasmodic, a sedative as well as a diuretic. Disorders such a indigestion and gastritis can also be treated using this plant. Itchy, irritated skin can be alleviated by application of prepared club moss spores as a topical treatment. Back on the main trail, I saw lots of Spreading Dogwood with their small, bell-shaped blossoms. Also, I spotted what looked like Yellow Loosestrife close to the path. Along the way, I observed several Honeysuckle plants with berries on them. Even though birds will eat them, they are not recommended for human consumption. Walking along, we saw a few snail shells on the stone path. Also, I noticed lots of blossoms on Viburnum shrubs. Next, we came across a small Canadian hemlock tree. As we neared the end of our hike, I was pleased to see a Monarch pollinating a Milkweed flower. Finally, we returned to the car and headed back to our host’s house.

The dandelions spread across the meadow

And dot the vibrant green with wondrous yellow,

And dot the vibrant green upon the meadow.

The sunlight plays upon this field I see,

And orchestrates a wind-chime melody,

A chorus playing over this field I see.

What nature tenders, I soliloquize,

The green and yellow meadow before my eyes,

And the sunlight strings that are playing just for me,

A wind-chime chorus over this field I see.

Tom Kraft