September 15

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 45 degrees and no wind. I stood on the crest of the hill and scanned the late summer landscape to the west. Descending the hill, I passed Mallard Marsh and walked slowly through Bobolink Meadow where I saw lots of Heath Aster. In Latin, aster means star, the name also used by the Greeks for this flower. The "star-flower" was believed to be sacred to the gods and so wreaths of asters were placed on their altars. Aster leaves were burned to frighten away serpents in medieval Europe and roots were crushed and fed to bees in poor health. Although the early English name was "starwort," later the flower was named "Michaelmas Daisy" as it blooms around St. Michaelmas Day in September. I entered North Woods and followed the trail west where I spotted some colorful Jack-O-Lantern fungi growing next to a dead stump. Crossing over the boardwalk, I spotted several Beech Drops. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field and entered South Woods where I followed the trail along the edge of Swanson Swamp. I exited the woods and headed east where I saw some Flat-top Aster and Small-flower Aster. Next, I turned north and went toward Willow Wallow where I spotted New England Aster and Sky blue Aster. I walked past the pond and began to climb Reflection Hill where I was surprised to find a patch of Canadian Thistle in full flower this late in the season. I looked up to see a solitary crow perched high in a dead Ash tree calling out. At the top of the hill, I noticed a Honeysuckle shrub displaying unusual leaf growth referred to as Witches’ Broom. An aphid feeds on the plant causing leaflets to distort and fold up. The folded leaflets protect the aphids from hard rains, heavy winds, predaceous insects and contact insecticides. Numerous buds along a branch grow simultaneously, giving a bushy or broom-like appearance. Next, I got off the path and wandered east down the hill to find a Crab Apple tree with bright red fruit. I picked an apple and took a bite to savor the very tart taste. I returned to the trail and descended the hill south toward Frog Fen where I found some Rough Stink Bugs on willow leaves. I also spotted a grasshopper feeding on a wild grape leaf. Passing the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland and headed north to view a vacant Grebe Pond. Hiking along the edge of the pond, I made it to the barn where I spotted some Lamb’s quarter. The leaves and stems of this plant are edible so I picked off a leaf and ate it. It had a flavor like spinach or chard with an earthy, mineral rich taste. Finally, I passed the Classroom Building and came to the van as we ended another enjoyable hike.

When despair for the world grows in me


and I wake in the night at the least sound


in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,


I go and lie down where the wood drake


rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.


I come into the peace of wild things


who do not tax their lives with forethought


of grief. I come into the presence of still water.


And I feel above me the day-blind stars


waiting with their light. For a time


I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Wendell Berry

September 8

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 53 degrees and a gentle breeze from the west. Starting out, I descended the hill, passed Mallard Marsh and hiked through Bobolink Meadow where I scared up a dozen pheasants. I turned at the entrance to North Woods and headed south toward Willow Wallow where I spotted some Woolgrass. Also, I was reminded of earlier in the week seeing a lovely white Egret taking off from the pond and flying toward South Woods. I turned again at the pond and walked west into Succession Field where the blossoming Goldenrod colored the landscape yellow. Most of the plants were Canadian goldenrod. However, some were Lance-leaf Goldenrod. Many people believe that these plants cause hay fever. They are unfairly blamed because their showy flowers bloom at the same time as less conspicuous Ragweed flowers that cause the itching and sneezing. In fact, Goldenrod pollen is too heavy to be carried on the wind. Instead, it is carried by insects that pollinate the flowers. Also, I spotted a few white Turtlehead blossoms. Next, I stepped off the path and went over to find the decomposing deer. Since the dead body has been there for nine months, what was left of the remains was difficult to find being covered with dense grass. I continued to circle Succession Field and instead of heading to Artist Overlook, I turned north and walked back to Willow Wallow. I hiked along the edge of the pond and climbed Reflection Hill where I saw two Canada Geese fly overhead. It’s been several weeks since I’ve seen or heard these familiar birds. Descending the hill, I followed the trail south to Frog Fen where I found a Japanese beetle sitting on a Wild Grape leaf. Adult Japanese beetles feed on foliage, flowers, and fruits. Leaves are typically skeletonized or left with only a network of veins. The larvae, commonly known as white grubs, primarily feed on roots of grasses often destroying turf in lawns, parks, and golf courses. I passed Brady Cemetery and entered Native Grassland where I was pleased to see an abundance of Indian Grass growing tall in the field as part of our prairie restoration project. I continued north and stopped at Grebe Pond. Moving along the edge of the pond, I headed to the barn where I spotted some Nodding Smartweed. This plant is sometimes called “swollen knees” because of the swollen joints along the stems. Its leaves and stems can be used for tea for treating fevers and diarrhea. The whole plant is antiseptic; a soapy tea-wash made with the leaves and stems can be applied to cuts, sores, and burns, or used like soap for bathing. Finally, I passed the Classroom Building and got in the van for my homeward journey.

I'm pondering the meadowlands That lay around the bend, The tall grass waving gently Like ripples in the wind; Away from madding crowds and noise, Reclusing while I'm there, I'll have the peace of mind I'd sought, And breathe the country air. To get away a little while Is the respite that I need, And in the meadowlands, I know, My hungry soul will feed.

Tom Kraft

September 1

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 60 degrees and a gentle north breeze. Today I planned to focus on late summer sounds, both natural and man-made. What critters would announce their presence? How quiet or noisy would Mother Nature be? I stood at the crest of the hill to look west over the landscape and listen. Proceeding down the hill past Mallard Marsh, I hiked through Bobolink Meadow where I heard crickets, grasshoppers and katydids. I entered North Woods and followed the path west through some dense shade. I arrived at a bench where I paused to take in the quietude. I exited the woods and circled around Succession Field. Suddenly, I spotted a beautiful Pearl Crescent Butterfly sunning its wings. Entering South Woods, I hiked along the edge of Swanson Swamp. Close by, I noticed some interesting bracket fungi. Near the shore, I was surprised to see a patch of Water Hemlock growing out of the shallow water. Also known as beaver poison, children's bane, death-of-man, poison parsnip, and false parsley, this plant is in the same family as parsley, parsnips, celery, and carrots. It is similar in appearance to Queen Anne’s Lace, smells like fresh turnips, and tastes sweet, but is the most toxic indigenous plant in North America. Although the lethal toxin, cicutoxin is present in all parts of the plant, the root contains the highest concentration. Water hemlock toxicosis is characterized by acute onset of violent seizures that resemble strychnine poisoning. Salivation is followed by muscle twitching that rapidly progresses to seizures, champing of the jaws, coma, and death. Exiting the woods, I stopped by the picnic tables to look over Succession Field and listen. Next, I walked past Artist Overlook along the edge of Sora Swale. Then, I followed the south trail to Frog Fen where again I perked up my ears to hear any sounds. Heading north, I climbed Reflection Hill and paused once more to listen carefully. I descended the hill and walked toward the Classroom Building where I heard some noisy crickets. At the last minute, I decided to turn south and stop at the observation platform to take in the sounds including a plane overhead. Then, I walked out on the dock on Grebe Pond where I paused to hear some Green Herons. Finally, I arrived back at the van where we got in and took off for home.

The voice that beautifies the land!! The voice above, The voice of the thunder, Among the dark clouds Again and again it sounds, The voice below The voice of the grasshopper, Among the flowers and grasses Again and again it sounds, The voice that beautifies the land.

Delvis D. Rogers

August 25

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 62 degrees and no wind. I descended the hill, passed Mallard Marsh and hiked through Bobolink meadow where I spotted two deer loping west toward the woods. Also, I noticed a Milkweed Bug and a House Fly on the same Milkweed plant. I entered North Woods and followed the trail west where I looked down and could barely make out a small toad sitting on a log. Can you find it? I was amazed how this small amphibian has adapted to its environment. While observing the toad, I was surprised to see a Banded Tussock Moth Caterpillar crawling on the same log. Walking along, I spotted the bright red berry clusters of Jack-in-the-Pulpit. Meanwhile, I heard the calls of several Sand hill Cranes coming from the north. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field where I noticed most of the leaves on a Basswood tree had turned brown and were beginning to fall off due to a fungal blight. Also, I saw that the Dogwood bushes were full of white berries. Continuing on the path, I spotted an edible Spiny Puffball. Entering South Woods, I walked along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I saw a few Jewelweed plants. Also, there were several Orange Spotted mushrooms that are known for their hallucinogenic properties. I exited the woods and headed toward Artist Overlook where I was surprised to see some Virginia creeper leaves had turned color already and the vines displayed their blue berries. Hiking around Sora Swale. I was surprised to see a single Wild Foxglove plant. Although all parts of the plant are toxic, it has a use in modern medicine for heart conditions, being the plant from which digitalin is extracted for treating heart disease. Digitalin increases the force of heart contractions and so helps in congestive heart failure. Next, I followed south trail to Frog Fen and turned south toward Brady Cemetery where I observed a flock of Starlings flying over the neighbor’s newly plowed field. I passed the cemetery and entered Native Grassland where I noticed how the warm season grasses were growing tall including Canadian Wild Rye. I stopped at Grebe Pond and saw a Great Blue Heron wading off the far shore. Also, dozens of Tree Swallows were swooping over the water to catch insects. Continuing north toward the barn, I observed some beautiful Bull Thistle blossoms. I passed the barn and came to the Classroom. Finally, we hopped in the van and headed for home.

Days of summer come and go

Cycles of nature continue to flow

Flowers of the field turn to seed

Deer of the woods grow and feed

Trees of the forest die and decay

Their wood turns to soil someday

Fuzzy caterpillar will soon be

A lovely butterfly soaring free

End of August is almost here

Rhythms of life are beating clear

D. DeGraaf

August 18

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, he stayed home while I was participated in a bird watching hike with three other community members. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 55 degrees and no wind. We began by standing on the west side of the barn training our binoculars on Grebe Pond where we spotted a dozen Green Herons wading among the cattails and flying from shore to shore sounding off with their shrieking call. These birds typically stand still on shore or in shallow water or perch upon branches and await prey. Sometimes they drop food, insects, or other small objects on the water's surface to attract fish, making them one of the few known tool-using species. This feeding method has led some to declare this bird as among the world's most intelligent. Also, we spotted Grebes, Mallards and Wood ducks swimming on the pond. We perked up our ears to hear the faint call of a Sora Rail hidden in the cattails. As we hiked south into Native Grassland, we observed several Tree Swallows perched on the electrical wires high above. Also, we noticed a Kingbird and a female Bobolink. Passing the cemetery, we were surprised to see two Sand hill cranes walking on the neighbor’s mowed wheat field to the south. We turned at Frog Fen and headed west where we paused to admire a Goldfinch perched on a Honeysuckle shrub. These birds are very active now as they swoop over the fields singing and looking for thistle seeds to feed their young. We followed south trail and stopped to observe an immature Baltimore oriole perched on top of a willow thicket. Arriving at Sora Swale, we scared up a Great Blue Heron that took off from the pond and headed west. Also, we heard and saw several immature Cedar Waxwings perched on the dead tree branches. Circling Sora Swale, we walked along the edge of South Woods where we saw and heard a few Catbirds, a Crested Flycatcher and a Warbling Vireo. Also, we heard the call of a Tufted Titmouse coming from South Woods. At Artist Overlook, we stopped to see a Song Sparrow perched in white sweet clover and a Chimney Swift flying overhead. Throughout the hike, we saw and heard many crows. Circling Succession Field, we followed the trail through a cool and shady North Woods where no birds were seen. After leaving the woods, we headed south to Willow Wallow where we saw some immature Redwing Blackbirds perched high in a dead tree. Heading east along the edge of the pond, we climbed up the west side of Reflection Hill where we gazed down at Greb Pond to see four Blue wing Teal swimming in the thick duckweed. Finally, we arrived back at the Classroom Building to bid farewell and head for home.

In robe of orange, and of black,


With mellow music in his throat,


Our fairest summer bird is back


From southern woods and fields remote.

Beneath the shading, glossy leaves


The sunset gold upon his breast--


The restless, little toiler weaves


His hanging wonder of a nest!

And, as I watch him, flashing there,


My fancy deems the oriole


A wand'ring blossom of the air,


Endowed with wings, and voice, and soul!

Andrew Downing

August 12

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, I was returning from Colorado and Remi was still at the kennel. So, we waited until Sunday to do our hike. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 60 degrees and a gentle breeze out of the northwest. I stood at the crest of the hill to inhale the cool summer air. Walking down the hill, I paused at Mallard Marsh to see some of the Queen Anne’s lace flowers were beginning to fold up. Proceeding through Bobolink Meadow, I noticed a beautiful Painted Lady butterfly resting on Bull Thistle. Also, I noticed the continued absence of Bobolinks as I assumed they had left for their arduous migration to South America. At the entrance to North Woods, I turned south toward Willow Wallow and spotted a Curly Dock plant with its reddish-brown seeds. I passed the pond and entered Succession Field where I saw a Viceroy perched on some Indian hemp. Note the thin, black, horizontal line on the hind wings that distinguishes it from a Monarch. Also, I spotted a Red-veined darter dragonfly sunning itself. Hiking along the edge of North Woods, I was surprised to observe a few Purple Loosestrife plants. Since they are a rapidly growing invasive, I will need to kill them soon to prevent their spreading. I stopped at Artist Overlook and gazed far to the east toward the barn. Next, I followed the south trail past Sora Swale where I spotted some Heal-All flowers growing on the path. Over the centuries this plant offered a variety of benefits. In witchcraft, it was grown in gardens to drive away the devil. One group of Native Americans made tea from the root to drink before going hunting, supposedly sharpened their powers of observation. It was applied internally and externally as an antibiotic. Also, it was used to treat burns, bruises, sprains, cuts, liver disorders and hemorrhoids and as a mouthwash for gum problems. I arrived at Frog Fen and turned south toward Brady Cemetery where I could see some of the Wild Lettuce was going to seed. Passing the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland where I spotted lots of yellow False Sunflower. Also, I was pleased to see an abundance of warm season prairie grasses including Big Blue Stem and Little Blue stem. I headed north to Grebe Pond where I couldn’t help but remember awhile back the awesome sight of 13 adult Egrets perched in the willows on the west shore. These white, heron-like birds stood out in sharp contrast to the green vegetation. I assume they were gathering for their fall migration. I continued toward the barn where I noticed a Common Wood Nymph butterfly perched on a milkweed plant. Finally, I kept going past the barn and Classroom Building to the van where we hopped in and headed for home.

A comfortable place,

Peaceful and nice,

It looks beautifully placed,

Grandmother Earth just lying there

Like a soft green bed
With a sky blue comforter

Flowers and fresh smells

Making breathing and

Smelling a great pleasure

Reverend Ashira Goddard

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