July 6

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 70 degrees and no wind. At the crest of the hill, I looked west at a landscape dominated by lush, green vegetation. Descending the hill, I saw lots of Milkweed plants and was puzzled that I still haven’t seen any Monarch caterpillars or butterflies. Many of the plants still had green clusters of flower buds called umbels. These buds first appear in early summer and can be harvested for about seven weeks. I picked one of them and ate it. It had a mild leafy taste. The flowers themselves were quite fragrant and were used by Native Americans to make jam. Next, I passed Mallard Marsh and entered Bobolink Meadow where I stopped and broke off a Milkweed leaf to reveal the white “milky” sap that gives this plant its name. It contains 1-2% latex and scientists during World War II tried to create rubber from it, but concentrations of latex were too small. Because this “milk” is sticky, it’s a defense mechanism for the plant as some insects will get their mandibles stuck when feeding on the leaves. Monarch caterpillars, on the other hand have developed methods of draining the sap before they consume the leaf. Continuing through the meadow, I counted a dozen Redwings-male and female, young and old, moving about and another dozen perched in some tall trees on the edge of North Woods causing quite a commotion. Next, I turned south and headed toward Willow Wallow where I spotted another type of Milkweed called the Swamp Milkweed. Like Indian hemp, the stem of this plant becomes very fibrous in the fall and makes excellent cordage. I turned west at the pond and hiked around Succession Field where I saw a lovely Little Wood Satyr butterfly sunning itself. I turned south past Artist Overlook where I could not see but could hear the mimicking song of a Catbird. Following south trail, I spotted an unusually large flower gall on a small Ash tree caused by Eriophyid mites. Heading east toward Frog Fen, I came upon a patch of Canadian Thistle. Turning south, I walked past Brady Cemetery and turned north into Native Grassland where I could smell the sweet aroma of White Sweet Clover. I paused at a desolate Grebe Pond and was puzzled by how few Green and Blue Herons I’ve seen here compared to last year. Continuing around the pond, I noticed more Milkweed on both sides of the trail. I broke off another leaf, touched the white sap and remembered that it also contains a Cardenolide toxin that is lethal to many herbivores except Monarch caterpillars. Also, the larva and the adult butterfly sequester this chemical in their tissue, making them toxic to many potential predators. This sap can also cause mild dermatitis in some people and acute chemical burning of the eyes resulting in temporary blindness. Finally, we made it past the barn and classroom to the car for our trip home.

Why do I walk an earthen trail?
Weekly hikes come rain or shine
Why do I get up early and go
Start before the stroke of nine
What brings me to this spot?
With meadow, pond and hill
Why do I always return?
There’s a need I can fulfill
My spirit connects to nature
My feelings for her are strong
I found somewhere special
A place where I truly belong

D. DeGraaf

June 29

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was cloudy with a temperature of 64 degrees and a light northerly breeze. Today, I first planned to repeat the Reflection Hill activity where I hike the circular trail and pause as I face each direction to take in sights, sounds and scents. Passing the classroom, I followed the trail toward the hill where I noticed clusters of small green fruit beginning to form on Wild Grape vines. Climbing the hill, I was pleased to view newly formed Milkweed blossoms and take in their sweet aroma. Looking north, Mallard Marsh was totally hidden by lush cattail growth. Several Redwings including males, females and fledglings were seen flying around. Continuing counterclockwise on the trail, I spotted a Ctenucha Moth resting on a milkweed leaf. Also, I saw that the Timothy grass seed heads were flowering. I paused and gazed west at Artist Overlook and South Woods. Along the trail’s edge were a few Yarrow plants with their white blossoms and fragrant leaves. Following the path, I spotted a few yellow blossoms of both Common Buttercup and Rough-fruited Cinquefoil. I paused again, faced south and looked down at Frog Fen where I heard the shrieking call of a Green Heron. Proceeding around the hilltop, I looked east at a weed-covered Grebe Pond where I saw a family of diving Grebes, three families of Canada Geese with goslings and a pair of Mallards. I sat on a bench and tried to imagine what this land looked like back in 1856 when it was first purchased from the federal government by Mr. and Mrs. Henry of Eaton County, Michigan. A few years latter, it was purchased by Joseph and Martha Brady from Ohio. They raised seven children on a farm ½ mile east of the nature area property on Adams Road. On the northeast corner of Adams and Rich Roads was the Brady School. Two of Joseph’s sons, James Grey Brady, age 26 and Samuel Brady, age 16, marched by foot to serve in the Civil War. Both soldiers returned to this area to farm and raise their families. Next, I descended the hill south toward Brady Cemetery and stopped at Frog Fen where Fred was flying to and from his perch, singing loudly along with several other Redwings. Passing the cemetery, I turned north and entered Native Grassland where I spotted lots of Brome grass hanging over the trail. Several clusters of yellow False Sunflower blossoms were sticking up. I arrived at the south end of Grebe Pond where I noticed that the goslings of a geese family had grown almost as large as their parents. Following the trail around the pond, I was pleased to see a few blossoms of Butter-and-Eggs. Also, I saw and heard Gil while he perched in a small tree. Finally, the dog and I passed the barn and got in the car for our journey home.

What’s it like to be one of them?
Pink blossoms on a green stem
My aroma is sweet as I grow
This week my colors I’ll show
I sway with summer breezes
In my pedals, nectar pleases
Many Monarchs will be found
Bugs and beetles crawl around
I wish to be, if only for an hour
Mother nature’s Milkweed flower

D. DeGraaf

June 21

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, since I planned to be out of town, we went on Friday morning instead when the weather was partly cloudy with a temperature of 66 degrees and a slight breeze out of the southeast. It was good to return after a two-week absence in time to recognize and celebrate the sun at its summer solstice. I stood at the crest of the hill and was pleased to look west over a familiar lush landscape. Descending the hill, I noticed some Goat’s Beard flowers were going to seed appearing gray and fuzzy like a “goat’s beard.” I paused at Mallard Marsh to look and listen to my Redwings. Max was in his usual perch singing away. Mark was sitting quietly in his perch on the far side of the pond. However, I was surprised not to see any females or fledglings in the cattails on the north side. Mike, along with a female Redwing were perched in a small tree on the north side of the trail. Entering Bobolink Meadow, Bob flew toward me and hovered above my head noisily singing to defend his territory. In the mean time, I spotted one fledgling flying low and landing in the underbrush. Hiking through the meadow, I continued to be disappointed that no Bobolinks had yet arrived. At the entrance to North Woods, I admired the purplish inflorescences of Reed Canary Grass. Turning south, I made it to Willow Wallow where Will sat quietly in his perch. I entered Succession Field that was dotted with many Oxeye Daisies. Also, hidden in the grass were Alsike Clover and Red Clover. Along the north side of South Woods there were lots of frothy Spittle Bugs stuck on grass stems. As I turned south toward Artist Overlook, I noticed the Silky Dogwood shrubs were blossoming. Following south trail, I spotted lots of Orange and Yellow Hawkweed. Also, I was surprised how quietly a Great Blue Heron took off from a nearly dried up vernal pond. Arriving at Frog Fen, I noticed some Yellow Sweet Clover just off the trail. Next, I turned south, passed Brady Cemetery and entered Native Grassland where I observed a Painted Turtle resting in the middle of the trail. In the field off to the east, I spotted several blossoms of Spiderwort. I continued north to Grebe Pond where I saw no sign of the pair of swans that had made this their home for the past five weeks. Also, I did not see Gus while Gabe flew up to his usual perch. Rounding the corner, I was treated by a show of bird sights and sounds as Gil and Gordy were swooping and singing among some Redwing females, Grackles and Tree Swallows. Following the trail toward the barn, I saw a few colorful Coreopsis sticking up above the grass. Passing the barn, I noticed some Mayweed growing on the drain field east of the Classroom. Finally, we came to the car for our trip home.

Sustaining sun overhead
Casting its shortest shadow
Penetrating a peaceful pond
Warming the wading turtle
Heating the harden earth
Coming through the canopy
A star that stays nearby
Rays that reach the grass
Shining and sharing its light
Reflecting off the reeds
High in the hazy sky
Way before noon in June
Sensational summer solstice 

D. DeGraaf

June 15

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, I was at the Bay City State Recreation Area hiking with family members while Remi was back in Alma. This area has one of the largest remaining freshwater, coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, the Tobico Marsh. More than a thousand feet of sandy beach and over 2,000 acres of wetland woods, wet meadows, cattail marshlands and oak savannah prairies make it an ideal staging area for migratory birds. The noontime weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 71 degrees and a gentle easterly breeze off Saginaw Bay. We started out on a mile-long circuit around a large lagoon where I spotted a clump of Daisy Fleabane. As we continued on the trail, I noticed lots of Meadow Anemone with their white blossoms and star-like leaf structure. Walking at a leisurely pace, we enjoyed the wonderful aroma of Multi Flora Rose blossoms lining the path. Next, I was surprised to see a nesting pair of Mourning Doves along with one of their fledglings resting on the ground. It’s amazing how well their color blends with the earthen background. Despite the fact that these birds may be hunted in 40 other states, I am please they are not hunted in Michigan. As we continued our circuit around the lagoon, I noticed some Goat’s beard, Red Clover as well as Yellow Sweet Clover. We paused on a bridge over the lagoon’s inlet where I saw a Painted Turtle sunning itself. Next, we ventured off the path and walked on the beach down to the water of Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay where we enjoyed a refreshing breeze. The name of the lake is derived from early French explorers who named it for the Huron people inhabiting the region. By surface area, Lake Huron is the second largest of the Great Lakes, making it the third-largest fresh water lake on Earth. By volume however, Lake Huron is only the third largest of the Great Lakes. Walking near the water’s edge, I spotted a decomposing carp fish. These fish are capable of tolerating a range of environmental conditions. They have a greater tolerance of low oxygen levels, pollutants and turbidity than most native fish and are often associated with degraded habitats. Back on the trail, we paused to notice some Yarrow and enjoyed the pungent smell of its leaves. Crossing over a boardwalk, we saw some Ground Ivy and Bladder Campion growing just off the path. Off to my right, I observed some kind of white bracket fungus growing on a tree trunk. Just before completing the circuit, I paused to look at colorful purple Coreopsis. Finally, we got to the car for our trip back to Alma.

A place out of town
Far from the suburb
Where wildlife thrive
I’ll try not to disturb
Place of natural beauty
I can smell the flowers
Trail around a lagoon
I could hike for hours
Path of cement and sand
Over gently rolling terrain
I hope to return soon
Won’t hesitate or refrain

D. DeGraaf

June 8

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi.  However, Remi was at home and I was leading a nature walk for participants in the annual JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) event just south of Alma. The early morning weather was mostly sunny with a temperature of 55 degrees and no wind. We gathered by a large cherry tree where everyone sprayed themselves well with mosquito repellent and headed down a path into a mature hardwood forest. One of the first things I pointed out was some poison ivy just off the trail. Next, we stopped at a Prickly Ash tree where I had the kids break off a leaf and smell the pungent aroma. Then, we gazed up and I pointed out some basic leaf shapes including white and red oak. We continued along the trail where I pointed out the leaves of Witch hazel and explained that the bark and leaves of this tree are used in ointments and creams to treat a variety of skin conditions. I noted one use in particular is as an anti aging agent for reducing wrinkles. One gentleman in the group recalled when he was a boy, his barber applying Witch Hazel to his hair after a cut. Further along, someone noticed the abandoned nest of tent caterpillars. I explained that the caterpillars had crawled away and would soon change into moths. As we hiked along, I continued to look up in the canopy where I pointed out the Basswood leaves filled with holes from the leaf miner beetle and some Chinquapin oak leaves. Next, I pointed out the difference between a simple leaf like red maple and a compound leaf like ash. Speaking of ash, I showed them a Pileated Woodpecker hole in an ash tree that had been devastated by the ash borer. Next, I pointed out a variety of tree trunk types including cherry, shagbark hickory and beech. Also, I called their attention to some old, hard bracket fungi on a dead birch trunk. Finally, I focused on the ground where I pointed out a decaying log with some turkey tail fungi growing on it. Also, I showed everyone some moss and mushrooms on a decaying stump. As we completed the circuit, I pointed out some Morning Star sedge and Cinnamon Fern. After we bid farewell, I headed to the car for my trip home.

Come along on a nature walk
Watch closely. Do not talk
Do you hear the call of a frog?
See centipedes under the log?
Follow me on a narrow trail
Listen closely! Hear the rail
Come along the water’s edge
Reach down touch the sedge
Move along, look up and see
Wren sings in a maple tree
Hike is over. It’s time to go
I hope you enjoyed the show

D. DeGraaf

June 1

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 69 degrees and a light breeze from the southwest. At the crest of the hill, I gazed west at a lush landscape. I walked down the hill toward Mallard Marsh where I noticed several blossoms of Goat’s Beard. At the pond female Redwings were quite vocal as they moved nervously around the cattails indicating eggs were hatching and chicks were being fed. Entering Bobolink Meadow. I could barely make out a deer far to the west. I came to the entrance to North Woods and turned south toward Willow Wallow where I saw a colorful male Goldfinch perched near the ground. Turning west at the pond, I followed the path around Succession Field where I noticed the raspberry bushes were blossoming. I continued along the edge of South Woods and came to Artist Overlook where I stopped to observe Sora Swale. Continuing along the south trail, I saw some Bugleweed that had been planted several years ago for an Eagle Scout project. Further along, I saw lots of yellow hawkweed buds and blossoms on the trail. Also, I was pleased to get a brief glimpse of my first Redwing fledgling before it flew into the undergrowth. I turned south at Frog Fen where I noticed a usually dry vernal pond filled with water after another week of heavy rain. I passed Brady Cemetery and continued north through Native Grassland to Grebe Pond where more female Redwings flew nervously around their nests giving their warning calls. I hiked along the edge of the pond where I saw a patch of Sensitive Ferns. Before reaching the barn, I checked out the much decomposed turkey carcass. Also, I recalled earlier in the week my surprise in getting a close up view of a Sora Rail wading in the cattails. Finally, I passed the barn and came to the Classroom where I remembered the successful partnerships we’ve had with Alma College students and faculty over the past 20 years Early on, faculty members, Murray Borrello and Dick Roeper had some of their students do basic research on flora and fauna. These two instructors also conducted the first official field trip in 1998 for 75 elementary students. Next came faculty member, Mary Theresa Freund and her archeology students who performed several digs near the old farmhouse. More recently, faculty member, Mark Seals has taught an outdoor science course where his students work on improvement projects as well as assist the guides. Also, over the years, faculty member, Mike Bishop has done numerous bird banding demonstrations for school children. Next, I walked around the west side of the Classroom to see the blossoms on the Black Locust tree. Then, I proceeded down the south driveway and looked up into a large Sugar Maple tree and could barely see the head of a mother raccoon sleeping at the entrance to her den where her babies were sighted yesterday. Finally, we returned to the car for our trip home.

I honor a place called Forest Hill
Being there is quite a thrill
We celebrate our twentieth year
Raise a glass. Give a cheer
Abandoned farm in the countryside
Is now a place of beauty and pride
Progress was made, I can attest
Mother Nature did the rest
Trails were cut. Wetlands thrived
Yellow school busses soon arrived
Thanks to all who labored, I’d say
To make this place what it is today 

D. DeGraaf

May 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 41 degrees and no wind. Exiting the car, I was greeted by the pleasing song of a Mourning Dove. At the crest of the hill, I gazed west at the landscape. I walked down the hill and paused at Mallard Marsh where I noticed the family of geese had only three goslings instead of the four they had last week. Redwing Max was busy chasing another male blackbird out of his territory. Mike was perched in a small tree north of the trail singing loudly while Mark was in is usual spot west of the pond. Entering Bobolink Meadow, Redwing Bob met me and began flying just above my head giving off a piercing call. This aggressive behavior is typical of males as they defend their nest of hatchlings. Nests are typically built of cattail stalks woven together to form a basket above water level. Three to five pale greenish-blue, black or purple streaked eggs are laid per clutch. I entered North Woods and headed west where I spotted lots of colorful Wild Geraniums. Also, I admired a large Bracket Fungus growing on a dead log next to the trail. Exiting the woods, I was surprised to see hundreds of small spider webs clinging to the dead vegetation of Succession Field glistening in the morning sunlight. Following the path around the field, I spotted the cotton-like seeds of a willow tree and the white blossoms of a Nannyberry tree. I entered South Woods and followed the trail along the edge of Swanson Swamp where I saw a few Mayapple blossoms. Exiting the woods, I proceeded to Willow Wallow where I stopped to observe Will as he flew from perch to perch within his territory. Next, I hiked east along the pond where I spotted a pair of geese with two rather large goslings swimming on the south side. Also, I stopped to hear a Grebe calling. I climbed Reflection Hill to look down on Grebe Pond where I recalled earlier in the week my third sighting of what I think was an American Bittern flying west over the water being chased by a Redwing Blackbird. Continuing south, I approached Frog Fen where Redwing Fred displayed similar aggressive behavior to Redwing Bob by flying just above my head giving off a loud piercing call. I kept going south toward Brady Cemetery where I noticed the Red Osier Dogwood shrubs were blossoming. I also saw a small Honeysuckle shrub with lovely pink blossoms. I passed the cemetery and continued north through Native Grassland to Grebe Pond where all the male Redwings were visible tending to in their respective territories. I hiked north toward the barn and was surprised to see a pair of swans again on the pond as they have been visible several times in the last week or so. Finally, we passed the Barn, passed Classroom and returned to the car for our trip home.

In the chill of morning
I walk an earthen trail
Over a hill of green
Through a verdant dale
Spring is in the air
With pleasure I inhale
Nature tells her story
I enjoy her weekly tales
I enter a favorite forest
Where beauty prevails

D. DeGraaf