August 24

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, he stayed home while I participated in a bird and butterfly hike at the Nature Area along with six community members led by Stan Lilley. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 61 degrees and no wind. We gathered at the barn that was recently named in memory of Marletha Raske, a former guide who passed away last winter and scanned Grebe Pond where we saw lots of Tree Swallows swooping after insects as well as a few Wood Ducks and Mallards floating near the south shore. Heading south into Native Grassland, we immediately captured a butterfly called a Great Spangled Fritillary. Following the trail along the edge of the pond, we spotted several Song Sparrows including adults and fledglings. Approaching Brady Cemetery, we observed a single Canada Goose flying overhead as well as a perching Cedar Waxwing and Goldfinch. We explored the cemetery where we saw Robins, Cardinals, a Downy Woodpecker and a Phoebe. Heading north toward Frog Fen, we spotted two Clouded Sulfur butterflies fluttering in the field and one cawing crow perched in a tall tree far to the north over Willow Wallow. Heading west on south trail, we captured a Common Wood Nymph. We turned north along the edge of South Woods where we heard the typical call of a Catbird. Also, we noticed a nest of fall webworms in a Cherry Tree. These larvae overwinter as pupae in cocoons concealed in ground litter. Adult whitish moths will first appear next June but may continue to emerge in small numbers during most of next summer. Passing Artist Overlook, we turned west and hiked along the edge of South Woods where lots of Birch leaves were covering the trail. Continuing along the west end of Succession Field, we captured a rare Spicebush Swallowtail. Turning east along the edge of North Woods, we spotted two small butterflies, a Pearl Crescent and Summer Azure. Also, we heard the call of a Great Crested Flycatcher from North Woods. As we approached Willow Wallow, we were greeted by the persistent cry of a Blue Jay. We continued east along the edge of the pond and came to the base of Reflection Hill where we saw berry clusters of Elderberry and Woody Nightshade. This entire plant contains solanine, the same toxin found in green potatoes and other members of the nightshade family. It also contains a glycoside called dulcamarine, similar to atropine, one of the toxins found in deadly nightshade. The toxin amount varies with soil, light, climate and growth stage. Ripe fruits are generally less toxic than the leaves and unripe berries, but even ripe berries can be poisonous. After ascending and descending Reflection Hill, we came to the Classroom where we spotted a Giant Swallowtail. Finally, we rested awhile in the shade of the Observation Platform before we took off.

Birds begin morning tunes
As we walk in the early day
Meandering in a meadow
Mother Nature shows the way
A trail that’s easy to follow
Path before us leads on
Over hill, past a swale
From woods to placid pond
Beside a tree, across a ditch
A field where butterflies soar
We continue to hike along
There’s so much to explore

D. DeGraaf

August 17

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, we were near Cadillac hiking with our good friend, Jeff Reynolds and his dog, Winnie. The midday weather was sunny with a temperature of 77 degrees and no wind. We left the car and followed a narrow circular trail through a dense forest dominated by Red Maple, Red Oak and Red Pine. Along the path deep in the woods, I was surprised to see the leaves of a small Red Maple had already turned to autumn colors. Once in a while, we crossed a clearing covered with ferns and something called Sweet Fern that we picked to smell it’s citrusy aroma. Sweet fern is not actually a fern; rather, it is a member of the Bayberry family. Native Americans used the leaves in smudge fires and lined their baskets with them when gathering highly perishable berries. All parts of the plant were used, especially the top leaves in a tea to promote overall good health. A decoction was used internally to treat rheumatism, diarrhea and internal bleeding. It is quite effective when used topically to sooth Poison Ivy itching. Next, we spotted some Wintergreen growing on the forest floor and picked some to smell its minty fragrance. Occasionally, we saw Big Tooth Aspen and Witch Hazel. Further along the trail, we came upon a patch of Huckleberry, a favorite food source for the Black Bears that live in this area. We followed the trail along the edge of the Clam River where the dogs were eager to get a much-needed drink. This river flows east out of Lake Cadillac in Wexford County, travels 50 miles to the southeast through Missaukee County and empties into the Muskegon River west of Harrison in Clare County. Near the end of our hike with spotted a few Hawthorn trees with their ripening haws. Finally, we returned to the car for our trip back to Jeff’s house.

For love of nature’s ways
I live my years and days
I walk lots of open space
Hope no one will displace
For love of earth and sky
There’re many reasons why
I know every plant and tree
Name every creature I see
For love of natural things
Beauty each one brings
I have learned their truth
Since the time of my youth

D. DeGraaf

August 10

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. Instead, we hiked at the Emma Burnham Outdoor Center on Jackson Rd. in St. Louis, Michigan. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 59 degrees and no wind. Exiting the car, I was surprised to see a doe running full speed past us and disappearing into the woods. I proceeded south where I explored a 3-acre open field and spotted a mixed patch of Chicory, Wild Carrot and Red Clover. Also, I noticed lots of the invasive, Spotted Knapweed. Along the edge of the woods, I saw clusters of Cherry Galls on a white oak. This gall is caused by a tiny gall wasp. The larva remains in the gall after leaf-fall, emerging as an adult wasp in winter. Also, I noticed the bright red fruit of Baneberry. All parts of this plant are poisonous while the berries are the most toxic. However, accidental poisoning is not likely since the berries are extremely bitter. A healthy adult will experience poisoning from as few as six berries. Ingestion of the berries causes nausea, dizziness, increased pulse and severe gastrointestinal discomfort. Next, I observed the lavender blossoms of Purple Loosestrife. Entering the woods, I immediately spotted a healthy vine of Poison Ivy working its way up a tree trunk. I followed the trail through dense shade below a tall canopy of Beech, Maple and Oak where I heard a drumming woodpecker, a cawing crow and some honking Canada geese. Just off the trail, I noticed someone had carved letters and symbols into a Beech trunk. The path took me along the edge of a small vernal pond where I saw a patch of Water Parsnip. Also, a fallen log was covered with a cream-colored fungus. Continuing to explore the ground, I spotted some Christmas ferns. They get their name because some parts of the plant remain green throughout the year and are thus available for use in decorations at Christmas time. Next, I saw the withering leaf of a May Apple and a cluster of White Baneberries. Native Americans used the juice from the fruits of various baneberry species to poison arrows and used the root as an herbal remedy for menstrual problems. Arriving at a clearing, I gazed north to see a stand of Cottonwood trees and south to see a stand of spruce including Norway and Blue. I continued north on the path as it followed a somewhat hilly section of the forest where the ground was thick with Virginia Creeper. Near the end, the trail crossed over a small pond where lots of immature frogs were rippling the surface as they swam. Finally, we made it back to the car for our trip home.

I retreat to woods
A place to unwind
No cares or worries
I left those behind
In tune with nature
Breathing fresh air
I trod along
In a forest fair
I pause to look
Then proceed
I escape the world
I’m free indeed

D. DeGraaf

August 3

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The early morning weather was party sunny with a temperature of 59 degrees and no wind. From the crest of the hill, I walked down past Mallard Marsh and entered Bobolink Meadow where I stared at a doe that was staring at me. Also, I looked carefully for Bobolinks. Despite having seen a flock of a dozen or so fledglings the last two weeks, there was none visible today. Approaching North Woods, I noticed some lovely blossoms of Bull Thistle. Near the entrance to the woods, I spotted a few Milkweed Tussock Moth caterpillars eating a milkweed plant. Like Monarch caterpillars, they incorporate the toxins of the plant which makes them poisonous to predators. I entered North Woods and headed west where I kicked up dozens of tiny Wood frogs hopping on top of the leaf litter. At the boardwalk, I noticed the large vernal pond was finally dried up. Exiting the woods, I circled Succession Field where I first spotted blossoms of Narrow-leaf Meadowsweet and then Joe Pye Weed. Entering South Woods, I hiked along the edge of a silent Swanson Swamp. I exited the woods and arrived at Artist Overlook where I was reminded of hearing, for the first time, the raucous call of a Great Blue Heron earlier in the week as it took off from Sora Swale. I followed the south trail to Frog Fen and turned north to climb Reflection Hill where I looked down on Grebe Pond. At the north end of the pond, I could make out a pair of Canada Geese standing on a log. Circling the hill, I descended the south side, passed Frog Fen again and headed toward Brady Cemetery. I passed the cemetery and turned north into a flower-filled Native Grassland where I was surprised to see only one butterfly-a Viceroy. Arriving at the grove of Box Elder trees, I noticed a patch of delicate blossoms of Water Parsnip. Next, I paused and gazed at a duckweed-covered Grebe Pond. Heading north to the barn, I walked around to the east side to see the blossoms of Common Tansy and smell it’s minty leaves. Finally, we arrived at the car for our trip home.

Green, green, everywhere green
Mother Nature’s summer scene
Blades of grass on the path below
Leaves on the trees put on a show
Carpet of moss on weathered rock
Patch of duckweed near the dock
Fields and forests display the color
In August there can be no other
I hike the trail and look around
Color green is quite profound

D. DeGraaf

July 27

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, I was in Muskegon attending my wife’s 45th high school reunion while Remi remained in Alma. Today, we planned to hike a scenic trail at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park just south of Muskegon on Lake Michigan. The early morning temperature was partly sunny with a temperature of 63 degrees and a stiff westerly wind. Before starting out, we explored a small butterfly garden near the visitor’s center where I spotted Butterfly weed and Jerusalem artichoke. We headed west toward the lake through a mature beech-maple forest where I noticed some fresh bracket fungi growing on logs. Next, we came to a fork and chose the path to Lake Michigan rather than the steep dune climb stairway. Along the way, I spotted several Canadian Hemlock trees mixed in with the broad leaf trees. As we got closer to the lake, I began to see Sassafras trees. So, I picked a leaf from one of them and crushed it to smell it’s citrusy aroma. Also, I spotted a large tree trunk with several patches of lichens growing on it. Continuing on the trail to the lakeshore, we were greeted by the sound of wind and waves. Hiking through the fore-dune, I noticed a few blossoms of Evening Primrose as well as an unknown set of mammal tracks in the sand. Near the water’s edge on the beach were lots of seagull tracks and feathers. Just ahead, I spotted a gull feeding on something. As I approached the bird, it took off so I could see that it was a fish carcass it was feeding on. We turned around and headed back where I noticed how the dune sand had migrated into the edge of the woods and covered the bases some trees. As these trees die, the dune will grow larger and the forest will get smaller. Continuing back toward the car, I saw a Daddy-longlegs resting on a Beech leaf. These arachnids are not true spiders and eat decomposing vegetative and animal matter. They do not have venom glands or fangs. Therefore, they are not poisonous to humans. Back at the car, I looked up and noticed the Beech tree above us was loaded with Beechnuts which are a favorite food of the many squirrels that live here. Finally, we left the park and headed back to the hotel.

Here I am at Michigan Lake
Hiking a trail for nature’s sake
Displays of beauty, I’m attune
Through a woods, over a dune
Tall trees, mountains of sand
Place where water meets land
Beautiful beach where I stroll
Loud sounds of waves that roll
Terns and gulls I’m looking for
Walking along a scenic shore

D. DeGraaf

July 21

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. However, I was returning from a week on Beaver Island and Remi remained in the kennel. So, Sunday we were glad to be back to hike familiar trails. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 59 degrees and no wind. At the crest of the hill, I walked over by the weather station where I picked a blossom of Hedge Bindweed to smell its pleasing fragrance.  While I descended the hill, Max sang to me from his usual tree perch. On both sides of the trail, I noticed some Milkweed plants were beginning to sprout seedpods. Since they’re edible when 1-2 inches long, I picked a few and enjoyed eating them. While looking unsuccessfully for Monarch Caterpillars on Milkweed leaves, I spotted a Japanese beetle and a Milkweed beetle. Next to Mallard Marsh, I saw a lovely Blue Vervain plant. Continuing through Bobolink Meadow, I was very excited to see two male and one female Bobolink perching on a bush. It’s hard to believe they would be nesting here this late in the breeding season. Heading toward North Woods, I noticed lots of Queen Anne’s lace dotting the field with white. At the entrance to the woods, I spotted a single Purple Loosestrife plant. Since this plant is extremely invasive in wetlands, I will have to destroy it soon.  I turned south, walked to Willow Wallow and turned west into Succession Field where I thought I had a rare sighting of a Monarch Butterfly. However, after it landed and spread its wings, I noticed the black band along the hind wing that indicated it was the Monarch mimic, called a Viceroy. Circling the field, I saw an abundance of flower or bunch galls on Goldenrod along with a few Curled dock plants. I turned south, passed Sora Swale and followed south trail to Frog Fen, turned south again toward Brady Cemetery where I spotted some Chicory flowers. Passing the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland that displayed a variety of wildflowers including Purple Cone Flower and Alfalfa. Also, bees were busy pollinating as I saw a Bumblebee on Bergamot and a Honeybee on Mountain Mint.  I paused at weed-choked Grebe Pond in time to see a Green Heron flying over giving off its distinctive shriek. Following the edge of the pond toward the barn, I counted a few dozen Tree Swallow fledglings sitting on the power lines to the east. Arriving at the barn, I circled around to the east side where I saw flowers of Catnip and Burdock. Finally, we made it to the car for our trip home.

It came from a crane

Captured by a cloud

It came from a cardinal

Clinging to a conifer

It came from a cricket

Crawling in a crevice

From a chorus of crows

In a green colored canopy

Constant companions

Cosmic connections

Calls of creatures

Calls of the wild

Calling me home

D. DeGraaf

July 14

 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 and Remi was at the kennel in Alma. So, I waited until Sunday and planned a beach walk south from our place. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 60 degrees and a slight southerly breeze. Starting out, I was pleased to listen to waves gently lapping on the shore. Soon, I start spotting blossoms in the foredune including Huron Tansy and Yarrow. Also, I noticed that most of the blossoms of Bladder Campion were closed already since they open at night. Suddenly, I noticed a tiny toad hopping along the beach as its color blended perfectly with the sand (can you find it?). Continuing south, I saw Silverweed and Evening Primrose blossoms while nearly stepping on a gull carcass. Up on the bank below one of the cottages, I observed a patch of the invasive Crown Vetch. Nearby were some deer tracks along with a deer carcass. Looking up, I paused to watch a solitary gull flying south. Following the foredune again, I spotted a clump of Marsh Bedstraw and lovely Forget-me-nots. Nearing my turn-around point, I noticed a few clumps of Stonecrop. As I turned around and headed back, I spotted a single Swamp Thistle plant. Also, I noticed a tiny Ladybird Beetle. Suddenly, a few feet in front of me, a three-foot Water Snake began crawling quickly toward cover. Next, I saw some Beach Pea and Heal All blossoms. Approaching my destination, I admired a gull feather lying on the sand surrounded by plenty of Zebra Mussel shells. Finally, I made it back to our cottage just in time for morning coffee.

Mother Nature joins me today

On a beautiful island far away

Walking barefoot on the sand

Hearing waves as they land

Seagulls searching for a meal

Gentle breeze is good to feel

Colorful rocks catch my eye

A few butterflies flutter by

Driftwood scattered about

Flowers spotted throughout

Deer tracks on the ground

Mussel shells are all around

Love to walk along the shore

Much to observe and explore

D. DeGraaf