May 25

Wearing muck boots, I hike north from Midland County Line Rd. onto a muddy flood plain of the Pine River that, just a few days ago, was covered with several inches of water due to locally heavy rain. Under partly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 60’s, I make my way through a deciduous woodland whose trees are leafing out and closing the canopy, except for the towering Ash trees that were killed by the Emerald Ash Borer. Nearby, I gaze up at a Yellow Warbler perched in a Hornbeam tree while on the ground, I notice the receding floodwater has left a muddy stain on much of the green vegetation including a patch of Ground Ivy. Reaching the bank, I pause to look and listen as the shimmering water of the swollen river flows rapidly to the north. Continuing to explore the saturated flood plain, I spot some Wild Mustard blossoms as well as a tree trunk displaying side-by-side ascending vines of both Virginia Creeper and Poison Ivy. Also, I am pleased to find Honeysuckle flower buds and enjoy their subtle fragrance. In the mean time, a variety of birdcalls fill the trees including the raucous sound of a Red Bellied Woodpecker. Just ahead, I pause to watch a female Redwing Blackbird, most likely perched above her nest and warning me to stay away. Other observations of note include: a young Basswood tree beginning to bud, Horsetail sporophytes that look like miniature pine trees and Dandelions, some in full bloom and some already seeding out. Back to the road that divides Midland and Gratiot counties, I pause on a nearby bridge and watch the swollen river flow swiftly north while listening to birdcalls followed by mating calls of the Eastern American Toad. From here, I catch the glimpse of a male Downy Woodpecker perched on a willow as well as several Barn Swallows swooping to catch insects off the water. Also, I come upon another posted sign warning of the poor quality of the river water. Back to the car where Caroline is reading and texting, we both look to the south where floodwater, covering a farm field is now running back into the river bringing along whatever chemicals, if any, were previously applied. Thus ends my Pine River encounters in Midland County as next I move into Gratiot County and continue my quest to follow the river upstream to its source.

Finding a pathway

Riparian display

Wildflower array

Song of the Jay

Aspen trees sway

Bird of prey

Green will stay

Dead leaves lay

Stumps decay

Catbird of gray

Chipmunks play

Day in May

D. DeGraaf

May 18

After parking in the Jasper Township Cemetery (a rare “public” access point to the Pine River in Midland County), Caroline remains to read her book while I hike a short distance south through a dense broadleaf woods whose floor is sprinkled with hundreds of blue Violets. Reaching the river under sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 40’s, I pause to again take in the sights and sounds of this adopted watercourse. Moving east along the bank, I spot a few Buttercup and Purple Phlox blossoms as well as Raccoon tracks on the muddy shore. Out on the water, I first watch a Mallard drake land and then a family of Canada geese swimming quietly near the far shore. Nearby, a huge boulder catches my eye and makes me realize that this 2-ton specimen was not transported and deposited here recently by the river but by a glacier thousands of years ago. Further along, I see and hear water draining from a pipe into the river and wonder whether it contains toxic chemicals that run off the cultivated field just above the far bank. After one last look at the river, I turn inland and begin heading back on a 2-track where my surroundings display: a few Trillium blossoms, a few May Apple plants with newly formed green, olive-size flower buds and several patches of Wild Leeks (Ramps). As with garlic, eating this plant has many health benefits including improving heart and liver function. This time of the year, the raw Leek leaves are a perfect addition to a spring salad while the white root bulbs (stock photo) can be eaten year round. Continuing west, a curious Chipmunk catches my eye and the penetrating call of a Pileated Woodpecker catches my ear. High in the canopy, I get a brief look at a Hairy Woodpecker fledgling before it flies away. Further on the leaf-covered trail, I take in a bird song serenade highlighted by a distant Mourning Dove. Near the trail’s end, I get a rare. close-up view of two male Indigo Buntings perched close by in a Birch tree. Walking through the cemetery back to the car, I pause to listen to a Chipping Sparrow hidden high in a Pillar Arborvitae Tree. While driving home, we express gratitude for the chance to get away from the confines of our quarters and enjoy fresh air and blue skies.

Where’ve you been

Onward you go

Staying the course

Pine River, flow

Channel is full

Current is slow

Life giving source

Pine River, flow

Wisdom of your waters

I long to know

Refreshing the mind

Pine River, flow

D. DeGraaf

May 11

The late morning weather is sunny with temperatures in the mid 50’s as I leave the car parked off Magrudder Rd in Midland County and prepare for another Pine River encounter. While making my way south through a wide power line easement, I veer into a wooded area and spot some colorful Periwinkle blossoms scattered in the leaf litter as well as my first seasonal sighting of Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Purple Phlox and Pennsylvania Sedge. Continuing around some vernal ponds, I’m pleased to see a patch of Marsh Marigolds as well as a decaying log covered with fresh Oyster fungi. Reaching the bank, I pause to take in the soothing sights and sounds of the riparian landscape and commemorate my fifth encounter with this river as I continue to follow its 50-mile course from end to beginning. Following a deer trail close to the water’s edge, I first notice a male Redwing Blackbird perched on a branch over the river and then the song of a Yellow Warbler catches my attention. As the trail curves along the meandering channel, I gaze out at the flowing water, sparkling with reflections of a noontime sun. Focusing once again on the leaf litter, first, I spot a single Trout Lily blossom with its speckled leaves that resemble a trout, hence its common name. Next, I see a cluster of Dutchman’s breeches blossoms. The common name comes from the pair of outer petals which form a swollen 'V' making the hanging flower look like a pair of white breeches/bloomers hung upside-down. Meanwhile, a decaying stump nearby reveals some fresh Pheasant Back mushrooms. These are quite common and one of only a few decent edibles you will find this time of year. Once you have found tender specimens, they are best cooked straightaway. They should be sliced thin and sautéed or fried hard and fast. Overcooking will create toughness. Continuing away from the riverbank, I notice ferns beginning to sprout and unfold on the muddy ground. Continuing back toward the car, I make my way through a large patch of May apple. Finally, I reach the car where Caroline waits patiently while enjoying the sunshine and a good book.

The springtime forest I stroll 

is burgeoning with green, 

from the canopy above and the

carpet of brittle leaves below.

And yet, I cannot linger 

to admire the dainty Trillium 

or enjoy the sweet song of a Wren.

Instead, I push on, for my senses 

are drawn beyond the tall Aspen 

to a flowing watercourse  that 

lures me with its murmuring 

water and verdant banks.

D. DeGraaf

May 4

From the grassy bank of the Pine River, I watch and listen as the water flows rapidly to the east. The late morning temperatures are in the mid 50’s under sunny skies as I find myself hiking again in Midland County on wooded land adjacent to the Porter Road bridge. Continuing my quest to explore the Pine from its end to its beginning, I notice an overhanging Box Alder tree displays both colorful flowers and young leaflets. While hearing some singing male Redwing Blackbirds, I spot a perching female, noting her plumage that will provide camouflage when she soon begins to nest. On the ground nearby, I see the litter is comprised mostly of decaying Cottonwood leaves and occasionally a colorful male catkin that had fallen from one of these trees as the seasonal cycle of this species continues. Continuing to focus on the ground, spring ephemerals show their presence including Purple Cress and Woodland Violets. Spring ephemeral describes the life habit of certain perennial wildflowers that develop aerial parts, quickly bloom and produce seed. This strategy is evident in deciduous forests like this as it allows these plants to take advantage of the high levels of sunlight reaching the forest floor prior to the formation of a leaf filled canopy. Back to the edge of this ever-meandering river, I pause as the glistening water moves rapidly east and then curves sharply to the north. Away from the bank, I come across a 4-inch clamshell as well as a decomposing log covered with green moss displaying reddish sporophytes. Continuing to search the forest floor, I come across another example of a natural life cycle: some of last year’s fern spore stalks as well as newly sprouting fern fiddleheads. Other ephemerals that catch my eye include Spring Beauty and Wood Anemone. Turning around, I continue along the shore taking in the sights and sounds of this riparian landscape. Moving toward the car, I glance skyward at the open canopy noticing Aspen trees beginning to leaf out. Before getting into the car, I read a nearby sign that reminds me that despite the natural attractiveness of this place, up stream there are human sources of pollution that are poisoning the fauna and destroying the river ecosystem.

Leafless dome

Sunbeams through

Forest prepares

Ephemerals due

The artist is ready

Her time is right

The barren canvas

Awaits the light

Trillium and Phlox

Beauty they bring

Violets and Cress

Portraits of spring

D. DeGraaf

April 27

With temperatures in the mid 40’s under mostly cloudy skies, I’m continuing my exploration of the main channel of the Pine River from its mouth, not too far from here to its source near the village of Remus, a journey of some 50 miles. I’m hiking in a 240-acre woodland in Midland County about 5 miles southwest of my last encounter in Gordonville. Despite being remote and undeveloped, this property, owned by the city of Midland, provides public access to the river. With no trail to follow, I head due west through a dense forest of oak and aspen where I check out the leaf litter as well as mounds of lush Sphagnum moss. Just ahead, I flush a female Woodcock from her ground nest and watch as she quickly flies a short distance, lands and begins to flutter her wings while scampering over the leaf litter. This behavior is known as injury-feigning or distraction display, aimed at diverting a predator from eggs or chicks. Like the female Killdeer, this mother bird stays just out of my reach, luring me away from the concealed eggs or chicks. Continuing toward the river, I pass through dense woodlands of immature white birch. In the process of natural succession, these trees, referred to as pioneer species, thrive briefly before the oaks, beech and maple take over and grow into a climax forest. About a half mile from the start of my hike, I reach the river’s edge where I pause to observe this springtime riparian landscape. Further downstream, I pause again to focus on the soothing sounds of this watercourse as it flows east. Nearby, my attention is drawn to an Ash tree whose trunk, weakened by the lethal infection of the Emerald Ash Borer, snapped off and toppled over. Leaving the river to make my way back, I notice an Eastern Phoebe perching and chasing small insects. Nearby, I spot a pattern of holes in a white Birch tree trunk called sapwells made by the Yellow Bellied Sapsucker.(stock photo) This species of woodpecker has an unusual tongue which has a fringed, spoon-like end suitable for lapping up the sap from the holes it makes (stock photo). Near the end of the hike, I come upon a partially decayed deer carcass that makes me think about the variety of scavengers and decomposers that are part of nature’s amazing cycle of life and death. Finally, I locate the car and head for home.

Between her earthen banks

where ripples texture the surface,

the artist paints the mirrored water

with colors and shades of foliage green.

Along with reflections of white cumulus 

and glistening gold of a midday sun,

she adorns the canvas with floating

leaves of oak and broken boughs of pine.

Admiring her handiwork, I realize 

that no gallery or museum of renown

can display such natural beauty.

D. DeGraaf

April 20

I’m standing on the edge of one of the many meanders of the Pine River about five miles upstream from where I began my exploration of this valuable watercourse, two weeks ago. I’m in Midland County near the former village of Gordonville. Only a combination grocery store and gas station with a sign that reads "Gordonville" marks the spot just west of here that once was a thriving village consisting of a church, a school, a grocery store, a garage and a restaurant. Lumbermen from Canada settled here in the early 1900’s to cut what was called "square lumber" after the huge white pines were depleted. It was then floated down the Pine, Chippewa, and Tittabawassee Rivers to Saginaw (stock photo) to the lumber mills where it was used in building boats. The midday weather is partly sunny and unseasonably chilly with a stiff west wind as I make my way along the densely wooded north bank where I pause to watch the river flow swiftly by. Up ahead, I pass a pile of deer bones and a patch of the highly invasive Garlic Mustard. Next, I descend the steep bank to the water’s edge where I take in the reflection of trees on the mirrored surface as well as one of the many versions of a Northern Cardinal song. Going back up the slope and continuing to parallel the river, I first notice that Aspen leaves make up most of the litter and then I spot a pile of Mourning Dove feathers, likely the leftovers of a predator’s meal. Soon after, I gaze skyward through a leafless canopy and welcome the sun as it breaks through the clouds to warm me up. As the river curves sharply to the north, I descend the bank once again to explore the edge where I come across a patch of green, straw-size reeds called Horsetail. Scanning the muddy shore, I notice what appear to be Bobcat tracks. Given the recent sightings of a Bobcat at the nearby Chippewa Nature Center, I’m not surprised to find them here. Turning around, I begin to retrace my steps where I see and hear a White breasted Nuthatch. Approaching the car, I spot several dried seedpods of Black Locust trees scattered on the trail. Finally, I reach the car and begin my journey home to continue social isolation.

Through fertilized fields

Meandering flow

Past urban drains

Onward you go

Nitrates and Phosphates

Have poisoned you

Combined with coliforms

A toxic stew

Your water is tainted

Polluting the earth

Time to heal you

River of worth

D. DeGraaf

April 13

It is mid morning when Caroline and I venture to the Emma Burnham Outdoor Center, a 20-acre preserve in the neighboring town of St. Louis, MI. With sunny skies and temperatures in the low 50’s, we wander around a mature forest of leafless Beech, Oak and Maple punctuated by several vernal ponds. First thing I notice is some new spring greenery including: young Honeysuckle leaves in the understory and Tiger Lily leaves in the litter. Glancing eastward into the rising sun, I can barely make out the rotating blades of one of many wind turbines that are now common in the rural landscape of Gratiot County. The sight of moss patches growing on the east base of some large tree trunks reminds me of a misconception that they always grows on the north side. Next, I follow a tiny brown moth as it lands on a wooden surface where it is well camouflaged. Sounds of nature that break the quietude of our surroundings include: a Tufted Titmouse, a Wood Frog and several Chorus Frogs. With no defined trail to follow, we continue to meander over a heavy blanket of leaf litter where I pause to spot a sprinkling of Red Maple flowers in a shallow pool. Up ahead, I come upon a decaying stump that apparently was used as a dinner table for an acorn-eating squirrel. Exiting the woods, I spend several minutes exploring the edge of a small pond where I spot a partially submerged Leopard Frog hiding in the tangled vegetation. Nearby, I watch an 18-inch Garter Snake slithering near the shoreline. From the footbridge, I notice some willows beginning to seed out while others display pinecone galls. Slicing the galls open lengthwise at this time of the year will reveal a single midge fly larva (maggot) nestled in the center (stock photo). On our way back to the car, I come upon a mound of mud, called a crayfish chimney, produced by a burrowing crayfish that digs a tunnel to the water table and forms a chamber where it spends most of its time. This variety of crayfish is seldom seen, exiting its burrow only in spring and summer on rainy or very humid nights to forage for food or search for a mate. Finally, we reach the car and head for home to continue our social isolation.

First woodland flower

Gentle morning shower

Curious whitetail doe

Distant perching crow

Pussy willow seed

Broken cattail reed

Spring Chorus frogs

Decomposing logs

Placid pond scene

Lush moss of green

Middle April day

Nature’s grand display

D. DeGraaf