January 27

The mid-day weather is windy, cloudy and cold (around 20 degrees) as I stand on the Blair Rd bridge looking east at the frozen, snow-covered, 10-ft wide county drain, a redirected channel of the Bad River. Leaving the road, I head east along a high bank where I’m pleased to see a wide buffer zone protecting the watercourse. Along the way, I spot the dead seed heads of Blue Vervain and think about its lovely blossoms in summer (stock photo). Nearby, I spot the snowcapped seedheads of Burdock and Teasel, swaying in the wind. Proceeding east, I pass a small cattail marsh displaying a large muskrat lodge. Muskrats that occupy these structures will likely remain in them throughout the winter. Just ahead in open cropland, I come upon a set of muskrat tracks leading to and from a hole where the rodent had been digging for something to eat. Looking around, I’m surprised to see it still digging, so I approach before it skedaddles toward the river. Muskrats don’t hibernate and remain somewhat active in winter. However, since they are most active at night and twilight, I’m surprised to see this one out and about. I suspect it came from an underground den dug into the nearby riverbank that includes an underwater entrance covered with ice.  When I return to the riverbank and continue east, I hike adjacent to an 8-acre woodlot containing a mix of mature evergreen and broadleaf trees, while at my feet I spot Coyote tracks in the snow. Up ahead, I notice some dried seedpods of Moth Mullein and think about its lovely blossoms in summer (stock photo). Turning away from the river and entering the woodlot, I come upon another graveyard of large Ash trees strewn on the ground after being killed by the Emerald Ash Borer. Examining these downed logs more closely, I observe one covered with green and orange lichens and another with a single patch of Whitewash lichen. Looking up, I catch a glimpse of a cone and needles of Austrian Pine, a Red Pine look-a-like. Following some squirrel tracks, I notice a recently excavated cache of stored food. The question of how exactly these critters remember the locations of their caches is still a matter of debate, but it is thought they have spatial memory that use landmarks like trees, stumps and bushes as references. Once they get close, their sense of smell allows them to hone in. These mammals are also highly aware of their surroundings while caching and may pretend to bury a nut or seed in one spot if they think they’re being watched and then secretly bury it elsewhere. After exiting the woodlot, I turn west and head back toward the car while passing a deer carcass. Trudging through the snow into a stiff west wind, I finally arrive at the bridge, retreat to the car, turn on the heat and head for home.

In coldness of winter she lies down

A blanket of snow covers her ground

In newness of spring she comes alive

Warms the earth so creatures survive

In greenness of summer she hits her stride

Her lush landscape where wildlife abide

In briskness of autumn she paints the leaves

Colors of the rainbow to show off her trees

Last year is gone. New year begun

Nature’s seasons pass one by one

 

D. DeGraaf

 

January 20

It’s noontime as I hike south on a railroad track covered with 4 inches of snow toward a bridge, for my third encounter with the Bad River. Temperatures are in the mid- 20’s under cloudy skies and a slight west wind as I reach the bridge, as the ice-covered watercourse flows under me. Looking upstream, I see the 10-ft wide, ice-covered channel was straightened years ago as part of the county drain system. Likewise, I see the narrow plant buffer zones on both banks are out of compliance with the required width for protecting the river water from tainted runoff from the adjoining cropland. To further compound the problem, I hike past a few naturally-eroding drainage ditches, perpendicular to the river channel, that have breached the buffer zone allowing water from the cropland to flow down the steep bank directly into the river. Trudging along the snow-covered bank, I pause to look down at the ice-covered water where I spot some Wild Turkey tracks encased in ice and snow. These birds are not migratory but they often wander to areas with larger trees and closed canopy for increased warmth and food sources. Nearby, I spot a 4-inch opening most likely made as a breathing hole for a muskrat. Further ahead, another opening catches my eye. Based on the surrounding deer tracks, I suspect this was made as their watering hole. Turning around and heading back to the railroad tracks, I stop to notice the tiny tracks and tunnel of a Meadow Vole (stock photo).  Voles, like many other mammals, stay active all winter long. However, instead of hoarding food in secret caches or hibernating after bulking up, this rodent changes from a solitary creature to a communal one. In summer, they are aggressively solitary and will defend their home range from other voles. But in the winter, they huddle together in communal nests. Up ahead, I come upon familiar tracks of an Eastern Cottontail rabbit. Not surprising nearby, I observe some pea-size rabbit scat. Called fecal pellets, these harder, drier orbs are the second of two types of scat. As herbivores, rabbits first defecate softer, greener pellets, called Caecotrops, that they eat and further digest before defecating the hard, brown ones. (stock photo). Nearing the railroad tracks, I stop to pick and sample a bright red hip from a Wild Rose vine. This time of year the hip is soft with a sweet, tart taste and large seeds that I spit out. Native Americans used these hips for food and medicine. They are a good source of vitamin C and were especially important in the winter when other vitamin-rich plants were scarce. 

An hour of hiking

Through nature’s domain

Wandering and wondering

In snowy terrain

An hour to focus

On life in the wild

Eyes wide open

Like a curious child

An hour to admire

All that surrounds me

To respect and revere

Whatever I see

 

D. DeGraaf

January 13

Under sunny skies and frigid temperatures in the mid-teens, I’m standing on the edge of Buchannan Rd, facing south to see the frozen surface of the Bad River. It’s late morning as I begin my 2nd encounter with this watercourse that I plan to follow downstream to its confluence with the Shiawassee River, near Saginaw. Proceeding along the bank, I immediately spot a large tree trunk covered with green lichens and dark blobs of dead jelly mushrooms that are amber-colored when alive in the summer. (stock photo). Down at the river’s edge, I notice a very thin layer of clear ice on the water surface along with some scattered white dendritic ice crystals. These tree-like structures form quickly in a time of rapid temperature change. Following a trail along the flood plain, it’s easy to tell that many of the surrounding trees are Boxelder with their trunks that stick out in all directions. After turning around to return to the car, I spot a couple of dead, snow-dusted Pheasant back mushrooms attached to a decomposed stump. Back in the car, I drive a short distance south on Croswell Rd., park and watch the ice-covered river continues its journey eastward. Exploring the flood plain, I come upon an opossum carcass displaying an 11-inch hairless tail. The interesting part of the tail is that it has a layer of bony plates (stock photo) that not only help to protect it but also strengthen it. Opossums hanging from tree branches by their tail is a myth started by people who have seen baby and juvenile opossums doing this. On the other hand, an adult opossum cannot hang for more than a few seconds. The tail is particularly useful because it can curl up and grip twigs and other materials for nest building (stock photo). Scanning the far bank, I first look at and listen to water slowly flowing out of a drain tile and then I spot a very narrow buffer strip between the exposed cropland and the river channel. Whether from surface runoff or drain tiles, excess nitrates and phosphates from a previous fertilizer application can pollute the river water. Cold river water can be particularly problematic because while the nutrients from the fertilizer might be locked in the ice or frozen soil during winter, when the water thaws and warms in spring, a large burst of nutrients becomes available, leading to rapid algal blooms and potential depletion of oxygen levels, harming aquatic life. Also, knowing that this river has a history of excess sedimentation, the ice cover acts as a barrier, hindering water flow and decreasing the ability to carry sediment particles. 

Great bird of prey

Wingspan wide

You ride the wind

Soar and glide

Perch alone

In a tree so tall

How do you spot

A mouse so small

Off you fly 

If I get near

Red tailed hawk

You I revere

 

D. DeGraaf

January 6

It’s mid-morning as I stand on Jerome Rd watching water from the Bad River flow rapidly through a large culvert under me and continue east in a county drain. The name of this watercourse comes from the Chippewa Indians who called it the “bad river” because of how difficult it was for them to navigate. The skies are mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid-30’s and a stiff west wind as I begin my quest to follow this river from its start here in Gratiot County to its end near Saginaw. Proceeding east along the bank, I’m alarmed by the narrow 15-ft conservation buffer strips on both sides of the waterway. As far back as 1991 Michigan DNR rated the Bad River water of poor quality due to high bedload sediment and turbidity. In 2013, based on the DNR’s recommendation that these buffer strips be at least 100 feet wide; money was granted to farmers to grow wider strips by planting trees and grasses to improve water quality, prevent erosion and provide habitat for wildlife. Continuing east, I spot a first-year green rosette of Sow Thistle that will blossom in year two (stock photo) and a green rosette of Common Mullein that too will blossom next year (stock photo). Ahead, I walk past a patch of Giant Foxtail with their seedheads swaying in the wind. Foxtail seeds can be dangerous for mammals, including pets and other domestic animals as they can become lodged in the skin, ears, nose and throat, causing painful sores, blisters and infections. Just ahead, I come upon one of many drain tiles emptying water into the river. Given its history, this sighting begs the questions: What is the source of the water and what is the quality of the water? As I follow the river eastward out of the cropland and into a wooded area, I imagine that many years ago, the entire length of the river channel meandered through a similar natural setting like this. From here the river flows east/northeast for 43 miles passing through the village of St. Charles before emptying into the Shiawassee River within the bounds of the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. Exploring the surrounding flood plain, I was saddened to come upon a fresh, decapitated carcass of an adult deer, likely killed during the recent hunting season. Unfortunately, I suspect the hunter merely wanted the head and horns for show. Nearby, I spot a stash of acorns collected by a squirrel preparing for winter while the leaf litter displays mostly Red Oak, White Oak and Burr Oak. Turning around to head back to the car, my eyes are drawn to a Rose bush displaying red hips, welcomed color in this barren winter landscape.

Winter arrives

December departs

Over the snow

Fox squirrel darts

Clouds of gray

Pines of green

Among branches

Bluejay seen

Ice-covered pond

Descending fog

Tracks on trail

Moss on logs

 

D. DeGraaf

December 30

The early morning temperatures are in the low 30’s under cloudy skies as I enter a narrow, snow-covered trail that winds its way through a dense forest of aging conifers on the east side of Alma’s Conservation Park (stock photo). The trail then curves south past a variety of tree trunks. Because Red Pine trees grow tall and straight and the wood is strong, they are often lumbered for utility poles. The trail then curves north past a Boxelder tree. Box elders are generally considered a “weedy” tree and are held in pretty low regard by most people. They reproduce and spread rapidly as well as hosting swarms of Box Elder bugs. The trail then curves east past a young Maple tree. Dead leaves sometimes stay on trees because their abscission layer is not fully developed, allowing them to remain attached through winter, potentially protecting buds from harsh weather, deterring browsing animals like deer, or providing a layer of insulation. This phenomenon is most commonly seen on Beech trees. The trail proceeds south and then to the southeast past a large Maple trunk. Sap flow in early winter is primarily caused by the temperature fluctuations needed for it to run, with freezing nights and warmer days being the ideal conditions. The trail then curves back to the east past a Red Cedar Tree.  A significant source of food and shelter for wildlife. The blue fruits on the female trees are consumed by a wide variety of wildlife, including the Cedar Waxwing songbird, which is named for this tree. The trail loops back to the west where crows are heard. American Crows can be considered partially migratory. That is, some populations migrate, others are resident, and in others only some of the crows migrate. These crows in the southern parts of their range appear to be resident and do not migrate. The trail then turns back to the east where I see Red squirrel tracks. These squirrels mainly feed on the seeds and cones of evergreen trees. However, they will also eat bird eggs, berries, and fruit when they are available. During the summer, they collect and hide seeds and nuts so they have food storage during winter. Next, the trail curves back to the west to the edge of the forest. The trail then proceeds west across the easement. Prairies are temperate grasslands made up mostly of warm season grasses, sedges, and flowering plants such as Sunflowers, Cone flowers and Bergamot.These ecosystems are among the most decimated and threatened natural communities in the Midwest. Finally, the trail turns sharply to the north and proceeds to the end.

Winter arrives

December departs

Over the snow

Red squirrel darts

Clouds of gray

Pines of green

Among branches

Bluejay seen

Ice-covered pond

Descending fog

Tracks on trail

Moss on log

 

D. DeGraaf

December 23

Under mostly cloudy skies, scattered ground fog and temperatures in the low 30’s, I find myself hiking in a section of the massive Maple River State Game Area, east of US 127, between Ithaca and St. Johns. Heading east on a path of crushed asphalt, I look afar to see a curious Whitetail deer watching me, while to my right, I notice a muddy pond covered with a green slime. Upon a closer look, I see a mixture of Duckweed and Water meal. These surface floating plants thrive in water containing unwanted nutrients from geese droppings, lawn fertilizer and agricultural run-off. A dense layer of these plants can block sunlight, preventing underwater plants and algae from photosynthesizing and producing oxygen, killing native aquatic organisms. Along the way, I observe snowcapped seed heads of Buttonbush, Motherwort and Wild Carrot. Scanning the wetlands, I spot a 4 ft wide x 3 ft high Muskrat lodge dusted with snow. These mammals build their lodges, with cattails, mud and other materials cleared from the marsh. The lodge has an underwater entrance chewed out from the inside, creating a shelter that protects them from predators and weather. Besides lodges, muskrats also build smaller platforms (stock photo) for resting and feeding. They don’t just use cattails for lodges, but for food as well, eating virtually every part of the plant. Turning south, I follow a 2-track lined with snow-capped seed heads of the invasive Common Teasel, on my right. This plant is a threat to pastures, natural areas, and roadsides. It was introduced to the United States in the 1700s when it was used in the textile industry to raise the nap on woolen cloth, meaning it was used to brush the surface of the fabric with the dried, prickly heads of the teasel plant (stock photo) to pull out loose fibers and create a soft, fluffy texture on the wool, essentially making it appear plusher and warmer. Soon thereafter, it escaped cultivation and spread throughout the United States. Also to my right, down in a narrow, iced covered creek, I notice an open channel created by swimming muskrats. Heading back to the car, I’m surprised to come upon a Red Maple tree in bloom, displaying red flower clusters. Usually this tree blooms in late winter or early spring. Also, I spot a 4-inch long red winter twig sprouting from a nearby maple trunk.  With a break in the cloud cover, I catch a brief glimpse of the morning sun, recognizing its low elevation above the horizon, only a few days since the winter solstice and the beginning of winter in the northern hemisphere.

Time once again

To recognize you

In gratitude

For all you do

For every plant

Your daily rays

For every creature

Warmth that stays

Star of the day

Orb of the sky

Sun of the heavens

Your solstice is nigh

 

D. DeGraaf

December 16

The early morning temperatures are in the low 30’s, under overcast skies, as I watch the Chippewa River flow rapidly through the 150-acre Meridian Park, three miles SW of Mt. Pleasant. Following an earthen path along the riverbank, I spot black berry clusters of Common Buckthorn and red-orange berries of American Bittersweet. Bittersweet berries are poisonous to humans, but songbirds, ruffed grouse, pheasant, and fox squirrels do eat them. Further ahead, I notice the dried seedheads of Common Ninebark as well as evergreen leaves and emerging blossoms of Bush Germander, an escaped cultivar that blooms in winter. As the trail follows the water’s edge, I come upon some orange slime floating among dead cattail leaves. While rarely seen along the river, this stuff is from naturally occurring bacteria that make their energy by oxidizing iron that is present in some soils. In addition to the slime, I observe patches displaying a rainbow-colored, oil-like sheen. Turning away from the river, I spot a white birch tree trunk displaying an organized series of holes made by a species of woodpecker, called the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (stock photo). These birds tap the tree for sap in the springtime, circling a trunk or large limb with their tiny drill holes. Following the trail up a steep bank, I pause and look down at a crescent-shaped wetland that was once part of the main river channel and later, an oxbow lake. This sequence of events occurs when a meandering river, (stock photo), like this section of the Chippewa, experiences a surging flood that reroutes the main channel, closing the meander neck and isolating a curved-shaped body of water referred to as an oxbow lake (stock photo). In this case, the lake eventually dried up, leaving only a cattail marsh and seasonal stream. Continuing along the high bank, I notice an old tapered beaver stump, now covered with Turkey tail fungi, more evidence that the main river once flowed nearby, Before turning around, I pause to hear a cawing crow while barely seeing a Muskrat swim along a narrow outflow. Making my way back to the car, I come upon a young Jack Pine tree with some branches displaying woody tumors, called galls. Referred to as Pine Gall Rust, this disease is caused by fungal spores that initially infect the needles and then move into branches. Infected branches become brittle and eventually snap off. Galls on the main branch can disrupt the tree's vascular system, eventually killing it. Nearing the car, I pass a few lingering patches of snow before spotting a whitetail deer running for cover. 

Deep in the woods    

Noises cease               

Sounds subdued

Nature at peace

Mid of December

End of the year

Mother prepares

Slumber is near

Tucks her children

Turns down the light

Covers them up

With blanket of white

 

D. DeGraaf