(Publisher’s note: After a long, cold, snowy winter … Tom Hodgson’s back. Please enjoy.)
Column and story by Tom Hodgson with special thanks to the Waterloo Natural History Association
After the mother of all winters, will spring ever come?
Most fields and lawns are finally free of snow, but woodlands are still covered and the lakes still frozen. However, there are signs that the tipping point is near. Shallow ponds and wetlands are now beginning to thaw around the edges. Salamanders emerging from hibernation are trudging silently across the snow and slipping under the thawing ice to breed. They will soon be followed by their noisy neighbors the frogs, who will break the silence of winter with a cacophony trills, peeps and croaks.
Skunk cabbage is the only wildflower to bloom so far, but a few days of warm rain (relatively speaking) will change that. Hepatica will soon be showing its blossoms of white, pink or bright blue. Soon thereafter the candy striped flowers of spring beauties will appear followed by a parade of woodland wildflowers including bloodroot, adder’s tongue, Dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn and many others.
So it’s time to cure that cabin fever with a walk in the woods.
Here are some of the best local places to witness the awakening of the spring season and enjoy some wildflowers and perhaps hear some croaking frogs. The Discovery Center is a great place to start. The lowland woods and oak woods trails are the best for early wildflowers including hepatica, spring beauties, skunk cabbage, marsh marigold, trillium, spring cress, may apple and wild geranium. The spring pond trail is a great place to hear the frogs as well. Along the shoulders of Bush Road east of the Discovery Center entrance are adder’s tongue and bloodroot.
In the western part of Waterloo Recreation Area on Glenn Road just west of the intersection with Baldwin Road is a bridle trail off to the south. The trail and both sides of Glenn Road have one of the best wildflower populations in the park. Expect to find trillium, spring beauties, spring cress, jack in the pulpit, marsh marigold, adder’s tongue, bloodroot and many others.
On Leach Road, which is west of Clear Lake Road and south of Harvey Road is an excellent wildflower area for those who are more adventuresome. On the south side of the road just west of where the stream crosses are woods with a carpet of spring beauties. Proceed further south into the woods and you will find trillium, jack in the pulpit, and many other wildflower species. There are no trails, so taking a compass or GPS unit is advised. It may be necessary to cross the stream at some point, so tall, water-proof boots are also advised.
The Nan Weston Preserve owned by the Michigan Nature Conservancy is one of the best areas for spring wildflowers in Washtenaw County. It is located mid-way between Chelsea and Manchester off of Pleasant Lake Road, and is home to most of the wildflower species mentioned at the other sites and many more. The amenities include well marked trails, and boardwalks through wet areas.
Here is how to find this wonderful wildflower area.
At the junction of I-94 and M-52 take M-52 south for 7.4 miles to Pleasant Lake Road. Turn right (west) on Pleasant Lake Road, follow it for 3.2 miles to Sharon Hollow Road. Turn right (north) on Sharon Hollow Road, and follow it to its end at Easudes Road. Turn left (west) and travel 0.9 mile on Easudes Road.
You will see the preserve sign and a small parking area on the left (south) side of the road. If the parking area is filled, park on the shoulder of the road.
Always remember to “take only pictures and leave only foot prints.” Happy hiking.
