Last month I explored Riverview Natural Area alone and was nurtured by the silence and took the opportunity to linger for periods of time not possible when visiting with others.

This time two friends and a total of 6 children came along. So the visit was anything but silent, and the pace and destinations were very different!

In the woods, kids are allowed to run and play and to explore. It’s not so important to “use your inside voices”  and maybe even to get a little dirty. Kids seem to respond to these conditions almost as if they are responding to certain commands which adults no longer hear or have forgotten about.  One of the best parts of this particular visit to Riverview was being able to witness kids under these less structured conditions.

It was nice to be reminded those days as a kid when we heard and responded to those situations.

From the moment we parked, the kids scrambled out of the car and to the trail’s origin.  A few stopped to check out the welcoming sign and looked for familiar names among the donor list, then on they went picking up leaves, sticks and anything else that caught their attention.

The leaves had all nearly fallen from the deciduous trees so it was especially easy to keep track of everyone as they strayed now and again off the trail in pursuit of a particularly interesting mushroom or other item. It’s so fun to see the things might be of interest to kids.  Seeing me with a camera, I was presented with various sticks and rocks which they thought I might like to photograph.  “This one looks like a heart!” “Take a picture of this, it looks like a face!”

The fallen trees – which to adults look like fallen trees – we look at them and might wonder how long they’d been there or perhaps might speculate upon whether they’d been felled by lightning or a less dramatic demise.  Kids, on the other hand, apparently hear a signal loud and clear – to climb!

When we came to a particularly broad trunked fallen maple, the group swarmed it like a flock of little birds, each perching on his or her little spot as they searched rapidly with their eyes to see if the other might be in a preferred place, or better still, could they find an even better one.  From their positions each called out for us to look at them as they enjoyed the rare chance to view the world from a higher vantage point.

Upon arriving near the edge which slopes down toward the river’s edge another signal (again, inaudible to adults) must have sounded which caused the kids to immediately look down from wherever they were and to find objects which they intended to throw in order to see if they could see them splash into the water.

Rocks, sticks, pine cones and so forth hailed for quite a while in the general direction of the water, most falling short or striking tree branches.  One by one, as their arms tired and as accessible items began to run out, the assault on the river dwindled and attention drifted to the collection of turkey feathers.

I don’t recall which child found the first one, but soon after the discovery was shared via a top of the lungs announcement “I found a huge feather!” It was like an Easter Egg hunt, but for turkey feathers!  Each kid tried to outdo the others as they scrambled around looking for the most and/or biggest feathers they could find.  We found a couple spots which were obviously places where a couple of turkeys must have had a very bad day (and probably their last!).

Even the adults got into the act, not being able to resist the temptation to find our own feathers. Another difference between kids and adults I noted is that you don’t see adults sticking recently collected feathers into their clothing, hair….or mouths without first brushing them off, or better yet, somehow sterilizing them.
Kids have no hesitation to do all this and more!

A couple of the moms alertly brought a stash of energy bars and water to share in case any of the eager explorers declared that they needed a little something. Incredibly, we were nearly two hours into this trip and way the heck out there before I heard the first “My legs are tired”.  As it was less than an hour before sundown we decided that it was about time to turn back, but not before getting the chance to try out their climbing abilities into and out of a big, somewhat steep (but safe) ravine.  This task was just what was needed to sap enough energy out of everyone so they we didn’t face a mutiny about the decision to leave.

On the way back I carried each of the kids at one point or another high upon my shoulders.  That was fun for me since my kids have all long since grown too big for me to carry them. It was a nice bit of nostalgia to remember how kids get such a kick out of being up so high!

The final silent command all kids receive and obey, and that adults are oblivious to, is the command which says: “We are now in view of our destination (in this case, the distant sight of the parking lot)….Everyone must race to see who can get there first!” As if to cement their victory, the first kids to get back climbed into their car seats.  When the rest of us arrived, they casually glanced up with that, Oh you’re finally here, what was keeping you?” look.

The ride home was peppered with chatter about what we’d seen and collected. Pockets were full of precious rocks, a leaf or two and a couple dozen turkey feathers.  I’m told one of the kids even sold a few of those to other family members.  Not bad!

In this day of electronic, hyper-connected, gadget driven life, a few hours of good clean fun in the woods with kids is literally a breath of fresh air! The  next time I’m out there, I may not climb any trees, but I bet I’ll think about it!

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The trade show consists of agricultural commodity groups, agricultural equipment and service businesses, and governmental agencies. Local, State and National businesses will be represented. In addition to commercial agricultural products, small scale farming and homeowner gardening services will be on site. Food and drink for purchase will also be available.

In addition to the trade show will be educational seminars. In keeping with the theme, Farm to Market: Know your Farmer, Know your Food, seminars will include information about the local farmers’ market, selling meat and eggs retail, and small scale vegetable production.

The Farm Show is free and open the public. The Gladwin Community Area is located at 402 James Robertson Drive (just off M-61, behind Pamida) in Gladwin. For more information, visit www.mid-michiganfarmshow.com.

Through the program, the Conservancy creates a voluntary, “handshake” partnership with landowners who are conserving lands that are primarily forest, fields or wetlands and are managed to protect those natural resources.

As part of the Sustainable Lands Partner program, the Conservancy honors these landowners who are taking steps to conserve the natural resources on their property. The program was created for landowners in the Cedar River watershed.

“It is very exciting to offer this new program that recognizes landowners who are doing good things on their land,” commented Elan Lipschitz, the Conservancy’s land protection specialist.

Landowners who qualify for the program will receive a certificate of participation, a sign for their home or property, invitations to stewardship workshops exclusive to Sustainable Lands partners, and a natural resources report for their land prepared by Conservancy staff.

The agreement is non-binding and landowners can leave the program at any time.

Funding for this pilot program is generously provided by the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN). WIN is a partnership of local foundations focused on the economic, social and environmental well-being of the Saginaw Bay region.

The Little Forks Conservancy is an accredited non-profit conservation organization that works to permanently protect land with natural and cultural resources that add to the quality of life in our community. Since 1998, the Conservancy has permanently protected more than 2,600 acres. More information about the Sustainable Lands Partner program and The Little Forks Conservancy can be found on their website, www.littleforks.org, or by calling (989) 835-4886.

We will meet at the Conservancy’s parking lot on Wheeler Road. Directions can be found here.

Both hikes are fee and open to the public. To borrow a pair of snowshoes, please call Chippewa Nature Center at (989) 631-0830.

The Conservancy’s last Green Tie Gala was held in the fall of 2010 and raised over $7,000 for the Conservancy’s Riverview Natural Area acquisition. The Green Tie Gala wasn’t held in 2011 to prepare for the switch to spring.

“One of the best things about the Green Tie Gala is that we offer outdoor experiences in our auction,” said Doug Koop, executive director of the Conservancy. “By shifting the Gala closer to Earth Day in the spring, people who bid on trips will be able to enjoy them this year.”

Joining the Green Tie Gala again is Empty Canvas. The local duo of Scott and Mike Mc Math will perform while lead singer and artist Mike McMath creates a painting inspired by the Conservancy’s work live on stage.

McMath’s painting will be auctioned that evening. The live and silent auctions will include items that emphasize the outdoors, such as fishing and canoe trips and nature-inspired artwork by local artists.

The evening will feature hearty hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and great music. Tickets will be $50 each and will be available in early March. Proceeds will benefit The Little Forks Conservancy’s operating fund. More information can be found at http://www.littleforks.org/green-tie-gala/.

At the end of 2010, the total number of acres conserved by land trusts grew to 47 million – an area the size of the state of Washington.

The National Land Trust Census, released by the Land Trust Alliance, is the nation’s only tabulation of the pace and type of voluntary land conservation by private land trusts in the United States. The report also measures the organizational development of the nation’s 1,760 land conservation organizations.

Michigan’s 43 land trusts, including Midland-based Little Forks Conservancy, now have protected 161,819 acres. In the last five years, Michigan land trusts have conserved 56,400 acres. Including the Little Forks Conservancy, there are now 5 accredited land trusts in Michigan. Together, these 5 groups have protected 50,800 acres as of 2010.

“Americans value their land, and they are conserving it at the local level,” said Land Trust Alliance President Rand Wentworth. “While government is shrinking, local land trusts are saving more land than is lost to development. Communities nationwide value clean water, local food, and places to play, and they are investing in those places close to home.”

The census shows that voluntarily protected land increased 27 percent between 2005 and 2010. A greater percentage of the new acreage comes through local and state land trusts working within local communities.

Other findings of the 2010 National Land Trust Census include:

• Land trusts saw a 70% increase in volunteers from the previous 5-year period.
• Since 2005, there are 19% more paid employees and contractors at land trusts.
• Operating budgets for land trusts are up 36% since 2005. State and local trusts nearly tripled operating endowments in five years ensuring that land trust-protected land stays protected.
• The preservation of family farms and ranchlands is now a priority for 61% of trusts, up from 21% that listed farmland as the top priority in 2005.
• Urban parks, gardens or open spaces is now a priority for 27 % of trusts, a threefold increase over respondents in 2005.
• The Midwest region expanded its protected acres by 82% in the last five years; the Southwest added the most total acres—1.15 million—of any region since 2005, followed closely by the Southeast with 1.14 million; the Northeast has conserved the most acres – 5.2 million.

 To read the complete 2010 National Land Trust Census, click here.

 The Land Trust Alliance is a national conservation organization that leads a national network of 1,700 land trusts. The Land Trust Alliance is based in Washington, D.C., and has regional offices throughout the country.

Giving up summer is not easy for me. In my mind, summer represents unstructured time, light clothing, warmth, “no school” and all sorts of warm, fuzzy features. This hike helped me to accept the inevitability of autumn, and its essential role in the cycle of life in our area.

As a fellow who spends more time than he’d prefer breathing air pumped through a furnace and under fluorescent lights, the moment I step into the woods at Riverview I rejoice in the cool atmosphere, imbued with the fragrances of autumn. Light is filtered between gently swaying branches and leaves fluttering and making their final descents. The ground has a “give” to it, almost a hollow feel, which comes from untold seasons of organic decay and rebirth.

Within a few hundred feet from the parking lot I forget the affairs of the day back in civilization, among my tie-wearing brethren and I feel instantly reunited with a more rustic frame of mind. I follow the well-marked trail as it winds slowly further into several types of terrain. There are open meadows, tunnels walled and roofed by deciduous trees. Giant evergreens are interspersed with it all, each providing a slow, steady supply of needles to the soft ground. I’m particularly fond of walking over a deep pack of decomposing pine needles. When I think of how many years of needles are underneath my feet as I walk along, I gain a special sense of the passage of time.

Whereas spring is the time of planting for humans, autumn is the time of planting for nature. The withering flowers signify maturing seeds which drop near the sites of their formation or are scattered by the wind, animals or other means to insert their DNA into the future. It gave me a comforting feeling to reflect upon this in the silence of the moment.

In a way, the withering flowers, while not at their best aesthetically, seemed even more beautiful to me when viewed in the light of connection with future generations.

Mushrooms are all around, some more conspicuous than others. There are as many varieties as I care to spend time seeking out beneath little leaf piles, against the bases of trees and under rotting vegetation. Supporting my camera against the ground so I could forego the flash in the dim light I grabbed a few macro shots of some of the more prominent or exotic species. I promise myself for the umpteenth time that I will spend the rest of the fall and winter learning my ‘shrooms well enough so next year I might be able to gather a few of the edible ones.

I liked lying on the ground so much that when I was done shooting the ‘shrooms I just set aside the camera and laid flat against the ground, feeling the vibrations of the Earth beneath my chest, abdomen and limbs. If I weren’t out there alone, I might not have taken the time to do this, at least not for so long. Having spent nearly all my supine time on a mattress or on the carpeted living room floor, there’s something particularly inviting and cozy about lying spread out like that upon the forest floor. Sure there are little insects and maybe a spider or two that might decide to climb aboard, but, for the moment anyway, that idea doesn’t bother me in the least. I’m in their domain, and only for a while, so I made the very most of it.  The more the merrier I think to myself, and I hope I don’t squash anything or anyone as I enjoy the moment.

 Just about the time I emerge from feeling all Earthy and begin to feel a little ridiculous lying spread eagle all alone against the ground, I heard the approach of some Canada geese, making their migration to warmer skies.   I noted with amusement, that their V-formation allowed them to, in essence, draft one another, thus saving energy very much in the same way we sometimes do on the long rides of our Tri Group.

The sounds of the forest are a special treat as well. I put away my iPod soon after entering the woods. I had been listening to an audiobook which I was enjoying and finished a chapter as I was making my way onto the trail.  So much of my day is spent with earbuds in place, and listening to the man-made sounds of the modern world… even the sound of the human voice as manifested with actual talking/listening… or even our thoughts.  It is with some difficulty, but a very refreshing change of pace, that I turned off all my gadgets… and to as great an extent as possible, even my thoughts, and instead threw myself squarely into the camp of observer, of listener and even once and a while even onto the ground to take in sights from vantage points usually not explored.

The scents of the forest are also a delight… strange as it may seem, I took the opportunity to meditate upon the ambient overall smell of the atmosphere, and tried to pick out the source(s) of individual nuanced scents.  I also would stick my schnoz into the middle of some of the remaining flowers, up close to mushrooms, and in some ways my favorite… into the region of decaying old logs.

The trail took me soon to the edge of the river.  It’s great to see flowing water and I always like to stand at the edge and watch it flow by for a while.  I took the time that day to climb down a navigable area, and to observe how the Autumn colors were reflected upon the surface of the slowly moving river surface.  I didn’t see any fish, or in fact any birds on the water while I sat there on the bank.  A few Blue Jays made their presence known now and again, but for the most part, all I heard was the sounds of a gentle breeze rustling through the trees and of a lot of water slowly drifting downstream carrying a few fallen leaves and the occasional branch.

Having lost track of time, only a fading camera battery gave me reason to check my watch.  Sadly, I needed to get back to some other responsibilities, so with a bit of a sigh and pausing yet again to take in a few more deep refreshing breaths I quickened my pace a bit and headed for the car.  Time well spent!

The Little Forks Conservancy’s office is located at 105 Post Street in Midland. Parking is available behind the former Post Street School. If you need additional assistance, please contact our office.

Watershed management plans identify impairments in the watershed and create a plan to address them in order to improve the water quality of a community’s rivers, lakes and streams. The revision was required to meet new standards that have been put in place since the original plan was created in 2001. 

“The plan is a guidebook for helping improve and protect the water quality of the region,” said Conservancy Land Protection Specialist Elan Lipschitz. “The plan belongs to the whole community, which is why we strove to include the input of as many partners as possible.”

The Conservancy and University of Michigan-Flint hosted several meetings and presentations to raise awareness of the watershed management plan update and gather insights into the Cedar River Watershed.

From these discussions and visits to several locations within the watershed, the plan was developed to address the issues facing the watershed. The plan identified the increased need to permanently protect land within the watershed as well as limiting livestock in the rivers and streams, preventing sediment from county roads entering the waterways, and educating landowners on maintenance of their septic systems.

The Conservancy’s work to improve and protect the water quality of the Cedar River Watershed does not stop here. The Conservancy is continuing to participate in implementing the plan as part of the Cedar River Watershed Steering Committee.

“The establishment of the Cedar River Watershed Steering Committee is encouraging for the long-term health of the watershed and its residents,” added Elan. “The collaboration has lead to a continued focus to improve the watershed by implementing this watershed management plan.”

For more information or to read the Cedar River Watershed Management Plan, click here.