Dowagiac Woods, our first visit of 2014

April 11, 2014 was a bonus adventure day for my sister, Marie and me!  It has been a slow warm up this spring, I can still see snow piles along my driveway.  The day started out cold, mid 30's but with a promise of sun and 50's by noon.

Harbinger-of-Spring was blooming in my woods so we decided to go to Grand River Park in Ottawa County, Michigan - since in years past we have found Harbinger-of-Spring and other early spring wildflowers here. 

 Grand River Park entrance

Harbinger-of Spring

We went to Grand River Park and we were not disappointed.  Many Harbinger-of-Spring plants were blooming!
So that was nice, but we both decided we wanted to check out Dowagiac Woods in southwest Michigan.  That's about 100 miles to drive, one way.  Dowagiac Woods is owned by Michigan Nature Association and is well-known for its beautiful display of spring wildflowers.

 Old sign from 2008, and below the new sign.

We made it to Dowagiac Woods, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the temperature had risen into the 60's!  How could we not come to Dowagiac Woods today, why not.  Maybe there would be nothing blooming.  We were excited.
The woods were quite gray and brown, but what a great day to be in the woods.

And then we saw wildflowers.  Many Harbinger-of-Spring, hundreds!  One Spring Beauty.  Then Hepatica!  We heard frogs!  Saw a toad.  We sat, and listened to Spring.

 Sharp-Lobed Hepatica

 Hepatica in so many colors.

 

 

 

 

  

Toad

 Hepatica

 Hepatica

 

 

I'm so glad we made the trip.  The hepatica were lovely and we had the whole place to ourselves, except of course for the wildflowers, and frogs, toads, butterflies...

Thanks again Marie for your excellent driving skills, and  enthusiasm! 

Aman Park in Ottawa County Michigan

March 10, 2014  Marie and I took at ride to Aman Park, and found the trails easy to walk on even though they are still packed with snow.  We had a wonderful sunny day, in the 40's.  This was the first day like this, so far this year!
Here's a peek at Aman.

 Coming up to the northern bridge

 Sand Creek was froze here.

The sycamore trees really stood out.  After crossing the bridge we took the blue trail toward the north end of the park, no wildflowers.  We sat for a while and listen to all the birds singing.  The sun felt good. 

 Sand Creek.  We spent 2 1/2 hours at Aman and walked around 2 miles.  We didn't walk the trail that follows all along the creek, which is my favorite, because there was no trail in the snow.  There is still a couple of feet of snow on the ground.

  

 

 Southern bridge at Aman with a good 18 inches of snow pack on it.

 

 Well we didn't see any start of a wildflower at Aman. So for a sure sighting of the first spring wildflower, we made our way to Hemlock Crossing.  Here is a good place to find Skunk Cabbage.

 

 Pigeon River at Hemlock Crossing

 First wildflower for Marie and I in Michigan for 2014, Skunk Cabbage!

 

Pigeon River

I've been pretty comfortable at home, with a book in front of the fire this winter, but this was a perfect day to be outside.  Thanks, Marie.