Time Passes and We Often Forget

 When we first moved to the Muskegon area we were enticed by all of the natural beauty and wonderful places to walk. We checked out the The Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve. We loved walking the trails through the marsh bogs and enjoyed the bird life there. Then as we became more accustomed to walking the Muskegon State Park Trails and the Channel Walk we simply forgot about the Preserve. Over the past few years a lot of work was being done there and so we just didn't go back.

A few days ago we wandered back into the Preserve. What we found was a treasure right on our doorstep. The trails have been tidied up to make walking easier, picnic tables and benches have been scattered throughout. These resting spots have beautiful vistas to Muskegon Lake and the Muskegon River.

 

We took a leisurely walk through the preserve starting at it's entrance in North Muskegon. Our first stop was a wonderful view of Muskegon Lake and the condos in North Muskegon with their boat docks. Sailboats and pleasure craft created a quiet marine vista. In the middle of this picture was  a crane. Wading and fishing in the shallows near our bench. From here we also saw a rather large bird of prey. We were unable to identify it but we have seen eagles and hawks as we traveled the causeway.

Crane wading and fishing.

View of the Marsh - blurred bird of prey on right.

The side of the trail was bejeweled with late summer wildflowers,. Red, yellow, blue violet colors seemed to create a Van Gogh like palette of wild flowers. As we walked we could hear the sounds of ducks as they flew over and landed in the shallows of the lake edge.

A field of Black Eyed Susan

Wild Skullcap

Wild Cardinal Flower

    

On the trail we arrived at the wooden walkway along the river channel as it enters into the lake, Here there is a large three level observation lookout. This allows you to see out into the lake and across the river. Flocks of swans and seagulls were enjoyable to see and hear.

A group of Cardinal flowers with observation lookout in the left corner.

We took the trail then through the marsh that borders the causeway and came upon a Swan just relaxing in the cattails. We also saw again a plant we had noticed earlier in the week on Lost Lake trek. Being always curious to unknown plants I had looked it up to discover a Button Bush. Though the berries and plant is poisonous it is most intriguing in it's appearance. We had no intentions of dining on it so no problem, just interest!

Button Bush seed pods.

 

We also discovered an abundance of Poke Weed a reminder of "Polk Salad Annie, gators got your granny"

Poke weed going to seed.

 

                                       Tony Joe White  -  Polk Salad Annie

Hope you enjoy the photos below. By the way no gators in the Muskegon River and swamp lands, Just fish, birds, frogs, turtles, and kayakers.

Not an alligator - just turtles on a log - not celery and raisins either.

Get out there and enjoy where you are. You'll be surprised by the wonders you will find!