Post-Campfire

Everything is pretty much back to normal after a grand SNRE Campfire.

Photos: follow this link! http://www.flickr.com/photos/snre/sets/72157636296094516/with/10141298006/

Now back to our regular programming.

Derpderpderp

We're tired.

Hey hey

Oops, sorry for not updating the last few weeks! I sit down at the computer with every intention of doing so, and then wind up getting distracted by all the other work left open on my desktop.

Just a gentle reminder, please pick up after your pets. Lots of poop piles around lately. Leto is on a leash and I have a bag ready, so I expect the same from every visitor!

Speaking of the fur-buddy, he learned a hard lesson about why we don't pounce on ground bee nests. Though he continues to try and eat bees as they buzz near his head.

There has been a steady stream of classroom visits since the semester started, and an interesting range of subjects. I wish I had the time to sit in on some of them!

Some of the work going on lately: clearing out several years of accumulated oddities on the porch (so many bottle caps...), and reinforcing the screening to protect it from the dog. Also, locating and moving a candidate log for SNRE campfire! Although not an easy task, retrieving one from the opposite side of the lake made things somewhat simpler and significantly more fun.

Ah, romantic evening with Log.

Oh, my husky is a sailor!

The color change is starting, and it's marvelous. I love sitting on the dock and taking it in.

All day everyday.

It's a trap!

Hello everyone.

I spent some time this weekend pulling/cutting some invasive species just getting established along some "healthier" sections of the trail. I'm going to have a merry celebration when it gets cool enough to start killing off the mosquitoes. They love to take advantage of me bent over on the job, hands too full to swat. It also means a colder walk to the bathroom, but that seems tame by comparison.

I've noticed a slight increase in litter the last couple of days, as well as some bicycle tire tracks looping the entire forest. I will find you, even if it takes setting up Ewok-style traps to do so.

From the Star Wars "Wookiepedia" site. starwars.wikia.com

Back to Michigan, back to school.

Returned safe and sound from Colorado. I missed shade and temperatures under 95 degrees. Good thing I live in the woods.

While I was away, Shaw generously offered to run an Orientation Work Day with incoming SNRE students. They took out a whole corridor of honeysuckle where the trail intersects Saginaw's driveway. The stumps will ultimately be treated to prevent future regrowth. Thanks to all involved! I'm currently in the process of of speaking with other small groups of volunteers for more endeavors down the line. There's always work to be done, and many hands make a lighter load.

In other news, there is a new face in the forest. Leto, a 2 year-old wooly husky, came home with me on Monday from the farm fields of Ohio. He's a friendly little trickster, and has already been making friends on the trails. Beware: he may give you stinky kisses.

I dispatched 2 deadfalls the other day. You may notice one sticking 3 inches out into the trail, and I apologize for that. The chainsaw (which I've found can be particular about when it feels like starting), decided to call it quits before I finished the job, so I had to continue the old-fashioned way with the axe.  I'll return to deal with the jutting end soon.

I've already met a great deal of friendly regulars in the woods. Please continue to say hello! Don't be shy.

Not. There.

To take the caretaker gig in Saginaw Forest, there are a number of things you need to be tolerant of. Mice. Outhouse. A zoo of in-home insects and arachnids. A useless fireplace. Fortunately, I spent many wonderful summers in a rustic cottage outside Traverse City, and many more hours pretending I was a pony running around my parents' house. I like rustic, I like bugs, animals, pooping outside.

But sometimes the line is crossed.

It was crossed the other night.

As I went out for my pre-bed relief, I opened the door to the outhouse, flipped the switch, and saw a massive wolf spider hanging out on the toilet rim. "REALLY?" I was loud. Quite loud. The spider, alarmed by my incredulity, scuttled it's enormous body UNDER the toilet rim. Worse. Now I wouldn't even know where it was coming from to defend my derriere. Thank goodness I have legs strong enough to practice the "hover" technique.

Upon tonight's return to the scene, the wolf spider had kindly moved elsewhere, away from my seat and quite visible. I think we may have an understanding.

For your education: http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Lycosidae/

New Caretaker and Work Day!

Good morning!

My name is Jenny Hebert, and I am the new face at the caretaker's cottage. I'm a second year in the School of Natural Resources studying Landscape Architecture and Museum Studies. Currently I'm splitting time between Saginaw Forest and the Henry Ford Estate in Dearborn, where I've been doing work similar to what will be required of me here in Saginaw. I've been trying to introduce myself to everyone out on the trails, so don't be shy if you see me around. I like dogs, cake, and teen novels if you need some discussion recommendations.

Abby and May: Not permanent residents but likely visitors.

The first week has been busy with boxes, visitors, and...a work day! On Saturday, Shaw and I (attempted) to host a volunteer day. Unfortunately, the efforts to gather bodies were unsuccessful, so we tackled the chosen task (clearing the berm road) on our own. Despite being volunteer-less, the morning was industrious. Shaw with the machete, me with the loppers, we gave the road a serious haircut in preparation for its fall use. Although the work was tiring, we were well-rewarded with the bounty of blueberry chocolate chip cookies I'd made for a group of volunteers. Knowing how many two can eat mid-morning on a 3 hour work-day, I'll likely make more on the next go around.

Sorry, my camera is orange and reflective.

On Sunday I will be headed to Colorado for a week to unwind before fall semester starts, and Shaw will be around to check on the woods.