Great Expectations 8 - Hillman Marsh Basking
“Shine! shine! shine!
Pour down your warmth, great sun.’
While we bask, we two together.”*
Basking! Revelling in a pleasant atmosphere and making the most of something pleasant. Isn’t that the goal? Hasn’t it always been the goal?
If I portray the anfractuous boundaries of Hillman Marsh, and everything that thrives within them, in an overly idyllic light, it’s only because I’m newly and deeply infatuated with this beautiful conservation area. After meandering, alone, along the trail and the Couture Dyke Loop, exploring, studying and admiring this tract of beautiful marshland on a big cloud, blue sky** day, I knew that this property would give my beloved Presqu’ile a run for its money.
The irresistible allure for me is the sheer amplitude of the wetlands, its many tentacles wending their way through the property all the way to Lake Erie. The reeds and phragmites are magnificent; even stretching to my full height (which is considerable), I often cannot see over their tops. This week a stepladder accompanied me on one of my explorations.
Everywhere, there are spectacular, verdant views, lush (and seemingly endless) patches of huge Yellow (American) Lotus with their huge, creamy-gold blossoms and there are waders galore. Waders everywhere one looks - even in the trees!
I could spend hours at a time, allowing my gaze to trace the surface of the water from shore to shore, marvelling at the efficiency of this grand ecosystem. The marsh and its mudflats protect wildlife by providing safe shelter for hundreds of species - a place to nest, eat, sleep, mate and raise their babies. A staggering number of species - of plants, birds, amphibians, fish, reptiles and mammals - flourish in our marsh ecosystems.
For a second, third (often fourth) time I scan the surface, ever so slowly, each time spotting something new. Leisurely observation truly is the best way to appreciate and enjoy the life and lives on and in these waters.
“August of another summer, and once again
I am drinking the sun
and the lilies again are spread across the water.”***
Butterflies and Wildflowers - Mother Nature’s Gems
It’s butterfly migration time and, at Hillman, they’re everywhere. Many different species, colours and sizes. They’re flitting busily from one wildflower to another, they’re floating on the gentle breezes, they’re sunning themselves on the paths. Their presence, their hovering and flitting about, gives the marsh a distinct faerie-like quality.
Late summer and early autumn present some of the brightest wildflower gems. I found myself wandering from one clump to another, thoroughly enchanted, gathering (with lens only) the most vibrant and prettiest, of those gems who all seemed to be doing their darnedest to catch my attention.
Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)
Evening-Primrose (Oenothera biennia)
Yellow Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)
Spotted Touch-Me-Not (Impatiens capensis)
Plains (Prairie) Sunflower (Helianthus petiolaris)
Flower-of-an-Hour (Hibiscus trionum)
Wall-rocket (Diplotaxis Wall)
Having explored its pastoral habitats, heard its melodies, and savoured the quietude of the bucolic simplicity and complexity of Hillman Marsh, I am thoroughly captivated and intrigued. I plan to explore this vast wetland (all 87 acres of it) - from one extremity to the other - whilst the weather is still warm and the trails are firm and dry. Having found my new pastoral muse, I’m feeling settled, content and jubilant. I’ve found my heart’s ease.
“Shine! shine! shine!
Pour down your warmth, great sun.’
While we bask, we two together.”*
Come winter, I will be basking in the sunshine of the memories of my delightful summer and fall at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area, and counting my blessings.
’Til next time, y’all…
*Whitman from Leaves of Grass (pg. 463).
** Megan Giddings, from her novel Lakewood.
***Mary Oliver, “The Pond” from her book Devotions.
