Michigan Forest Life - April 19, 2026

Greetings Nature Enthusiasts!

"April showers bring May flowers," - It seems too gentle an expression for mid-Michigan spring rains of 2026. It understates Mother Nature's relentless power. It side skirts her willingness to demonstrate her independence with a kind of natural fury. She shows us who's boss.

April showers. 

May flowers. 

The river filled up - so did everything that the surrounds it (Photos 1 and 2). The footbridge shows evidence of water reaching its deck. River debris (Photo 3.) It must have been high. A few wooden filler boards in the bridges deck floated downstream, leaving gaps (Photo 4). More evidence. 

Where did the boards go? Will they turn up at one of the dams in the Muskegon? How many

people along the river will see them pass? Perhaps cuss that they are in the river?

Humans.

Mother Nature. 

I'm surprised that Mother Nature did not claim the foot bridge. But in her own way, perhaps she did. The debris on the deck. It is like a wrestling pin. No harm done. Just a win. Decisive. We surrender.

April showers.

May flowers.

Perhaps an abundance of one will lead to an abundance of the other. We anxiously await. Mother Nature often works like that. Unexpected mysteries. You never know for sure.

I wish you a pleasant place to stay dry, and a bouquet of May flowers next month.

Until next time,

Dan