Showing posts with label Ottawa County Michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ottawa County Michigan. Show all posts

Friday, February 10, 2023

Connor Bayou Park 12 months in 2022

 Connor Bayou Park, Ottawa County Michigan

First are 12 pictures, one from each month of 2022 starting in January.  These were all taken from the bayou overlook.

Connor Bayou   January 23, 2022


Connor Bayou   February 23, 2022


Connor Bayou   March 17, 2022

Connor Bayou   April 27, 2022

Connor Bayou   May 15, 2022

Connor Bayou   June 29, 2022

Connor Bayou   July 12, 2022

Connor Bayou   August 21, 2022

Connor Bayou   September 3, 2022

Connor Bayou   October 5, 2022

Connor Bayou   November 15, 2022

Connor Bayou   December 25, 2022

Generally, Mike and I walk at this park every other day.  We also try to walk the opposite direction each time and yes sometimes we get it wrong, but that’s okay. In 2022 we walked at Connor 134 times, average walk 1.6 miles. 

Here is the bayou overlook.


This year the Columbine went wild along the trail at Connor Bayou Park.  It was the most Columbine in one area that I have ever seen. Also, I first saw it blooming here on May15, and the last blossom I saw was mid-October!  Here are some pictures of the Columbine.




I see many Hepatica, Wild Geranium, Poke Milkweed, Bladdernut, Butterfly Weed, and Chicken of the Woods, and Redbud.

Round Lobed Hepatica

Poke Milkweed






The 142-acre property includes nearly a mile of Grand River frontage and many natural communities including wetlands, mature mixed hardwood and pine forest.  The site offers outstanding views of the Grand River and expansive wetlands to the north.

There is a trail heading east from the park along the Grand River, it was flooded for about 3 years.  We have recently been able to walk that trail although it is pretty rough going. Here are pictures looking back to the overlook from that trail along the river. Can you see the overlook?





Connor Bayou Park has a log cabin you can rent for gatherings.  We rented it for our daughter’s wedding so now it is a bit more special to me.

There are two more overlooks and a kayak launch dock here at the park.







Along with lots of wonderful trees here at the park, there is a bike path that comes through the woods to the parking area.



We walk year-round even when it is raining, or snowing, or blowing! 





That is Connor Bayou Park.  Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, September 18, 2021

Autumn Coralroot Orchid Blooming in Ottawa County

 Autumn Coralroot Orchid - September 8 2021 - Ottawa County Michigan

This one was really blooming! 

 In the photo below you can see how many of these orchids are growing alongside the trail.  Most don’t bloom at all.  I have visited this orchid several times this month.  They are very small plants and tiny flowers.  





Thursday, August 5, 2021

Purple Fringed Orchid

 

Today, Thursday August 5 2021, I visited a creek close to home in search of a Purple Fringed Orchid.  I haven't found the orchid at this creek before but I thought it was the right sort of place to find one.  I did find just one.  It was about 35 inches tall and in perfect condition.

I spied it from the other side of the creek and bravely made my way to it.  There was the creek to cross, and mud, and spider webs, and brambles, and dead trees to get through to see this gorgeous orchid up close!  

What a thrill to find this plant!  Some times I tell myself that it is fine not to see a special plant, to just enjoy the adventure.  I have to admit, finding this plant made my day!