Familiarity develops on the same walk in the same setting each morning for a week. On the Mesabi Trail portion of the Trezona Trail a flow occurs through the trailhead as vehicles, walkers, runners, bikers, and some pets arrive. Knowing what to expect provides comfort from the routine.
Arrive at the same time. Park in the same spot. Greet familiar people. Check the progress being made in the restoration of the historic train depot. Take to the trail either clockwise or counterclockwise. Note the feel and look of the morning weather conditions.
What thoughts do you bring on the outing to mull over and maybe share with someone along the way. After all the five monarch caterpillars feeding on swamp milkweed leaves in the garden earlier in the morning provided a memorable start to the day. And the Virginia creeper vines are climbing over a lot of the trailside vegetation. Question: Is that a concern? Noticing a gray tree frog sitting quietly on a leave is surprising.
Invasive species of trees and shrubs are crowding out the native plants of this area. Siberian tree shrub, black locust, common buckthorn, and honeysuckles have claimed the trail edge. Willows, mountain ash, and smooth sumac still are still found in patches. The willows bring thoughts of the large gray dagger moth caterpillar that someone photographed and posted on the Ely Field Naturalists Google Group for identification.
The balsam poplar and quaking aspen are tall and spreading their roots out pushing up the asphalt. Damage to the trail is likely to increase. All these species and their growth will provide valuable information for upcoming efforts by the St. Louis County Northern Soil and Water District to team with local support for needed restoration/ management of this City Land.
A walk up to the Miners Lake overlook provides the best view of the lake and the Pioneer Mine site, north lakeshore, and horizon beyond. Thoughts go back to the start of mining and the city’s development over the years. What discoveries will be available on these morning walks in the future?
This mourning cloak butterfly wrapping up its 2024 feeding and preparing to overwinter may be a welcome companion if we both reconnect in April 2025.
