Special edition: Russ Forest

Russ Forest is pretty far afield from the places I'll typically write about. But I will do a few "bonus" vacation posts. This particular place almost always elicits warm and fuzzy memories in my heart, since I've been going there since I was a wee'un.

I've been tromping across the bridges spanning Dowagiac Creek long enough that I recall a time where I was shorter than the railings. I'd pitch a stick over one side on "Go!" along with my siblings, then we'd race over to the other railing to see whose stick floated from the other side first. It was a game we learned from Winnie the Pooh, hence the nickname among our family members: "The Pooh-Stick Woods." The same creek can be seen in the background of my high school senior picture. My latest trip was during a blissfully tranquil four-day weekend near Christmas.

The Pooh-stick bridge

It's also an awesome place to hike, but more on that later.

Fred Russ Forest Park, as it's officially known, is a Cass County Park, and one with an interesting story. There's a historic homestead next door that's open to the public one day a week and a campground in the park. It's also a research plot for Michigan State University (full disclosure: my alma mater) and I recall my oldest sister proudly pointing out the signs as we hiked through one year after she'd all but settled on her post-graduation plans.

Take the information from MSU with a grain of salt, as some is possibly out-of-date and parts definitely conflict. The lot once planted over with seedling pines seems like it hasn't been tended to in a looong time, but we did see signs of maple syrup production (one web page tells you it's MSU doing the boiling, the other Marcellus Schools... I tend to believe the former, since MSU was selling the syrup as of 2015).

There's likely more to the story: A hike my mom and I took earlier this year brought us past a sign with the name of a major paper maker on it (I think I recall which but I'll leave it alone). A publicly accessible pulpwood lot? A bit of corporate charity? Not sure, and I'll leave that research project up to others.

A bench by one of the roadside access points (and yes,
it's safe* during hunting season)

So! The hiking, eh? Stick-straight paths take you along planted forests, then give way to at-times confusing, winding paths through ancient oaks and maples, including a 300-year-old maple tree... at least I remember it being there.... we got lost and couldn't find it this time. More worrisome were the sight of several massive trees that had toppled. Was the maple a casualty as well?

Another loop takes you to a point where you can cross a road for even more paths through the woods. I have dim memories of going over there. But much more memorable, and picturesque, are the lengths of path that take you past Dowagiac Creek.

One thing to keep in mind if you go: Some trails seem prone to flooding. And it's a popular spot for equestrian types to take their horses, and... horses poop. So watch your step lest you find yourself ankle-deep in road apples.

On that note, may I introduce you to a blues song about stepping in dog shit? Please enjoy: