tangled cluster of boughs

lain low among the pines—

red and mottled survivors

at the marsh edge

tussocks of moss watch,

rich with mucky life

the redwing blackbirds live

in a world all their own

cattails and fenreek curve,

cradling the earth’s bounds

Tichigan Springs and Fen in Racine County is a calcareous fen, meadow, and springs running from an esker, with adjoining marsh and woods in the surrounding Tichigan Wildlife Area. The cowslip (aka marsh marigold) were particularly lovely when we visited.

https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/naturalareas/index.asp?SNA=689

Thanks to the Wisconsin DNR for tending this place.