Grove of Maples near Alanson

Grove of Maples near Alanson, originally uploaded by jhhymas.

This is a classic white-leaves shot. If these sugar maples are grown in the open like this, each tree develops a full, rounded shape, and a small grove also forms a beautiful shape. There are several groves like this near here, sometimes the understory is kept open by annual mowing, sometimes by grazing.
In a tornado about 15 years ago, many trees in Orval Coors's maple grove were uprooted by the force of the storm. Over many weeks, he sawed them up, even the stumps, for firewood. He was well over seventy at the time.
Another maple grove can be found at Greensky Hill Indian Mission Church. It was planted to replicate the council grove that grew in a circular form and was sacred to Native Americans who lived here.

Looming cloud

Looming cloud, originally uploaded by jhhymas.

I find this pretty irresistible! Kiss me, my hamburger!