Season 2 (Spring) Episode 2 (McGuffy Meadow)

On Today’s episode of Adventures with Gary The Wood Sprite: Season 2, (Spring) episode 2 (McGuffy Meadow). It’s March 30, 2026. We started at McGuffey Meadows which is within Bill Yeck Park in Sugarcreek Township, Ohio. This was my very first time visiting a meadow that had a controlled burn! Yay!

A controlled burn (or prescribed burn) in a meadow is a management tool used to restore ecosystems by mimicking natural fire cycles, removing woody vegetation, and controlling invasive species to promote native plant biodiversity. These burns stimulate new growth by releasing nutrients, reducing thatch buildup, and lowering the risk of severe wildfires.

As a wood sprite I am immune to plant toxins. However, you as a human are not. Plants like poison ivy can cause itching but this one is worse. I found a plant called poison hemlock. It is part of the carrot family (Apiaceae), which also includes edible plants like carrots, parsley, and wild carrot (Queen Anne’s lace). However, the entire plant is poisonous: leaves, stems, seeds, and roots. It contains toxic alkaloids (especially coniine) that affect the nervous system. Even small amounts can be fatal if ingested. So remember to be careful and know which plants can hurt you. In the pictures you'll know which plant it is because I am hovering over it, not touching it.

On a happier note: I found so many treasures today: a gorgeous wild turkey feather, a horseshoe, striped crème violet, cutleaf teasel, yellow trout lilly (huge amount!), hiding places (standard), sessile trillium (toad shade), Virginia bluebells, blood root, a babbling brook, deer vertebrae and mandible, wild blue phlox, common chickweed, carolina horsenettle, common blue violets, Hymenogastraceae fungi, broom forkmoss, honey locust tree, many bird nesting boxes, two garter snakes (super cute, but no pics, too fast!) and a wayward golf ball. Busy day! This collection of nature has obviously a knowledgeable gang of stewards who clearly care deeply for this place. It’s impressive.

Have you ever had poison ivy? Did you know what it looks like?

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