Cedar Bog!
Cedar Bog is a fen which is defined by its unique characteristics of geology and hydrology. This fen is located on limestone and gravel substrate that was left behind by the Pleistocene glaciers. These soils are mineral-rich and have a neutral PH in comparison to an acidic bog. Another way to distinguish these two landscapes is the saying, “fens flush and bogs clog.”
Sedge Meadow Community-
The sedge meadow portion of Cedar Bog is an open area surrounded by herbaceous plants. The overstory plants consist of; tamarack (Larix lacrcina), white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), and black ash (Fraxinus nigra). The shrub layer consist of; spicebush (Lindera benzoin), bog birch (Betula pumila), and hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata). The ground cover consist of; tussock sedge (Carex stricta), marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), and mosses.
Swamp Forest Community-
The swamp forest portion of Cedar Bog is densely populated wooded area. The overstory consist of; swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), red maple (Acer rubrum), and tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). The shrub layer consists of; American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), and winterberry (Ilex verticillata). The ground cover consist of; royal fern (Osmunda regalis), prairie dock (Siphium terebinthinaceum), swamp goldenrod (Solidago patula), and swamp thistle (Cirsium muticum).
Highly Conservative Species-
Cedar Bog inhabits a variety of species that are classified as highly conservative in terms of FQAI. The range of conservatism is 0-10, 0 being common and 10 being highly uncommon or rare. The following photos show some examples of plants we saw that are highly conservative.
Additional photos because they are so fun!!
Pause, it’s Natural History Note Time
Cedar Bog has so so so so many species of goldenrods! We have already mentioned a few before, but how you can identify these plants is by their bright yellow flowers that generally form in clusters and how they stand tall and upright.
okay.. let’s get back to more fun photos!
