A bog is a standing body of water with no underground spring of
fresh water to feed it. The water is generally cold, extremely
acidic and low in oxygen.
THE ARBUTUS BOG was formed when the glaciers
retreated thousands of years ago, the bog is a result of poor
drainage and a high water table sustained only by rainfall, not by
streams or rivers. What few nutrients the bog receives are quickly
absorbed by Sphagnum Moss, one of several bog plants. The moss not
only absorbs the nutrients, but creates a cold, acidic condition.
The average pH of a bog is as acidic as vinegar! The majority of
“animal life” in the bog is insects. No mammal or birds live
exclusively in the bog, although several, such as deer and fox,
will sometimes feed on the blossoms and berries of bog shrubs.
Native Americans regularly used bog plants for food and other
needs. Sphagnum Moss was dried and used as a soft liner in cradle
boards for infants. Cranberry juice was used to treat wounds, and
tea made from the leaves of the Leatherleaf was used to reduce
fever and inflammation. As you stop at the bog look closely to see
if you can catch a glimpse of insects which are bog specialists,
such as the Bog Copper Butterfly, Looper Moth or Cranberry
Spanworm.
Enjoy the Pere Marquette trail as you walk or bike toward the
bog. Once you've reached the boardwalk, enjoy the views as
you follow the boardwalk to the observation platform. There
are 4 interpretive signs around the platform that provide
information about the bog.
We are going to have you answer a few
questions to be able to log the ARBUTUS
BOG. You will need to equip yourself
with a PH test kit. These are available at pool centers, pet stores
and fish supply outlets.
Please e-mail me with the following
findings.
1. Go to the posted coordinates and
take a PH test to see the make up of this bog. IF THE WATER IS VERY
LOW, SKIP THIS TEST ! DO NOT STEP IN THE BOG.
2. At this location take your photo with the bog in the background
then post it to your cache log.
3. e-mail us the title
from any 2 of the 4 signs around the observation deck.
Our thanks to the Midland County Parks director, Kim Haller, for
permission in allowing us to bring geocachers to the Arbutus
Bog.
