Becky's Fen EarthCache
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This area is easy to get to but the nature of fens make them a difficult surface on which to walk. Fen visitors will want to have footwear for getting wet. Parking for this privately owned fen is at or near N 42 46.888 W 091 47.101
Fens are wetlands where groundwater flows to the surface creating a habitat that is constantly saturated. Water in fens is slightly alkaline due to the dissolved carbonates in the groundwater. Fens are typically found on hillsides or along streams. The soil in a fen is permanently water-logged and due to slow decomposition rates, mounds of peat often form and are prominent in the landscape of a fen.
A typical fen in Iowa may contain 75 species or more. Approximately 1/3 of these species are considered to be threatened or endangered. Fens are a rare ecotype which accounts for so many plant species earning the concerned status.
This particular fen is named for Rebecca (Becky) Kauten. As a young girl she accompanied her father to this "big wet spot" with two Iowa researchers, John Pearson & Mark Leoschke, who were studying potential Iowa fen sites. When they discovered the diversity here, Becky got excited and persistently persuaded her father to preserve the land for others to enjoy the dynamic diversity an area like this has to offer.
Becky is one of my Snyder relatives and has graciously given permission for others to share in the wonder found here. Please take some time to wander around . . . you will be glad you did. Be certain to wear appropriate footwear. You will get wet!
Have "fen"!
In order to claim credit for this Earth Cache, please send an email to the cache owner with answers to the following three questions:
1) Once you are at GZ, continue at least another 10-15 feet into the fen. Jump. Describe what happened and what it felt like.
2) What type of plant is most abundant in a large area directly to the west of the sign?
3) Turn and look to the southeast. Notice the shrubs that dominate the landscape in that direction. As you return to your vehicle, identify these shrubs, and if possible, the plants growing in association with them in the general vicinity of N 42 46.945 W 092 47.256 And would you consider the shrub species to be native to this ecotype or invasive?
4) Take a photo of yourself/team with the "Becky's Fen" sign and your GPS clearly visible. Please upload this to accompany your "Found It" log.
Thank you!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)