The Wetlands of Leonard Springs Nature Park
Wetlands, could easily be defined as natures kidneys. While some may complain of their smell or they may be thought to be just grounds for mosquitoes and their breeding, wetlands are absolutely vital to our ecosystem.
Even right here in Bloomington, IN, tucked away in Leonard Springs Nature Park contains precious Wetlands.
The sad story is many of our Hoosier Wetlands have disappeared during the early 20th century when clay tiles were widely used by farmer drain off wet areas for agricultural use.
True wetlands are now protected and if one is destroyed, they must be reconstructed by Federal Law. This process is known as mitigation.
Indiana was once abundant with wetlands, however since the 1700's over 4.8 million acres of Indiana wetlands have been destoryed and with that destroying homes of nearly 50% of the nations endangered species.
There are four types of Wetlands: Marshes, Bogs, Fens and Swamps.
Marsh – a type of wetland ecosystem characterized by poorly drained mineral soils and by plant life dominated by grasses. Marshes are common at the mouths of rivers, especially where extensive deltas have been built. The marsh plants slow down the flow of water and allow for the nutrient enriched sediments to be deposited, thus providing conditions for the further development of the marsh.
Swamp – a wetland ecosystem characterized by mineral soils with poor drainage and by plant life dominated by trees. Swamps are found throughout the world, most often in low-lying regions (with poor drainage) next to rivers, which supply the swamp with water. Some swamps develop from marshes that slowly fill in, allowing trees and woody shrubs to grow.
Bog – a type of wetland ecosystem characterized by wet, spongy, poorly drained peaty soil, dominated by the growth of bog mosses, Sphagnum, and heaths, particularly Chamaedaphne. Bogs are usually acid areas, frequently surrounding a body of open water. Bogs receive water exclusively from rainfall.
Fen – a type of wetland ecosystem characterized by peaty soil, dominated by grasslike plants, grasses, sedges, and reeds. Fens are alkaline rather than acid areas, receiving water mostly from surface and groundwater sources.
No matter the type of wetland, all carry the same characteristics. They are periodically saturated with water, their soil is rich in moisture and they support plants that can grow on or in water.
The benefits Wetlands have to our environment as mentioned before in the text above, you could view it as natures kidneys.
They trap sediments and contaminants. They also filter and purify storm water run off.
They provide flood water storage and regulate the flow of creeks and streams and reduce river and creek bed erosion.
This Earthcache is a site specific Earthcache. You will have to gather and learn information that is site specific to the Wetlands of Leonard Springs Nature Park.
At the listed coordinates you will find an observation deck and an information sign.
Please answer the following questions and tasks to prove your gained knowledge of this Earthcache and proof of being in the area. From this page and your visit give the conclusions you have drawn from being here today.
Question 1: The process of Wetlands being destroyed and reconstructed is called __________
Question 2: How many acres of Indiana Wetlands have been lost since the 1700's?
Question 3: Was this wetland a by-product of human design or do you believe it was made by geological process? (eg. Glacial Scouring, Erosion)
Question 3a: By your on-site observations, why have you come to this conclusion?
Question 4: What percent of our nations endangered species are Wetland dependent?
Question 5: Above are listed the four types of wetlands that exist. From your observations, what type of wetlands are the Wetlands of Leonard Springs Nature Park and what observation did you make to come to this conclusion?
Question 6: Based on the information sign, name two of three ways Wetlands are a benefit to our environment.
Optional: Post a Picture of yourself with the wetlands behind.
Please do not post any pictures of the on-site information board or post any of your answers on your log. In normal Earthcache fashion, please email me the answers.
Please Enjoy Leonard Springs Nature Park of Bloomington, IN and Thank You For Visiting.
