Wetlands are "in-between" places that transition land and water. There are many types of wetlands including Bogs, Swamps, Marshes and Fens.
Wetlands are very important to the ecosystem because they provide Flood Control, prevent Erosion and improve Water Quality by filtering out contaminates and cleaning the water. They absorb and drain massive amounts of excess water, releasing it gradually, slowing or preventing the effects of Flooding.
Wetlands are homes to the largest diversity of plant and animal life that have adapted to the Wetland conditions. The DNR estimates that more than 900 species of animals depend on Wetland Habitat at some stage of their lives!
A Fen is a type of Wetland usually fed by mineral-rich surface or groundwater. Fens have a larger diversity of plant life (mainly grasses, sledges & mosses) due to the higher dissloved mineral levels. A Fen may also occur along large lakes and rivers. One way a Fen differs from a Bog is in the Water Chemistry itself. Bogs are more acidic, while Fens are more alkaline.
This part of the Metropark is part of the Ann Arbor Moraine. The Trail is a Moraine Trail, and you will be observing an example of Glacial activity. The Moraine is higher than the fen, allowing the water to drain and collect there. The soil here is finely textured glacial till. The lower Fen area is fed by Calcareous groundwaters that seep from the Moraine, causing the mineral rich ph chemistry of the Fen waters.
This is a Beautiful area for a Family hike or to bring your Dog for a walk. Geodog Maizie loves this Trail- so much to See & Sniff! Start your hike at the Trailhead sign, head down the Moraine Fen Trail (keep to the right at the split). You'll follow the trail for a little more than a mile total, circling the fen- the Fen will be on your left. There's also an additional waypt. as a reference pt. I was able to easily dip my ph test strip into the water at these 2 locations. (Yes, my shoes got muddy).
To get Credit for this Earth Cache- you must email me within 5 days of your log with answers to the following, or your log Will be deleted.
1- Using your test strip- dip it in the water- What is the ph level of the water here?
2- Is there any sign of Water Flow?
3- What Animal/Plant Life do you See/Hear? (List 3 at least)
4- Optional- I LOVE Pictures! Though not required, please post a couple of what you See!
Thanks for visiting my 1st EC- I hope you enjoyed this area as much as I did!
"This cache is located within Huron Meadows Metropark. A Metroparks permit is required: $7 daily pass, $30 annual pass, $20 Seniors. All park rules and regulations apply. Park in parking lots only."