Why is Blaine FEN-tastic?
(Please note this EarthCache has a 1 terrain rating because a wheelchair is able to access the information. But, it is a medium hike attribute! It is almost a two mile round trip walk/roll from posted parking)
Also, please observe Blaine Wetland Park Sanctuary Hours from 5am to 10pm
Read below and observe where you are and answer the following questions to claim a find here!
1. From the reading below and/or the informational sign at the first waypoint, what is a large area comprised of a high water table and peaty soil called?
2. At the posted coordinates look out across the fen. Why is this fen so large? Use the text provided here on how they are usually formed and then be a scientist and provide me your hypothesis.
3. At the posted coordinates, you are standing on an observation deck that has a great panoramic view of the wetlands. POST a pic of yourself(face not required), or a part of yourself, or a personal item from the deck with the wetlands/fen behind.
The EarthCache Lesson: What is a Fen?
You are standing in a very unique geologic feature that is not a common occuranence outside of Minnesota. Blaine Wetland Sanctuary (BWS) is an open space natural area that includes a specialized wetland called a fen. A fen is a type of wetland with a substrate that is depositied glacial sand and has a high water table and acidic, peat soil that creates a "spongy landform. Fen's can form in multiple areas but are most commonly formed between two higher landforms, or a higher landform and a body of water, where the peat was formed and water settles.
So, why is Blaine Fen-tastic?
The plants and geology of the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary fen are especially unique to Minnesota, and the world. The peat soils here have preserved seeds of rare plants over hundreds of years and restoration continues in order to support the fen’s ecology.