| Questions 1-4 are multiple choice. You can find the multiple choice answers below each section. |
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Question 1: A fen is geologically different from a marsh or a swamp because:
Question 2: Where does the water come from that continuously feeds a fen?
Question 3: Standing at the posted coordinates, look north to northeast, and down. What size is the spring flowing in the prairie fen?
Question 4: Standing at the posted coordinates, how far down is the fen from where you are standing?
Question 5: Geologically speaking, would the prairie fen exist if the place you were standing was at the same height as the fen? Why or why not?
Question 6: How is the ground you are standing on different from that of the fen?
Task 1: Post a pic of yourself or signature item at the posted coordinates with Mill Creek in the background.
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Prairie Fen
Welcome to Mill Creek Park. This park is home to a rare geological feature: the prairie fen. A prairie fen is a type of wetland. Geologically speaking, a fen is defined by the type of soil present (moderately alkaline organic soil - peat) as well as continuous groundwater flow in the form of springs and seeps. The groundwater flow keeps the fen saturated, which prevents the breakdown of the organic matter, so the peat builds up year after year. Ecologically speaking, a prairie fen is defined by the types of plants that grow, like grasses and sedges.
Question 1: A fen is geologically different from a marsh or a swamp because:
A) The soil of a fen is acidic and located in the shallow-water of a lake.
B) The soil of a fen is alkaline, and is fed by continuous flowing spring(s).
C) The soil of a fen is alkaline, and is fed by a river.
Where is the water coming from?
Fens are somewhat rare in Michigan. They require certain soil and water conditions to be present. A key identifier of a fen is the groundwater that keeps the fen saturated. Rain falls and seeps into the ground. For a fen to form, the rain fall must move easily through glacial till and loosely compacted sands. Eventually, it comes out near the base of the pourous hills, shown in the diagram below.
Question 2: Where does the water come from that continuously feeds a fen?
A) Rainfall that seeps through the loosely packed soil of a hill, and flows out near the base of the hill.
B) A drainage pipe from the parking lot.
C) The St. Joseph River.
Observation Time!
Question 3: Standing at the posted coordinates, look north to northeast, and down. What size is the spring flowing in the prairie fen?
A) 10 feet wide, and 100 yards long.
B) A 5 foot wide pool.
C) About a foot wide, and 20+ feet long.
Question 4: Standing at the posted coordinates, how far down is the fen from where you are standing?
A) Only 18 inches.
B) Around 10 feet.
C) A steep 25 feet down.
Question 5: Geologically speaking, would the prairie fen exist if the place you were standing was at the same height as the fen? Why or why not?
Question 6: How is the ground you are standing on different from that of the fen?
Task 1: Post a pic of yourself or signature item at the posted coordinates with Mill Creek in the background.
Sources:
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/resources/pdfs/exploring_the_prairie_fen_wetlands_of_michigan_(e3045).pdf
- https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/publications/pdfs/huntingwildlifehabitat/landowners_guide/Habitat_Mgmt/Wetland/Bogs_Fens.htm
- https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/communities/description/10667/Prairie-Fen
- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/part_3_southern_michigans_hidden_treasure