Isolated Shallow Marsh

This isolated shallow marsh is approximately 1.5 acres (~0.61hectares) and located in a mixed forest of pines, birch, and aspen. It is 55 feet (~16.76 meters) lower than the surrounding terrain. From the outer edge to the center are three distinct zones of vegetation: Canada Bluejoint Grass (Calamagrostis canadensis), Blister Sedge (Carex vesicaria), and Water Parsnip (Sium suave). Shallow water extends from the Water Parsnip zone into the Bladder Sedge zone and supports species of Utricularia and Potamogeton which are aquatic plants.

comments (8)

Christine Young

Lion

Looks so peaceful. Posted 6 years ago
1. Gary B
  
  Lion
  
  It was very quiet except for a few birds. I imagine it must be full of frogs in the spring. Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Imagine how loud the frog chorus would be! And, I just looked at the map and realized how far north this is! Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Gary B
      
      Lion
      
      With an acre and a half of water there could be thousands of frogs. This is probably good habitat for blue-spotted salamander larva too. The water is not deep so it freezes to the bottom in the winter which would keep most fish out.
      
      It is far north and I've noticed that there are many small isolated marshes like this one up there with a similar species composition and distribution. Posted 6 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Blue-spotted salamander larvae would be an awesome find! I have only seen photos of them, but they are so neat. Posted 6 years ago
      2. Gary B
        
        Lion
        
        I saw some once but not in a natural wetland. They were in a deep water-filled tire rut in a backcountry trail. I hope I can get back to this site next year in the early spring. Its a bit of a trek but I think it would be worth it. Posted 6 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        It sounds like you would probably see some awesome things in early spring! I remember you posted an adult blue-spotted salamander once, I think...I'm going to look... Posted 6 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Found it:
        
        Posted 6 years ago