Spaulding Fen State Natural Area

Spaulding Fen features one of the least disturbed sedge fens found in the Central Sand Plains. Most other fens have been modified through ditching, roads, or mossing. While mossing has occurred in the Area, much of the property still retains its ecological integrity.

Classified as a “central poor fen”, this low nutrient, open peatland is dominated by sedges and contains a few scattered areas of tamarack stands. The most common species are few-seeded sedge, tussock sedge, sphagnum mosses, hard-hack, and bluejoint grass. Other herbaceous plants include round-leaved sundew, blue-flag iris, bog rosemary, pitcher plant, rose pogonia, and grass pink. Common shrubs include bog birch and mountain holly. A few stunted paper birch, red maple, and white and jack pine are also present.

Rare birds such as Henslow’s sparrow, LeConte’s sparrow, American bittern, and sharp-tailed grouse have nested here. Other birds seen here include hermit thrush, warbling vireo, Nashville warbler, Connecticut warbler, and bobolink.

Spaulding Fen is owned by Jackson County and was designated a State Natural Area in 2010.

Source: WDNR