Volo Bog State Natural Area

Hailey's 4-H group visited a local bog on Saturday morning.  One thing I learned was that Peat Moss, which we use in our garden, comes from a bog.  Once the moss is removed from the bog, it won't grow back.  The learning center encouraged you to use composted manure instead.  We spent about 45 minutes in the learning center doing a mini scavenger hunt and then took a hike into the bog.

 

Only a small group attended because of the tour being on Memorial Day weekend.

 

Not many fish survive in a bog due to the low oxygen content in the water. 

 

Walking in amongst the Winterberry holly shrubs.

 

This is a Carnivorous Pitcher plant.  The leaves look like cups or pitchers that hold water.  The insects are attracted to the water inside the plant, but they can't get back out.  The dead, decaying insect releases nitrogen and phosphorus that are then absorbed by the leaf.  The plant is actually an Illinois endangered species.

 

The pond in the back is called a kettle hole.  It was formed over 12,000 years ago after the Wisconsin glacier receded from northeastern Illinois.  Large blocks of ice broke away and as they melted, they left a large depression.  Water filled in over time and due to natural conditions, it formed a layer of peat and became a bog.

 

This plant, called the Starflower, is rare in Illinois.  There were several more plants we saw that were also considered rare.  Very neat to see and experience!