- June 15, 2024
- by Angus Inksetter
The Beaverdale Bog (which may be a fen) is a large wetland northeast of Markdale. In mid-June it holds the promise of possible orchids in bloom in addition to its regular attractions of a harsh environment and other specialized flora.
Led by Rick Watt and Ann-Ida Beck seven Saugeen Nature members plus one from Owen Sound F.N. trecked in to see what could be found. The walking in the bog itself is a bit difficult because of the very uneven nature of the surface: hummocks of grass and sedge, hidden logs and tree stumps, tangles of low bushes to trip on, and the possibility of sinking through the spongy network into water. Most of the vegetation is tolerant of acid and moisture, plants such as Bog Rosemary, Bog Cranberry, Cotton Deer Grass, and Marsh Cinquefoil.
As we continued looking, however, more scattered individual flowers showed up, including Tufted Loosestrife, Round-leaved Sundew and Pitcher Plant (two carnivorous plants), and five different orchid species. The orchids are often small and inconspicuous in the surrounding vegetation but intricate, delicate, and beautiful with close examination. We found Dragon’s Mouth Orchid (Arethusa), Grass Pink Orchid, Rose Pogonia, and Ragged Fringed Orchid in the main bog (or fen) area and Egg-leaved Twayblade on the drier trail leading in or out. The latter is a European species considered rare in this area.
Ponds of open water are dotted here and there in the wetland. These habour Yellow Bull-lily and are home to ducks (we found a nest full of eggs) and Sandhill Cranes. It was a quiet area but we did hear some wetland birds: Common Yellowthroat, Woodcock, Swamp Sparrow, and White-throated Sparrow.
Come along with us as we find other local ecological gems to explore.
