Orchids Galore!

On our recent trip to Cedar Bog we found two more species of orchids. Let's face it, if we are going to look at botany, why not go for the big and flashy stuff?

Grass-Pink, Calopogon tuberosus

This orchid is not so big, only an inch or so across, but the color makes up for the size. A magenta colored orchid has real "wow factor." It is also interesting among orchids, as is operates up-side-down so to speak. The "lip" is on the top, and when a pollinator lands on the orchid, the spring-loaded lip smacks a load of pollen on the the poor unsuspecting bee! This must be Mother Nature's idea of a practical joke, but it gets the job done.

The full size of the orchid is not much more than 8-14 inches, and it often grows out of the sphagnum moss in high quality bogs and fens.

Purple Fringe Orchid, Platanthera psycodes

Rumor in the botany world had it that a rare Purple Fringed Orchid was being seen from the boardwalk at Cedar Bog. This was an opportunity I just couldn't pass up! This is an orchid we haven't seen in Richland County (my home) since the late 1800's. Here was my opportunity to get a mental search image for the correct habitat and get a look at the orchid, although it was sadly failing by the time we reached Urbana.

Purple Fringed Orchid..... photo by Andrew Gibson

Fortunately, young botanist Andrew Gibson was there last week and got spectacular photo- documentation of this very orchid and the wet woodlands it inhabits at Cedar Bog. He was kind enough to share his photos- so you can fully appreciate the beauty of this pastel charmer. It was a "life" orchid for me, and one I have been hoping to see for quite a while.

Cedar Bog is packed with rarities and loads of "regular" botany too. Please be sure to visit soon, and patronize the "Friends" concession in their lovely, new building. Not only did we find orchids, but there were several interesting lilies as well. Add in the insects, lizards and a bazillion species of plants, and you have plenty to hold your interest!

Signature- Cedar Bog

Rare places and rare plants in Ohio- my favorite things! A group of friends visited Cedar Bog this week to see Ohio's most majestic orchid in bloom.

Showy Lady's-slipper Orchid, Cypripedium reginae

The signature plant for Cedar Bog would surely be this, perhaps the loveliest of all of Ohio's orchids. As the Latin name indicates, these are indeed the queen (reginae) of orchids. They were in extraordinary condition earlier this week, with exceptionally vibrant colors. Note in the photo, a back-drop of the equally significant White Cedar (or Arbor Vitae), Thuja occidentalis.

Cedar Bog is not really a bog, it is a fen! This nature preserve harbors some of the most unusual botany in Ohio, and you can see it with an expert during the field trips of the Midwest Native Plant Conference. So sign up now- before these trips are filled- to see rarest of wetland plants, trees and dragonflies from the comfort of a boardwalk.

Hope to see you there! Click on the MWNP link in my side-bar to sign-up.

Wetland Research

Take it from those of us who spend an inordinate amount of time in wetlands: wetlands are a beautiful thing. Not only filled with lovely flora and extremely high in biodiversity, we know they are "good for you" too. Wetlands are the "kidneys" of our land, filtering water, draining off nitrates and sequestering carbon as well.

And whether they are a native wetland, or a created wetland, studies show both are effective in providing many of the benefits and habitat requirements for many species. And while man-made wetlands are not quite on a par with native wetlands in amphibian (especially salamanders) diversity, they can provide effective water overflow management, and are well worth the investment for developers and homeowners alike.

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Here is a recent study from Ohio State featured in Science Daily that show some of a man-made wetlands merits. That is great, as long as we first protect natural wetlands, and do not promote the idea that destroying wetlands is OK - if you just replace it.

Man made wetlands certainly work well for many plant species and insects that can colonize "new" wetlands- like this Slaty Skimmer.
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However, the delicate balance of a Cedar Bog or the Sheldon Marshes didn't happen in a decade or two. While we have many benefits from creating "new" wetlands, remember some of the rarest species in Ohio - both flora and fauna - are only found in the ancient gatherings of water.

Fabulous Fens

Nodding wild onion, Allium cernuum blooming at Prairie Rd. Fen

Thanks to the organizers of the Midwest Native Plant Conference for a fen-tastic weekend! Over 120 native plant enthusiasts gathered to learn more about the bountiful beauty we have in Ohio and wetland species were a highlight. We had a great time discussing the Soggy Bottom Boys, those wetland plants that can be used in your home landscape. It is amazing how adaptable some of these plants are to dry situations as well.

A grand finale of the weekend was our group's field trip to Cedar Bog. Now remember, Cedar Bog is not a bog, but rather a fen. Bogs "clog" (think of kettle -hole bogs- no water movement) while fens flow. Fens are know for cold underground seeps and alkaline conditions. Cedar Bog has some amazing marl flats- a rare habitat for rare plants and unusual creatures.

This federally listed Elfin Skimmer dragonfly is one of the rare creatures. Our group was lucky enough to have the fleet-footed Jim McCormac along to snag this prize specimen. Perhaps my 6th trip to the bog, this was the first time I was ever fortunate enough to see the extremely small and delicate male Elfin Skimmer. His blue coloration is a perfect match with my lucky blue Ohio Dragonfly Conference shirt from 2007!

It was wonderful to meet so many interesting people from across the midwest! Hope to see you again next year!

Four Reasons to Visit Cedar Bog

Today I will let the photos do the talking. Cedar Bog offers some of the most exciting plants and creatures found in Ohio, and it was a pleasure to explore with some great botanists and good friends.

Grass Pink, Calopogon puchellus an exquisite orchid. Puchellus is Latin for beautiful.

Showy Lady's-slipper, Cypripedium reginae, truly the Queen of the Orchids.

A Haploa moth, a stunning day-flier,

and a Five-line Skink. Check out the blue tail!

If you would like to see Cedar Bog in July, browse the field trip possibilities at Mid-West Native Plant Conference. See you there!