Exploring the Prairie Fen Wetlands of Michigan

Michael A. Kost and Daria A. Hyde E-3045 • New • December 2009 Exploring the Prairie Fen Wetlands of Michigan

by Michael A. Kost and Daria A. Hyde Bradford S. Slaughter, MNFI Slaughter, S. Bradford

Contributing Authors: Peter J. Badra, Barbara J. Barton, David L. Cuthrell, Amy L. Derosier, Yu Man Lee, Jack D. McGowan-Stinski, Ryan P. O’Connor, Douglas R. Pearsall, Steven S. Woods

Michigan Natural Features Inventory www.msue.msu.edu/mnfi

ISBN 1-56525-023-0 Kost, Michael A., and D.A.Hyde. 2009. Exploring the Prairie Fen Wetlands of Michigan. Extension Bulletin E-3045. East Lansing, Mich.: Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan State University Extension. Produced by ANR Communications © 2009 Michigan State University, all rights reserved. Acknowledgements

e offer our sincere thanks Pearsall, TNC; Virginia Hambric; and Wand gratitude to the many our colleagues at MNFI, Joshua Co- individuals and organizations whose hen, Yu Man Lee, Ryan O’Connor and contributions and support made this Bradford Slaughter, for their insightful publication possible. For lending their editorial comments and suggestions. invaluable expertise to this book, we We are thankful for the helpful advice offer our appreciation to the following and guidance offered by Nate Fuller contributing authors: Peter J. Badra, and Larry Lyons, Southwest Michigan Barbara J. Barton, David L. Cuthrell, Land Conservancy, and our MNFI Amy L. Derosier, Yu Man Lee, Jack D. colleagues Dennis Albert, David McGowan-Stinski, Ryan P. O’Connor, Cuthrell, Michael Monfils and Mike Douglas R. Pearsall and Steven S. Penskar. Woods. We are sincerely grateful for We gratefully acknowledge the sup- the creative advice and technical support and expertise of our partners port of our colleague Suzan Campbell, at the Michigan DNR, especially who organized numerous photographs Stephen Beyer, Todd Hogrefe and and lent her critical eye to the editing, Christopher Hoving; our colleagues layout and organization of this book. at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service We appreciate the excellent techni- (USFWS), Tameka Dandridge and cal skills of Helen Enander, MNFI’s Carrie Tansy; as well as members of mapmaker extraordinaire. Thanks also the Mitchell’s Satyr Working Group. to Connie Brinson, Kraig Korroch, Their commitment to the conservation Suzanne Ridge and Nancy Toben for of prairie fens is truly inspiring. Fund- their critical administrative support of ing for this publication was provided this project. by the Michigan DNR through a grant We are grateful to the photographers from the USFWS as well as MSU Ex- and graphic artists who generously tension’s Program Development Fund. provided their photos and drawings Finally, we gratefully acknowledge for use in this publication. Their im- staff members at ANR Communica- ages evoke the beauty and wonder of tions at MSU, especially Leslie John- prairie fens and help to describe the son for her detailed editorial review, complexity and richness of these com- Ken Fettig for his guidance on this munities. We have provided a list of project, and Alicia Burnell for bringing photo and graphic sources at the end our words, ideas and photographs to of this book. We thank Christopher life through her artistic design of this Hoving, Michigan DNR; Douglas publication. Table of contents

Introduction...... 2 Chapter 1: Prairie Fen Wetlands...... 3 Chapter 2: Landscape Context...... 6 Special Topic: Fens and Bogs: What are the Differences?...... 12 Special Topic: Carnivorous Plants...... 19 Chapter 3: Ecological Processes ...... 21 Special Topic: Orchids...... 27 Special Topic: Ant Mounds...... 33 Special Topic: Amphibians and Reptiles in Prairie Fens...... 34 Chapter 4: Importance to Biodiversity...... 39 Special Topic: Mitchell’s Satyr ...... 41 Special Topic: Prairie Fen Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera)...... 43 Special Topic: Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonota)...... 46 Special Topic: Brook Sticklebacks...... 49 Special Topic: Aquatic and Terrestrial Snails (Gastropods)...... 51 Special Topic: Rare Amphibians and Reptiles (Herps)...... 54 Chapter 5: Vegetation ...... 58 Table: Common Plants Found in Each Vegetation Zone of Prairie Fen . . . 64 Special Topic: Grasses, Sedges and Rushes: What are the Differences?. . . 70 Chapter 6: Threats...... 73 Chapter 7: Restoration and Management...... 81 Special Topic: Ecological Restoration at Ives Road Fen...... 84 Appendices...... 93 Appendix 1: Places to Visit a Prairie Fen...... 94 Appendix 2: Plants Commonly Found in Prairie Fens...... 96 Appendix 3: Animals Associated with Prairie Fens in Michigan. . . . . 100 Appendix 4: Rare Plants of Prairie Fens in Michigan...... 104 Appendix 5: Rare Animals Associated with Prairie Fens in Michigan. . . . 105 Photo and Graphic Sources...... 106

1 Introduction Michael A. Kost, MNFI Kost, Michael A.

estled within wet depressions ous calls of mating frogs and toads, Namong the rolling hills of melodious songs of nesting birds southern Lower Michigan, prairie and colorful blooms of wildflowers. fen wetlands are one of Michigan’s During summer, the sounds of tree biological treasures. These glob- crickets and other insects fill the air, ally rare wetlands are dominated and a beautiful array of butterflies, by sedges and grasses and provide moths and flowering plants forms a habitat to hundreds of native plants dazzling spectacle of color. In fall, and animals. In addition to being migrating songbirds and waterfowl incredibly rich in biological diver- descend on prairie fens to feed on sity, prairie fens form the pristine berries and aquatic plants and take headwaters of many of the region’s refuge among the groves of shrubs rivers and lakes. The streams and and trees and isolated lakes. It is lakes that emanate from prairie fens during this time of year that the sustain countless species and pro- needles of tamarack, Michigan’s only vide recreational activities cherished native deciduous conifer tree, turn by swimmers, boaters and anglers. from bright green to golden yellow, These wetland communities serve as bringing yet another striking display a rich biological reservoir and form of color to prairie fens. With winter a critical component of the natural comes a blanket of white and near landscape of southern Michigan. silence, softly accentuated by the constant gurgling of tiny streams that Walking through a prairie fen is an flow continuously from the many amazing experience at any time of springs that form this unique native the year. The community comes ecosystem. alive in spring with the boister-

2 CHAPTER ONE Prairie Fen Wetlands

3 Michael A. Kost, MNFI Kost, A. Michael What is a prairie fen wetland?

What is a prairie fen the prairie peninsula region of wetland? the Midwest because the community contains many wildflowers A prairie fen is a type of peatland and grasses commonly observed through which flows a continu- in prairies. Prairie fens occur in ous supply of cold groundwater the glaciated regions of the up- rich in calcium and magnesium per Midwest, predominantly in carbonates. An abundance of southern Ontario, Canada, and groundwater springs and seeps Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, ensures that wet conditions Wisconsin and Minnesota. prevail throughout the year. The Several other types of fens are constantly saturated conditions known to occur in northern prevent the breakdown of plant Michigan, including northern fen, matter, which accumulates year coastal fen, poor fen and pat- after year, eventually forming terned fen. These natural com- loose peat soils. The name “prai- munities are described in detail in rie fen” became widely used for “Natural Communities of Michi- describing the fens located within gan: Classification and Descrip- Spicebush swallowtail nectaring tion,” which is available through on swamp milkweed. the Michigan Natural Features Inventory Web site.

Why are prairie fens important? Like many wetlands, prairie fens deliver critically important ecological services: providing clean water for streams and lakes, storing and slowly releasing storm and floodwaters, and serving as habitat for a broad diversity of plants and animals. Through the process Michael A. Kost, MNFI Kost, Michael A.

4 CHAPTER ONE Why are prairie fens important? of photosynthesis, the rich plant community of prairie fens releases oxygen (O2) and water to the atmosphere, providing clean air for breathing and moisture for rainfall. Plants also release clean water vapor to the atmosphere through both respiration and transpiration. Another critical benefit provided by plants through photosynthesis is the removal of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere. In a process known as carbon sequestration, much of the carbon removed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis MNFI Kost, Michael A. becomes incorporated into plant rich wetlands provide places tissue, where it is eventually stored where people can unplug from for thousands of years in the or- the hustle and bustle of modern ganic (peat) soils of prairie fens. life and be renewed. Prairie fens offer opportunities to spend time In addition to providing habitat with nature, surrounded by life for wildlife and clean air and in all its glory, and connect with water, prairie fens serve as places something much greater than for people to connect with and be oneself. nourished by nature. Filled with a dazzling array of plant and animal We hope the following discussion life, prairie fens make exceptional of the ecology and conservation outdoor classrooms for study- of prairie fens will inspire readers ing the natural world. Whether to visit a prairie fen and become people visit for bird watching, involved in conservation efforts to botanizing, hunting, fishing or protect and manage these special quietly exploring nature, these wetlands.

PRAIRIE FEN WETLANDS 5 CHAPTER TWO Landscape Context

6 Gary Reese, MNFI Gary Reese, Geologic setting

Geologic setting soils, rocks and vegetation. This debris became incorporated into The topography of Michigan was the advancing ice front. Loaded largely shaped by the Wiscon- with millions of tons of rock, sinan glacier, which completely sand, silt and clay, the mixture blanketed Michigan, reaching of dirty ice slowly melted as the its maximum extent in southern climate gradually warmed, leav- Illinois, Indiana and Ohio ap- ing behind massive amounts of proximately 18,000 years ago. glacial debris. Once spanning the upper regions of North America and measuring Three lobes of the Wisconsinan more than a mile in height, the glacier, issuing forth from the ba- massive glacial ice sheets slowly sins of Lake Michigan in the west melted back, finally retreating and Lake Erie and Lake Huron’s from Michigan approximately Saginaw Bay in the east, came 10,000 years ago. As they moved together in the area known as the across upper North America, the interlobate region. The joining glaciers engulfed all that lay in and eventual retreat of these their paths, pulverizing ancient glacial lobes left behind a

Drift Borders Wisconsinan Illinoian Kansan Adaped from: Kathline Clahassey, in MDEQ Bulletin #4, The Glacial Lakes Around Michigan by William Farrand Glaciated Area

Four major glaciation events influenced the topography of the upper Midwest: Wisconsinan, Illinoian, Kansan and Nebraskan (not shown).

LANDSCAPE CONTEXT 7 Geologic setting

complex landscape of hills, val- glaciers, rivers of glacial melt- leys and plains that provide the water and the debris they carried context for an incredibly rich carved long, narrow channels diversity of local ecosystems. beneath the ice sheets. Known as Prairie fens occur predominantly eskers today, these long, narrow, within the interlobate region of winding, gravelly hills once served the southern Lower Peninsula. as streambeds for ancient rivers that flowed under the melting To understand how prairie fens ice sheet. As the ice sheet broke formed, it is helpful to learn how apart, enormous ice formations, glaciers shaped the landscape. some the size of football fields, Kathline Clahassey* others the size of cities or town- ships, were left stranded to melt in place. The debris-laden ice formations gave rise to a variety of interestingly shaped hills of glacial debris known as kames, as well as an assortment of variously sized ice-block depressions or kettles, which were left behind when the ice blocks melted. Conversely, Acting like a gigantic conveyor the depressions shaped by the belt, the glacial ice sheets trans- stranded ice blocks now form ported millions of tons of glacial the basins of most inland lakes till in the form of rock and sedi- within the glaciated regions of the ment to new locations. When the upper Midwest. Today, many of glacier halted its forward progress our prairie fens occur along the and slowly began to melt, the gla- edges of these ice-block depres- cial till accumulated in the form sion lakes. of steep hills called moraines along the edges of the stagnant Larger sized glacial debris, such ice sheets. Fed by the melting as boulders and cobble-sized

8 CHAPTER TWO Geologic setting rocks, was generally deposited moraines and outwash plains, near the melting ice fronts; small- forming both the narrow and er particles, such as sand, were broad outwash channels that now carried with the glacial meltwater contain the remnants of these for many miles, forming rolling to once massive rivers. Rivers such level plains of deep sand known Kathline Clahassey* as outwash plains. Over hundreds of years, the steady collapse of the dirty ice sheet resulted in the slow deposition of a blanket of sand and gravel over the lower portions of the landscape. Filling the areas in front of moraines and surrounding or burying stranded ice blocks, the sand and gravel deposits often reached 30 me- ters (100 feet) or more in depth. When they melted, the stranded ice blocks that had been surrounded or buried by outwash deposits left their impressions in the sand to become the lakes and wetlands of the glaciated Midwest today. *Kathline Clahassey, in MDEQ Bulletin #4, The Glacial Lakes Around Michigan The amounts of water and debris by William Farrand released as the mile-high ice sheet and stranded ice blocks as the Grand, Maple, Huron, slowly melted were immense. Clinton, Kalamazoo and many Raging rivers of ice, boulders and others now occupy these former sediment carved valleys through meltwater valleys.

LANDSCAPE CONTEXT 9 Hydrologic setting

Hydrologic setting bases of hilly glacial landforms such as moraines, kames and The hydrology of prairie fens is eskers. Because the water table is supported by a steady flow of typically elevated under the hilly cold, calcium-rich (calcareous) glacial landforms, groundwater groundwater from the underlying seepage is often present along glacial deposits. The landforms their bases where they join lower of the interlobate region are elevation landforms, such as primarily composed of coarse- outwash plains, outwash channels textured glacial deposits that are or ice-block depressions. Grav- rich in calcium and magnesium, ity pulls the groundwater down both minerals that contribute to through the hills of porous glacial alkaline or basic conditions. As a deposits and out near their bases. result, the groundwater and soils of prairie fens contain high levels Prairie fens form in several of calcium and magnesium car- landscape settings, all of which bonates. The calcareous ground- give rise to the development water moves easily through the of groundwater-fed perennial loosely compacted outwash sands springs and seeps. Because of the and coarse glacial tills that make constant flow of groundwater, up the outwash plains and hilly prairie fens act as headwater eco- glacial landforms. Prairie fens systems and are always associated typically develop on portions with streams, rivers and/or lakes. of outwash plains and outwash The community may occupy channels that are located near the both narrow and broad flood-

Recharge Area Fen Hydrology Impermeable ▼ Permeable ▼ ▼ ▼ Fen Impermeable ▼ ▼

Adapted from Amon et. al., 2002.

10 CHAPTER TWO Hydrologic setting Bradford S. Slaughter, MNFI Slaughter, S. Bradford

Rich tamarack swamp in background. plains along the upper reaches cur along the edges of spring-fed of streams or occur along the lakes, but they can sometimes edges of lakes and their associ- occupy an entire lake basin. More ated streams. Although prairie commonly, wetland vegetation fens often occur within ice-block will colonize an entire ice-block depressions, many of which sup- depression with prairie fen occur- port spring-fed lakes, they are ring in areas where groundwater not found in isolated depressions seepage is most prevalent. In that lack an outflow channel. In- these settings, a prairie fen may stead, isolated depressions often share the depression with other contain acidic bogs rather than wetland natural communities calcareous fens. Within ice-block such as emergent marsh, south- depressions that have outflowing ern wet meadow, southern shrub- streams, prairie fens typically oc- carr and rich tamarack swamp.

LANDSCAPE CONTEXT 11 Carnivorous Plants

he extreme pH levels of both Carnivorous plants employ a va- Tfens and bogs, along with riety of methods to capture prey. their waterlogged condition and For example, the leaves of pitcher organic soil, result in low avail- plant form a small pitcher that ability of important plant nutrients holds a pool of digestive enzymes. such as nitrogen, phosphorus and When insects enter the pitcher, potassium (N, P, K). To cope with their escape is thwarted by stiff, the stressful, low-nutrient condi- downward-pointing hairs and a tions, some plants have developed waxy substance that coats the novel adaptations to acquire inner sides of the leaves, mak- nutrients. In particular, carnivo- ing the upward climb to exit the rous plants such as pitcher plants, pitcher nearly impossible. Eventu- sundews and bladderworts, which ally, the exhausted animal suc- grow in both fens and bogs, meet cumbs, drowns in the pool and is their nutrient needs by capturing digested. and digesting tiny invertebrates.

Pitcher plant Michael A. Kost, MNFI Kost, A. Michael

19 Bradford S. Slaughter, MNFI Slaughter, S. Bradford

Carnivorous Plants . . .

Sundews employ a different method. Their leaves are covered with tiny, sticky glandular hairs that are tipped with digestive enzymes. Animals landing on the hairs are trapped by the sticky enzymes as the sundew leaf slowly closes around their bodies and digests the trapped prey.

Pitcher plants and sundews live on land, catching flying and crawling invertebrates. Bladderworts grow under water, trapping tiny swim- ming animals. Bladderworts have small, fleshy, floating appendages known as bladders, which are filled with digestive enzymes and contain a tiny trap door ringed by trigger hairs. When the trigger hairs are touched, the bladder instantly expands, sucking unsuspecting invertebrates in through the trap door. Once inside, the animals are digested. Pitcher plants, sundews and bladderworts are truly captivat- ing plants that share a similar strategy for coping with the low levels of available nutrients that characterize fen and bog habitats.

Round-leaved sundew 20 Hydrology

Hydrology Variations in the volume of groundwater seepage and levels As noted earlier, the groundwater of carbonate concentrations result that flows through the organic in very different growing condi- and marl soils of prairie fens is tions for plants within various rich in calcium and magnesium portions of a prairie fen. Thus, carbonates, which are picked up prairie fens typically contain from the sand and gravel sub- several distinct vegetation zones strates of the surrounding glacial that correspond to localized deposits. This cold calcareous variations in hydrology and water groundwater comes to the surface chemistry. The local topography in prairie fens to form perennial of a prairie fen also can be pro- springs and seeps. The steadily foundly influenced by variations flowing springs and seeps co- in groundwater flow and chemi- alesce to form small rivulets that cal composition. These factors join to form headwater streams or strongly affect the accumulation create sheet flow that covers the of peat and marl soils within soil surface with a thin layer of a fen. moving water.

Fen Types Hanging fen Domed fen Basin fen

Direction of water movement Impermeable clays Permeable sands and gravels

Adapted from Amon et. al., 2002

22 CHAPTER THREE Hydrology Christopher Hoving, MDNR Christopher Hoving,

The buildup of organic matter rain. In some locations, the large around springs and seeps allows volume of water and loose peat some fen complexes to support soils underlying prairie fens create areas of both domed fen and a quaking or floating mat, which hanging fen (also called mound shakes and bounces with each fen and slope fen, respectively). careful step. Quaking mats are Domed fens occur as broad, round especially common where prairie hills of organic soils. Hanging fens fens occupy former lake basins occur as low-gradient slopes of that have filled with peat or marl. organic soil that can span from the These basin fens may occupy the upland edge of a fen to a stream entire basin of an abandoned gla- or a level area such as a marl flat. cial lake or be limited to areas that Both domed fens and hanging fens receive high amounts of calcare- can puzzle observers who are not ous groundwater seepage such as accustomed to seeing wetlands along the shores of existing lakes. occurring as hills and sloping ter-

ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES 23 Michael A. Kost, MNFI Kost, Michael A.

By Ryan P. O’Connor Orchidsrchids make up one of the the magnificent showy lady- largest, most beautiful and slipper. Perhaps the queen of all Omost varied plant families in the wildflowers, the showy lady- world, with nearly 30,000 known slipper stands up to 3 feet tall, species. Many have very specific with large, swollen lower petals habitat requirements, includ- blushed with bright pink. ing some species that are found Orchid seeds are tiny and dust-like primarily in fens. These include the and contain none of the energy brilliant magenta-colored grass reserves (i.e., endosperm) needed pink, found in marl flats, and the for supporting initial growth that late-flowering nodding ladies- are normally present in larger tresses, with its tiny pearly-white seeded species. Instead, to ger- flowers arranged in dense spirals. minate and grow, orchid seeds Highly restricted to fens and rare must form a symbiotic relationship throughout its range is the small with specific species of mycor- but striking white lady-slipper. rhizal fungi living in the soil. The Along the margins of fens grows fungi inoculate the orchid seeds

27 Orchids...and supply them with nutrients. Although orchids are very at- In turn, the orchid seedlings and tractive and sought by many for adult plants provide the fungi with cultivation, most species do not the products of photosynthesis for transplant well and are very dif- supporting their growth. Many ficult to grow in gardens because orchids take several years to grow, they require very specific habitat remaining in a somewhat obscure conditions. A better alternative is juvenile stage before they are to visit a local botanical garden or large enough to flower, become park and witness the full glory of pollinated and produce seeds these magnificent and fascinating of their own. Orchids are highly plants in their natural habitat. vulnerable to herbivores such as deer, which routinely seek them Showy lady-slipper out as a preferred food. This is in part because of their often showy flowers but may also be due to their close relation to vanilla orchids, the source of the flavor- ing product. Similar compounds are known in many other orchids.

Examples of orchids found in fens:

Grass pink (Calopogon tuberosus) Daria A. Hyde, MNFI Hyde, A. Daria White lady-slipper (Cypripedium candidum) Grass pink Yellow lady-slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) Showy lady-slipper (Cypripedium reginae) Loess’s twayblade (Liparis loeselii) Small green wood orchid (Platanthera clavellata) Tall white bog orchid (Platanthera dilatata) Northern green orchid (Platanthera hyperborea) Small purple-fringed orchid (Platanthera psycodes) Rose pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides) Nodding ladies-tresses (Spiranthes cernua) Shining ladies-tresses (Spiranthes lucida)

28 Bradford S. Slaughter, MNFI Slaughter, S. Bradford MITCHELL’S SATYR

James S. McCormac

ichigan collab- Mand Indiana are oratively privileged to provide with landowners habitat for one of the to help this species rarest butterflies in the world. recover by restoring and Although found historically in protecting its unique habitat. several states, the Mitchell’s The Mitchell’s satyr is a medium- satyr is currently known to occur sized brown butterfly with a within prairie fen complexes at wing span measuring 4.1 to 4.4 only 17 sites in Michigan and one centimeters (1.5 to 1.75 inches). site in Indiana. Sites that continue Its color can range from warm to support the Mitchell’s satyr tan to dark chocolate brown. The contain peat soil with carbonate- undersides of its wings each have rich groundwater seeps and are a row of four or five black eyes- most often dominated by narrow- pots that are dotted with silvery leaved sedges with scattered markings, ringed in yellow and tamarack and poison sumac. The encircled by two orange bands. Mitchell’s satyr is listed by the The three central eyespots on its federal government as an en- hind wing are the largest. Those dangered species because it is in lucky enough to view a freshly danger of becoming extinct in the emerged Mitchell’s satyr up close near future. The primary threat to are often thrilled with the irides- the continued survival of this spe- cent quality of the eyespots and cies is habitat loss and modifica- the rich hue of its wings. tion. Many agencies are working

41 Mitch Magdich, Toledo Zoo Toledo Mitch Magdich, Mitch Magdich West Larry Mitchell’s satyr eggs and larvae Mitchell’s satyr caterpillar Mitchell’s satyr chrysalis

The lifespan of a Mitchell’s satyr is This butterfly can be easily confused approximately one year, with the with more common butterflies that adult stage ranging from three to occur in similar habitats, including four weeks between mid-June and the Appalachian eyed brown, eyed late July. During this time, the but- brown, wood nymph and little wood terflies are usually seen flying low satyr. Most butterfly field guides will over the vegetation with a slow, assist in distinguishing the Mitchell’s rhythmic, bobbing flight in search satyr from these other more common of mates and suitable locations to species, although its characteristic lay their eggs. Females deposit their low, bobbing flight pattern is often miniscule eggs on the undersides of the best way to tell it apart from tiny plants near the bases of sedge similar-looking brown butterflies. tussocks. When the eggs hatch, tiny Sarett Nature Center, in Benton Har- caterpillars emerge and climb the tus- bor, Mich., has a boardwalk for easy socks to feed on the leaves of sedges viewing of the Mitchell’s satyr and and other nearby plants. The small its habitat. Take advantage of this caterpillars are lime-green with pale wonderful opportunity to become stripes that run the length of their familiar with this beautiful butterfly. bodies, a camouflaged color scheme It is hoped that current efforts to that perfectly Sarett Nature Center boardwalk conserve this species and its habitat conceals will assure that future generations their pres-

Mindy Walker, Mindy will be able to explore a prairie fen ence among Sarett Nature Center and delight in seeing this exquisite the sedges butterfly. and grasses.

The Appalachian eyed brown (below, left) is similar to the Mitchell’s satyr (below, right). Doug Landis James S. McCormac S. James

42 Prairie Fen Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera)

By David L. Cuthrell

great diversity of insects by looking for adults (i.e., butter- Acall prairie fens home. One flies) nectaring on yellow flowers group, collectively known as the such as black-eyed Susan. The fact Lepidoptera, consists of butterflies that frightened adults fly and and moths. The Lepidoptera pro- land on the undersides of plant vide a valuable ecosystem leaves adds to the difficulty service by pollinat- in finding them. ing flowers, and Within the Great they receive Lakes states of a benefit in Michigan and return, a nec- Wisconsin, tar reward. the Poweshiek Butterflies skipperling is are one of the Haploa tiger moth found strictly in most well-studied prairie fens that contain insect groups, and a either mat muhly or prairie wide variety occur in fens, includ- dropseed, both rare species of ing some extremely rare species grass. Because populations of the such as the Mitchell’s satyr, swamp Poweshiek skipperling that are metalmark, Poweshiek skipperling located in the wet prairies of the and Duke’s skipper. Great Plains are declining, sites in Swamp metalmark larvae or cater- Michigan may be the last remain- pillars feed on swamp thistle. This ing stronghold for this species. cryptic species can best be found James S. McCormac, ODNR McCormac, S. James

Swamp metalmark Duke’s skipper Poweshiek skipperling David L. Cuthrell L. David Barbara J. Barton, MNFI Barton, J. Barbara Barbara J. Barton, MNFI Barton, J. Barbara

43 Bradford S. Slaughter, MNFI Slaughter, S. Bradford Duke’s skippers are not restricted to prairie fen habitats. This species can be found in a variety of wetlands that support its caterpillar host plant, lake sedge, including southern wet meadow and inundated shrub swamp. One unique group found in prairie fens is borer moths of the genus Papaipema. Many of these specialized moths are host-specific—this means they can feed on only one or a few species of plants. The larvae hatch from eggs in spring, find an appropriate food plant and then bore into the plant’s stem and/or root. Hidden from predators and surrounded by an abundant supply of food, the larvae remain inside Dorcas copper the host plant until they leave to pupate in the soil. Small holes 1 inch or more above ground level provide a means for caterpillars to offload their frass (droppings). These holes and associated frass are a sure sign of caterpillar activity within the host plant. Adult moths are best sampled at nighttime by a specialized technique known as blacklighting from late summer to early fall (late

Silver-bordered fritillary Silphium borer David L. Cuthrell, MNFI Cuthrell, L. David David L. Cuthrell, MNFI Cuthrell, L. David Barbara J. Barton, MNFI Barton, J. Barbara

44 James S. McCormac, ODNR McCormac, S. James David L. Cuthrell, MNFI Cuthrell, L. David

Blacklighting (above) and Baltimore checkerspot (below)

August through early October). a wide variety of more common

Four of the more uncommon spe- species, such as the Baltimore ODNR McCormac, S. James cies known to inhabit prairie fen checkerspot, pearly crescentspot, are the state endangered silphium dorcas copper, silver-bor- borer (Papaipema silphii), and the dered fritillary, checkered following state skipper, eyed brown, special con- Delaware skipper, mul- cern species: berry skipper, dun skipper, blazing star viceroy and monarch. The borer (P. beeriana), next time you visit a regal fern borer prairie fen, be (P. speciossima) sure to and sun- flower borer (P. maritima). In addition to the take along rare moths and your camera and pay special butterflies, prairie attention to these flying jewels. fens provide habitat for

45 Grasses, Sedges and Rushes: What are the Differences?

By Ryan P. O’Connor rasses, sedges and rushes are important plants that often form the domi- Gnant matrix of herbaceous vegetation in prairie fens. Collectively, they all superficially resemble one another and are called graminoids. All graminoids are monocots and are wind-pollinated. A popular way of telling grasses, sedges and rushes apart uses the following rhyme: Sedges have edges, rushes are round, Grasses are hollow, what have you found? OR Sedges have edges, rushes are round, Grasses have nodes all the way to the ground. Sedges often have stems that are triangular in cross-section, especially near the base. In contrast, rushes are round in cross-section. Grass stems are usually either flattened or round and have swollen nodes — joints where the leaves attach to the stem. The stems of both sedges and rushes tend to be solid; grasses are hollow between the nodes. For more detailed comparisons between grasses, sedges and rushes, see the table at the right.

Big bluestem Chuck Pearson, The Nature Conservancy Nature The Chuck Pearson,

70 Suzan L. Campbell, MNFI Campbell, Suzan L. Suzan L. Campbell, MNFI Campbell, Suzan L. MNFI Campbell, Suzan L. MNFI Kost, A. Michael Little bluestem (grass) Little bluestem (clump) Buxbaum’s sedge Smallhead rush

Grasses Sedges Rushes Family Poaceae Cyperaceae Juncaceae

Stems Flattened or round, Often triangular, Round, lacking hollow between especially at the base, nodes, solid nodes solid throughout throughout Leaves Usually flat, joining Usually folded into Flat or round, often the stem with an open “M” or “V” shape, only one to two sheath encircling the arranged in ranks of present on stem, stem down to the node three, with a closed with others tufted sheath near the base or top of the stem just beneath fruit clusters Fruit/ A grain held between Achenes (rounded Tiny seeds borne in seeds two tiny overlapping nutlets) usually a small capsule leaflets (palea and borne in bristly surrounded by three lemma) clusters tiny petals and sepals Example Big bluestem, little Tussock sedge, twig- Canadian rush, species for bluestem, fringed rush, Buxbaum’s sedge, smallhead rush, prairie fen brome, blue-joint grass, spike-rush, beak-rush, path rush Indian grass nut-rush, bulrush Example Andropogon, Bromus, Carex, Cladium, Juncus genera for Calamagrostis, Cyperus, Dulichium, prairie fen Glyceria, Panicum, Eleocharis, Erio- Poa, Muhlenbergia, phorum, Rhyncospora, Sorghastrum, etc. Schoenoplectus, Scirpus, Scleria, etc. Diversity in 79 genera comprising 16 genera compris- Two genera compris- Michigan 255 species ing 264 species ing 30 species

71 CHAPTER SEVEN Restoration and Management

Queen-of-the-prairie Bradford S. Slaughter, MNFI Slaughter, S. Bradford

81 Michael A. Kost, MNFI Kost, A. Michael

Park Lyndon prairie fen.

today’s world, maintain- Restoring and maintaining hy- IN ing the ecological integ- drology is a top priority for the rity of prairie fens requires active long-term protection of prairie conservation and management. fens. Diversity and the ecological By working together, landowners, integrity of prairie fens depend natural resource managers, re- on the constant flow of clean, searchers and policymakers can cold, calcareous groundwater. develop and implement successful Primary actions for protect- long-term strategies to protect ing hydrology and water quality and restore these important wet- may include first identifying and lands. Critical to the long-term then eliminating or reducing viability of prairie fens are the sources of nutrient loading, strategies aimed at restoring and sedimentation, artificial drainage protecting regional hydrology; and excessive groundwater with- safely reintroducing fire through drawals. Monitoring water quality prescription burning, where of streams, lakes, and discharge appropriate; and controlling the from wastewater treatment spread of invasive species. facilities and concentrated animal

82 CHAPTER SEVEN Restoration and management

feeding operations (CAFOs), and native landscaping in residential enforcing regulations to protect areas and restoring prairie and sa- water quality will help ensure vanna in the landscapes surround- that water remains clean. Land ing prairie fens will help ensure use planning and zoning can an abundant supply of clean, cold protect the hydrology of prairie groundwater. Establishing buffer fens by reducing impervious strips of native prairie vegetation surfaces, protecting groundwater between prairie fens and agricul- recharge areas and limiting exces- tural fields and suburban lawns sive withdrawals of groundwater can also help reduce nutrient near prairie fens. With their loading and sedimentation. Fill- deep roots, native prairie plants ing ditches that drain prairie fens increase water infiltration into the and restoring natural meanders to soil, which helps to reduce runoff streams can help restore hydrol- and facilitate recharge of local ogy and reduce sedimentation aquifers. Encouraging the use of associated with stream flooding.

The presence of native mussels often indicates clean water. Leslie Mertz, Wayne State University Wayne Leslie Mertz,

RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT 83 Chuck Pearson, The Nature Conservancy Nature The Chuck Pearson,

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION at Ives Road Fen By Steven S. Woods, Jack D. McGowan-Stinski and Douglas R. Pearsall

ocated immediately south of Tecumseh in Lenawee County, Ives L Road Fen is a biological gem set within a river valley surrounded by farm fields. This globally rare fen remained natural by default—it simply could not be drained well enough to plow. In 1994, The Nature Conservancy began an ongoing restoration program at Ives Road Fen. Restoration efforts have focused on restoring natural hydrologic and fire regimes, removing invasive plants and reestablishing native plants, and monitoring change. The cornerstone of this successful restoration story has been the hard work and dedication of thousands of talented volunteers from all types of backgrounds.

Restoring hydrology Water flow is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of a fen, and at Ives Road Fen this natural process had been severely disrupted by the creation of drainage ditches and tile lines. The altered hydrology led to the reduction or elimination of many native species and the rapid spread of invasive plants. Efforts to restore the natural flow of

84 Cutting invasive shrubs.

water through the fen have included filling drainage ditches, removing drain tile and controlling the invasive shrub glossy buckthorn, which soaks up and transpires large amounts of water from the fen.

Reintroducing fire Fire is a natural part of the fen ecosystem that maintains open conditions and helps Nature Conservancy The Pearson, Chuck many native plants to thrive. In its absence, Brush piles. invasive plants and tall trees and shrubs tend to dominate and crowd out native fen plants. At Ives Road Fen, fire is being reintroduced by trained professionals under controlled conditions to help control invasive plants and restore vital ecological processes. Techniques being employed to reintroduce fire at Ives Road Fen include conducting prescribed burns, burning brush piles and spot-burning seedlings of invasive plants such as glossy buckthorn.

Controlling invasive species

Controlling invasive plants is one of the Nature Conservancy The Pearson, Chuck most complex and complicated challenges Applying herbicide. at Ives Road Fen. Invasive species such as glossy buckthorn, purple loosestrife and reed canary grass displace native plants, disrupt critical ecological processes and degrade animal habitats. Various methods are being used to prevent the success and spread of these species, ranging from hand pulling, cutting and spot-burning seedlings to prescribed burning and selectively applying herbicides.

85 Chuck Pearson, The Nature Conservancy The Pearson, Chuck Painting herbicide on cut buckthorn..

Restoring native plants An important component of the successful restoration program at Ives Road Fen has been the gathering and sowing of native seeds. Seed collection typically begins in late summer and continues through late fall, with seeds being gathered from roughly 40 native species. After collection, the seeds are bagged, dried, weighed and stored until use. To help to speed the recovery of native fen

Chuck Pearson, The Nature Conservancy The Pearson, Chuck vegetation, mixtures of the seeds are then Burning brush piles. broadcast over areas that have been cleared of buckthorn and burned.

Restoring savanna to adjacent uplands Oak savanna is being restored to portions of the adjacent uplands surrounding Ives Road Fen in an attempt to improve the overall landscape context of the fen and provide important habitat for animals such as turtles that utilize both uplands and wetlands.

Monitoring

Chuck Pearson, The Nature Conservancy The Pearson, Chuck To help gauge the success of restoration Volunteers with huge brush pile. efforts at Ives Road Fen, several monitoring strategies are being employed. In the spring of 1997, 18 groundwater monitoring wells were installed to document changes in groundwater levels as ditches are filled, drain tile removed and native plants returned home. Monitoring activities also include mapping areas occupied by invasive plants and measuring the percent cover of invasive versus native vegetation.

86 Chuck Pearson, The Nature Conservancy The Pearson, Chuck Adrienne Bozic, MNFI Adrienne Bozic, Fringed gentian

Partnerships Throughout the restoration at Ives Road Fen, partnerships have played a vital role by providing both time and money. Since the purchase of Ives Road Fen in 1987, countless volunteer hours have been logged, partnerships formed and funding provided through a variety of grants. Because of the rare nature of the fen and its associated flora and fauna, local, state and federal agencies have stepped in to support the innovative restoration work being under- taken. Partnerships have also been created with many educational institutions, including local schools, colleges and universities, with faculty members and students regularly conducting ecological research and field trips at the site.

Stewardship More than 10 years ago, The Nature Conservancy began its stewardship work to protect Ives Road Fen. To date, staff members and volunteers have: • Removed more than 2.5 million adult buckthorn stems. • Burned nearly 4,000 brush piles. • Spot-burned 10 million buckthorn seedlings. • Conducted more than 30 prescribed burns. • Removed 1.5 tons of garlic mustard by hand. • Treated 500,000 purple loosestrife and 10,000 cattail plants. Though the restoration work may never be completely finished, the ultimate aim of conserving and restoring nature through forging successful community-based partnerships is off to a great start at Ives Road Fen.

87 Restoration and management

In addition to restoring hydrol- Prescribed fires are used for a va- ogy, management to restore and riety of management objectives, maintain biodiversity of prairie including decreasing the cover fens includes conducting pre- of shrubs and trees, stimulating scribed fires, reducing the cover seed germination and seedling es- of shrubs and trees, and remov- tablishment, bolstering flowering ing invasive species. In the past, and seed production, and control- fires resulting from lightning ling invasive species. Prescribed strikes and the activities of Na- burns are carried out by trained tive Americans regularly burned and experienced professionals, across the upland oak savannas who follow specific prescriptions and, when conditions permit- that include using fire only when ted, carried through wetlands weather conditions enable it to be such as prairie fen. Along with easily managed. Because prairie fire, occasional beaver flooding, fens contain an abundance of insect outbreaks and windthrow available water, control lines or all helped maintain open condi- burn breaks to contain a fire are tions. In the absence of these easily established. Existing lakes, natural disturbances, shrubs and rivers and streams frequently trees have aggressively colonized serve as reliable firebreaks, and open wetlands such as prairie where they are lacking, portable fens, significantly reducing their gas-powered water pumps and abundance and size. Further con- fire hoses are used to create tributing to the rapid expansion of woody plants are hydrologic changes that have drained prairie fens or lowered regional water tables. The compound effects of altering hydrology and reducing the frequency of natural disturbances make shrub and tree control a high priority management Christopher Hoving, MDNR Christopher Hoving, concern in many prairie fens. Burned shrubs.

88 CHAPTER SEVEN Christopher Hoving, MDNR Christopher Hoving,

Prescribed fire to control shrub encroachment. broad “wet lines” that effectively areas within a prairie fen. When prevent the spread of fire beyond planning a prescribed burn, ad- the area prescribed for burning. ditional factors to consider for Because of the small and frag- minimizing impacts to fire- mented condition of our remain- sensitive species include the ing prairie fens, using prescribed seasonal timing of the burn, heat fire as a management tool should intensity, rate and direction of include setting aside significant flame spread, cloud cover, tem- portions of fen to remain un- perature and relative humidity. burned in any given year to help Invasive plants, which often lessen impacts to fire-sensitive proliferate following hydrologic species. Unburned areas also alteration, nutrient loading and enable fire-sensitive species to sedimentation, have significantly recolonize burned areas, thereby reduced diversity in many prairie helping to protect local biodiver- fens. Removing invasive species sity. Lakes, streams, rivers and typically requires targeted control wet lines can serve as firebreaks efforts, which may include cut- for establishing unburned refuge ting, brush hogging, flooding,

RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT 89 Restoration and management

applying herbicides, burning and, approved for use in or near open for purple loosestrife, introducing water. Because of the highly biological control agents. Me- sensitive environmental condi- chanical methods by themselves, tions of prairie fens, it is advisable such as cutting or brush hogging, to consult with a trained profes- are generally ineffective because sional before using herbicides in many plants have well-developed this natural community. root systems that allow for vigor- Controlling invasive plants is ous resprouting. However, using much easier and less costly when these methods in conjunction they are just becoming estab- with herbicides and prescribed lished and their populations are fire can be tremendously effec- small. Reducing or eliminating tive. When using herbicides, it well-established populations of is important to follow the label invasive plants typically requires instructions, and in wetlands, it a long-term commitment to apply is critical to use only herbicides control treatments repeatedly over multiple years, and to carry out annual monitoring to detect

Suzan L. Campbell, MNFI Campbell, Suzan L. resprouting and reemergence from the seed bank. Therefore, early detection coupled with a rapid response to remove the new invaders is the most cost- effective control strategy. Learn- ing to recognize the various invasive species and understand- ing their biology and growing requirements are critically important to applying control techniques successfully and can help foster creative and innovative approaches to effective control. Multiflora rose (an invasive shrub).

90 CHAPTER SEVEN Volunteer stewardship Michael A. Kost, MNFI Kost, Michael A.

Volunteers applying herbicide to control glossy buckthorn.

Volunteer stewardship success of their efforts. Volunteer stewardship activities vary season- With the aid of volunteer stew- ally and can include assisting in ards, many land managers have prescribed burns, cutting woody recently experienced great suc- plants, applying herbicide to cess in their efforts to restore stumps, collecting and sowing ecological integrity to formerly seeds of native plants, growing degraded prairie fens in Michi- and planting native plants, and gan and other states. Volunteer monitoring populations of rare stewards are now actively en- plants and animals. With the ac- gaged in helping to restore and tive growth of this budding move- protect biodiversity in prairie fens ment toward volunteer steward- by reducing the prevalence of ship comes renewed hope for our invasive plants, removing over- local natural areas and the species abundant trees and shrubs, and they support, including the natu- collecting data to monitor the ral treasures we call prairie fens.

RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT 91 Volunteer stewardship

For assistance in finding op- logical services such as delivering portunities to participate in local clean water to lakes and streams, stewardship activities, contact the producing clean air through Volunteer Stewardship Network photosynthesis, and reducing by visiting its Web site. greenhouse gases by storing carbon in plant tissues and Conclusion organic soils. Their presence in the landscape reminds us of the Prairie fens are globally rare importance of natural places and wetlands that support a unique the roles they play in our lives. and rich diversity of plants and Whether we venture onto the animals, including many rare spe- wet ground or view them from cies. These important wetlands the safety of a boardwalk or offer excellent opportunities for passing car, prairie fens offer us outdoor education, hunting, bota- their bounty of beauty, peace and nizing, bird watching and nature wonder. viewing. They provide critical eco- Michael A. Kost, MNFI Kost, Michael A.

Boardwalk through prairie fen.

92 CHAPTER SEVEN MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

Michigan Natural Features Inventory