Bogs & Fens A Guide to the Peatland Plants of the Northeastern United States and Adjacent Canada

About this book

The word is spreading among outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers that bogs and fens (peatlands) are among the most fascinating and beautiful places to visit. This growing reputation, along with the development of boardwalks that allow a close look at the ecosystem without getting one's feet wet, has led to an upsurge in visits to these wetlands. To aid the increasing number of bog walkers, Ronald B. Davis has produced an attractive and informative guide to the trees, shrubs, and windflowers of the peat lands of the greater American north-eastern region. Bogs and Fens covers 155 of the species most likely to be discovered alongside the board walks and presents stunning photographs of 98 of them. It includes a primer on the ecology of peat lands and offers an invaluable guide to 78 peat lands with board walks across the region. This essential guide to the wonders of the bog trails will appeal to board walk newbies and old pros alike.

Contents

Preface
Introduction

THE PLANTS OF PEATLANDS
Plant Occurrence and Peatland Habitats in the States and Provinces
Wetland Indicator Status of Plant Species
Plant Growth Forms

THE ECOLOGY OF PEATLANDS
Wetlands Defined
Wetland Indicator Status and Growth Form
Adaptations of Plants to Environmental Stresses in Peatlands
Peatland Vegetation
More about Peatlands: Peat, and Fens versus Bogs
Geographic Distributions and Modes of Formation of Peatlands
Peatlands and Peatland Plants beyond Our Geographic Area

FURTHER READING: AN ANNOTATED LIST

PLANT STRUCTURE TERMINOLOGY USED IN THE SPECIES DESCRIPTIONS
Flowering Plants
Conifers
SPECIES DESCRIPTIONS

ADDITIONAL PEATLAND SPECIES: AN ANNOTATED LIST
Trees
Shrubs
Herbs
Ferns

VISITING PEATLANDS WITH BOARDWALKS
Connecticut
Illinois (Glaciated Part Only)
Indiana (Glaciated Part Only)
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
New Brunswick
New Hampshire
New Jersey (Glaciated Part Only)
New York (Glaciated Part Only)
Nova Scotia
Ohio (Glaciated Part Only)
Ontario (North to 49° N Latitude)
Pennsylvania (Glaciated Part Only)
Prince Edward Island
Québec (North to 49° N Latitude)
Vermont
Wisconsin (Glaciated Part Only)

Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Ronald B. Davis is a retired professor of biology and quaternary studies, University of Maine. He has done extensive research on Maine peatlands. In retirement he founded the Orono Bog Boardwalk, where he now leads guided tours.