MICHIGAN BOTANICAL CLUB
SOUTHWESTERN CHAPTER FIELD TRIP
Dead Lake Bog
With Peter Quakenbush
Saturday June 18, 2022 from 10 AM to Noon
The Michigan Natural Feature Inventory program defines “bog” as an acid, nutrient-poor, peat-accumulating wetland that is isolated from mineral -rich water sources by deep peat accumulation and therefore receives most of its water nutrients from precipitation. Bogs ae mosaics of microhabitats and sustain a surprisingly high diversity of plant species. This diversity is supported by slow succession over time, as bog mats extend over open water and older sections become grounded when peat build-up contacts the underlying soil. In Southern Michigan, the central area of a bog will usually have an open water zone where aquatic species such as water lilies, pondweeds, and bladderworts can be found. The floating mat zone is usually composed of Sphagnum moss, sedges, and twig-rush. Adjacent to the floating mat, there is a shrub zone of woody species such as Leatherleaf, Michigan Holly, Chokeberry and Poison Sumac. Finally, the outer zone of the bog is dominated by woody species such as Highbush Blueberry and Tamarack.
Source: Jolman, D. A., J. Van Donselaar., P. A. Warners and G. E. Crow. (2019) Bog Flora in the Grand Rapids, Michigan Area: A Comparative Study Across Sites and over Time - 1901 to 2017. The Great Lakes Botanist 58:121-143.
Wear rubber boots or expect to get your feet wet. There may be ticks at this time of year. Insect repellant, sunscreen, as well as suitable clothing are suggested. The trip difficulty level is rated moderate.
Peter Quakenbush is a Ph.D. candidate at Western Michigan University under Dr. Todd Barkman. In 2017, he spent the summer helping with the Emma Cole Project when this bog was first surveyed. However, his research centers around the systematics, biogeography, and character evolution of Medinilla. Peter got his start with Medinilla during his M.S. Botany work at the University of the Philippines, where he studied the systematics and ecology of the species on Mt. Makiling. Before this, Peter worked several years in pest wildlife management in West Michigan, interned at a safari in the Central African Republic, and through-hiked the Appalachian Trail. He received a B.S. in Biology from Calvin College, Michigan.
Dead Lake Bog (42˚ 46.284' N, 85˚ 37.260’ W) is unnamed on topo maps. It lies on the south Kent County line on 108th St. just west of Kalamazoo Ave. SE, within Gaines Township. The address is 1587 108th St, Caledonia MI 49316.
Directions from the Kalamazoo area. Take US-131 north and then Exit #72 (100th St SW). Turn right (east) and proceed 2.2 miles on 100th St SW. Turn right (south) on Kalamazoo Ave SE and proceed 1.2 miles. Turn right (west) on 108 St. Destination is on your right.