Iron Springs Bog SNA
 |
215 Acres Located from Park Rapids 20 miles N on US Hwy 71, then 7 miles NW on MN Hwy 200, (1 mile W of the entrance to Itasca State Park). W on gravel road to parking area. Clearwater County Twp 144N Rng 36W Sec 28 & 33 Type: Coniferous Forest ECS Subsection: Chippewa Plains |
Description:
Iron Springs Bog is named for springs, rich in iron-oxide, that issue from a
gravelly moraine. The site, heavily used by the University of Minnesota Biological
Station since the early 30s, contains a mosaic of raised-bed conifer swamp
forest, boreal forest, and pine forest. Dr. Carl Otto Rosendahl was first
researcher to bring classes to the bog for study. Dr. Murray Buell and Helen
Buell later followed and also extensively used the site. Minnesotans can be
thankful for the attention these researchers brought to this lovely bog. Within the
conifer swamp grow some of Minnesota's rarest plant species, as well as the
coral root and Ladies Tresses orchids. The best time to visit is in early spring to
mid-summer to view woodland wildflowers of the coniferous forest.
Bird List 
