Gully Fen SNA
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1,610 Acres Located 2.5 miles N of Gully on Co Rd 2, then E 1 mile on gravel road. Park along road. Polk County Twp 150N Rng 39W Sec 14 & 22-27 Type: Deciduous Woods ECS Subsection: Aspen Parklands |
Description:
A complex of wetland seepage communities comprises Gully Fen SNA,
where east meets west on the glacial Lake Agassiz lake bed. This is the western
limit for coniferous species such as twin flower, small cranberry, bog rosemary,
starflower, and creeping snowberry. Water slowly makes its way northward
through patterned peatlands. The SNA includes calcareous seepage fens,
tamarack and shrub seepage swamps, conifer and hardwood swamps, and rich
fens. Two special treasures occur in the site's upper reaches--a 100-acre
calcareous fen and a complex of tamarack with calcareous and rich fens. Plant
communities shift in close, intricate patterns reflecting the maze of drainage and
soils. One can see bog plants such as pitcher plant and bog rosemary, only inches away from fen
plants--false asphodel and beak rush--all in easy reach of prairie plants such as goldenrod and
lobelia. Previously threatened by development of rice paddies and logging, these sensitive areas and
their surrounding landscapes now receive SNA protection from fragmentation and groundwater degradation.
Bird List 
