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Rare Fen LbNA #55335

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Aug 28, 2010
Location:
City:Davisburg
County:Oakland
State:Michigan
Boxes:1
Planted by:dhopper
Found by: TrailTroll
Last found:Mar 10, 2012
Status:FFFFF
Last edited:Aug 28, 2010
Shiawassee Basin Preserve
Springfield Township, MI

1. Start in the shade That was man made To get out of the sun
And rest having some fun Or if you are able Sit at a picnic table
2. Look towards the place where there is often a big fishing fair
Walk along that path And get ready to do some math
3. Look at these footprints and count all the toes the one with the most is a raccoon. The one with the least is a deer and the one in between is a coyote. All along your hike look for a track and if you’re lucky you’ll find a deer with a rack!
4. If you look to the left And see a lonely tree Keep going straight
Cause that’s not where you are supposed to be!
At the other end of the pond You’ll see the right path Because to the rights a big hole Which is from a glacier’s wrath.
Glaciers are a very important part of Springfield Township’s geography, many, many years ago glaciers covered this very spot and on their way through they made huge holes in the ground or dropped off dirt and rocks to make big hills. Many of these holes were filled with water, which formed all of the ponds, lakes, and wetlands you’ve seen. Remember this later on your hike and watch out for one of these glacial features!
5. Pass the big glacial hole in the ground, you’ll come to a corner and if you look around you can find the railroad or even a train.
The Detroit and Milwaukee Railway (now part of Canadian National Railway) was built in 1856, and two stations were in the township, on Andersonville and Davisburg. The railroad provided a major impetus to growth. Agriculture was the mainstay of the local economy and trains allowed the farmers to ship produce and live stock to market and to receive supplies and equipment. By 1860 Springfield Township's population was 1,425.
6. Now turn the corner and take a look soon you’ll see a man-made home for an animal you’d find in a bird book. Can you try and guess what bird it is? (hint: its blue)
There are many types of birds who live all around you, these particular nests are for the beautiful bluebirds. Try and find other types of birds along your journey.
7. Keep going straight as an arrow and watch out for a sparrow. Follow the railroad and have a look and up ahead will be the overlook!
Underneath the steps take a peek
And you’ll find the treasure that you seek. Take your time and enjoy the view keep reading to learn something new.
The wetland you see is the Long Lake Fen, another result from the glaciers of long ago. This particular fen is of nationwide significance because this is one of very few in the country. It has many diverse plants, several rare animal species and is extremely large compared to other fens. Long appreciated by natural resource scientists for its complicated topography, this narrow landscape band running across Springfield Township and northern Oakland County is dramatically different from the topography that characterizes areas to its north or south and is unmatched in both its diversity and beauty. It is the beauty and diversity of these remnant landscapes from so long ago that today draw people to Springfield Township and add so much value to the community’s quality of life.