Shingleton Bog
Location
MI Natural Community Types:
Based on the Michigan Natural Features Inventory natural community types, Shingleton Bog RNA is composed of the following: 73% Hardwood-conifer Swamp, 15% Dry Northern Forest, 8% Patterned Fen, and 4% Poor Fen.
Potential Research Topics:
Shingleton Bog RNA provides an opportunity to study poor or patterned fens and make comparison with those with more pristine characteristics. The population of rare orchids also presents unique research opportunities. Other topics may include fire succession, invasive species, and climate change impacts on fens and northern wetlands.
Ecological and Physical Description
Shingleton bog is an outstanding example of the Shingleton Fen Landtype Association, which is a large wetland complex formed in outwash sand reworked by Lake Algonquin. The RNA includes areas of mixed hardwood forests, patterned fens, and open bogs with associated conifers, northern dry forest, and riparian areas. The north branch of Stutt’s Creek and one of its unnamed tributaries flow through the RNA.
Annual precipitation averages 35inches (88cm);23% received during the growing season. Average seasonal snowfall is 108inches (275cm).
Munisingis the nearest weather station, (I.D. # 5690, latitude 46 ̊24’N, longitude -86 ̊39+’W). The station is about tenmiles due southeastof the RNA.
The bedrock geology of the RNA is of the Ordivician Black River Group and the Trenton Group, while the surface geology is comprised of peat and muck as well as glacial outwash sand and gravel.The majority of the soils within Shingleton Bog fall under the Rubicon Series and the Kalkaska-Tawas-Carbondale Association. This series is described as well-drained, nearly level to very steep soils on outwash plains, lake plains, moraines, and dunes. The fen soils are nearly level and very poorly drained organic soils. These soils formed in sandy material.
The north branch of the Stutt’s Creek and one of its unnamed tributaries flow through the RNA. Also, a large portion of the RNA is wetland.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuja occidnetalis | northern white cedar | Common Flora | ||
| Picea mariana | black spruce | Common Flora | ||
| Osmunda cinnamomea | Common Flora | |||
| O. regalis | (cinnamon and royal fern | Common Flora | ||
| Lycopodium spp. | clubmosses | Common Flora | ||
| Equisetum spp. | horsetail | Common Flora | ||
| Gaultheria procumbens | wintergreen | Common Flora | ||
| Trientalis borealis | starflower | Common Flora | ||
| Cornus canadensis | bunchberry | Common Flora | ||
| Drosera spp. | sundew | Common Flora | ||
| Sarracenia purpurea | pitcher plant | Common Flora | ||
| Carex spp. | sedges | Common Flora | ||
| Tsuga canadensis | eastern hemlock | Common Flora | ||
| Pinus resinosa and P. strobus | red and eastern white pine | Common Flora | ||
| Acer rubrum and A. saccharum | red and sugar maple | Common Flora | ||
| Thuja occidentalis | northern white cedar | Common Flora | ||
| Fagus grandifolia | American beech | Common Flora | ||
| Betula alleghaniensis | yellow birch | Common Flora | ✔ | |
| Picea mariana | black spruce | Common Flora | ||
| Prunus pensylvanica and P. serotina | pin cherry and black cherry | Common Flora |
Common Animal Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Botaurus lentiginosus | American bittern | Common Fauna | ||
| Circus cyaneus | northern harrier | Common Fauna | ||
| Canis lupus | gray wolf | Common Fauna | ||
| Alces alces | moose | Common Fauna |