North Springfield Kettle Bog

It all started many years ago...

The North Springfield Bog is a boreal kettle bog, an artifact of the last glacial age 10,000 years ago. Bogs lack drainage, and precipitation is the only source of water. Bog water is acidic and lacks oxygen. Sphagnum mosses are the dominant plants forming a thick layer of peat.

To allow close-up viewing of the many interesting bog plants, including some remarkably large pitcher plants, AMAS constructed a boardwalk through the bog. A walking trail leads to and around the bog with many views of both the bog as well as surrounding spruce and pine groves.

Blueberry (Vaccinium sp.) and Leatherleaf (Chamadaphne calyculata)

Blueberries are members of the heath family that grow in acidic soils. Blueberries and leatherleaf frequently occur together in bogs. Leatherleaf is a key indicator of bogs.

Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum sp.) and Pitcher-Plants (Sarracenia purpurea)

Over thirty species of Sphagnums are characteristic of acidic bogs. They often form thick layers of peat as they grow on the top and die on the bottom. Pitcher-plants trap insects and use them as a source of nutrients.

Ferns

Ferns are ancient spore-bearing plants that grow along the edge of the bog.

Duckweed

Duckweed, shown here floating on the water surface, is the smallest flowering plant, though it more frequently reproduces by dividing. This highly nutritious plant is important food for surface-feeding ducks such as American Black Ducks and Wood Ducks that visit the bog.

Wild Calla (Calla palustris)

Wild calla is a member of the arum family whose fruits contain calcium oxalate crystals that are very irritating. Thus the plants are not consumed by animals.

Broad-leaved Arrowhead (Saggitaria latifolia)

Arrowhead tubers are known as duck potatoes and are consumed by waterfowl and other wildlife.

Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia purpurea)

Carnivorous flowering plants that grow on the peat mat.

Find our more about this fascinating place:

Bog brochure

Bog map

Floristic Survey of the Vascular Flora of the North Springfield Bog by Robert Lichvar

Study of the vegetation, pH, and hydrology of the bog by Corinna Photos

Driving Directions: From Springfield, VT, take Route 11 west to Riverside Middle School. Turn right onto Fairground Road. Drive approximately two miles to a small parking lot on the left side of the road just before the town garage. The short trail to the bog begins at the green sign showing a pitcher plant.