The Walkbook - Simsbury Land Trust

28
BOG WALK
Location
Start at two stone pillars 0.25 miles down North Saddle Ridge on the right.
Distance
1 mile round trip
Terrain
Flat, with a steep downhill path
to the 150-foot wooden boardwalk
over the bog.
SLT
Features
This hike takes you out on a wide, flat trail along an esker (large deposit
of glacial gravel left by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago) to a boardwalk
that stretches out into the bog. The Simsbury Land Trust constructed the
short, elevated walkway to enable people to view the habitat up close.
You will see a series of educational signs touching on the unique ecosystem
found here. Watch for signs marking the entrance to the bog walk
on the right side. Although common in northern New England and
Canada, bogs are far less so in Connecticut, and this is the only sizeable
bog habitat in Simsbury. The water supply for this 40-acre bog comes
only from rainwater and underground springs and is poor in oxygen and
nutrients. The high acidity of bog water interferes with a plant’s ability to
absorb both water and nutrients. This creates a habitat very different
from that of the swamp to the north of the esker. Best known for their
sphagnum moss, which “floats” on the water, bogs are also home to a
number of plants and animals seldom found in the more common red
maple swamps. Characteristic leatherleaf plants contribute to the mat
while highbush blueberries and swamp azaleas are specially adapted for
this environment and thrive on the edges. Small maples are even seen
growing on the mat of moss. Other plants found in this bog include red
chokeberry, common bog cotton, and three-way sedge. Few animals live
in the bog, although many pass through it in search of food or shelter.
Permanent residents include insect-eating birds, garter snakes, frogs, and
turtles that feed on large insects. While relaxing on the boardwalk, enjoy
a fine view of West Mountain.
N Saddle Ridge Dr
Lenora Dr.
Town
Open
Space
SLT
Bog
Old Farms Rd
29