Barringer Slough facts for kids
Barringer Slough is a special natural area in northwestern Iowa. It's a type of wetland, which is a place where the land is covered by water, either all the time or for long periods. This particular wetland is found in the northeastern part of Clay County.
Barringer Slough is like a piece of history. It's a rebuilt part of what was once a huge area called the Des Moines Lobe. This lobe was a large section of Iowa that was covered by many connected wetlands and prairies.
What is Barringer Slough?
Barringer Slough is a large marshy area. It covers about 1,526 acres (which is about 6.18 square kilometers). This includes the marsh itself and the higher land around it that is open to the public.
Plants and Animals
Many different kinds of plants grow here. You can find:
- Cattails
- Coontail
- Sedges (grass-like plants)
- Marsh marigold (a yellow flower)
- Duckweed (tiny floating plants)
The slough is also home to lots of animals. You might see:
- Muskrats
- Herons (large wading birds)
- Pelicans
- Ducks
In the colder winter months, other animals come to Barringer Slough. Pheasants and deer often move into the area. They use the thick plants for shelter and food.
Exploring the Slough
When there's a lot of water, you can even go canoeing at Barringer Slough! A narrow channel connects it to Lost Island Lake to the north. This means you can canoe all the way from Lost Island Lake down to the southern end of the slough. It's a great way to see the wildlife up close.
