Black Tern Bog State Natural Area facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Black Tern Bog State Natural Area
Black Tern Bog
Black Tern Bog State Natural Area Location in Wisconsin Show map of Wisconsin Black Tern Bog State Natural Area Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Vilas, Wisconsin, United States
Area	26 acres (11 ha)
Established	1967

Black Tern Bog State Natural Area is a special protected place in Wisconsin. It was set aside in 1967 by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This area covers about 26 acres (10.5 hectares) and is famous for its unique "quaking bog."

A quaking bog is a type of wetland where the ground feels like it shakes when you walk on it. This happens because a thick mat of plants, mostly sphagnum moss, floats on top of water. The bog also surrounds two small lakes. It's a fantastic spot for nature lovers to see rare plants and birds.

What Makes This Bog Special?

Black Tern Bog is full of amazing plant life. You can find many interesting species here. Some plants are quite rare and unique to bog environments.

Carnivorous Plants

One of the coolest plants you might see is the sundew. Sundews are small, sticky plants that catch insects. They have tiny hairs with glistening drops that look like dew, but they are actually traps! Another fascinating plant is the pitcher plant. This plant has leaves shaped like pitchers that collect rainwater. Insects fall into the water and get trapped, providing nutrients for the plant.

Rare Flowers and Plants

The bog is also home to beautiful and rare orchids. Look for the swamp pink, grass pink, and rose pogonia. These delicate flowers add splashes of color to the bog. You might also spot plants like bogbean and bog rosemary. A very rare plant called the bog rush (Juncus stygius) also grows here. It is considered endangered in Wisconsin.

Birds of the Bog

Many different birds live and nest in Black Tern Bog. Keep an eye out for the black tern, which the bog is named after. Other birds you might see include the American bittern, killdeer, and mallards. These birds rely on the bog's unique habitat for food and shelter.

Visiting Black Tern Bog

Black Tern Bog is located in southwest Vilas County, Wisconsin. It's about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northwest of a town called Arbor Vitae.

How to Get There

You can reach the bog by taking a dirt road off US Highway 51. This road goes around the northern and eastern parts of the bog. You can also park your car on the side of US Highway 51, which runs along the western edge of the bog. It's a great place to explore and discover the wonders of a natural wetland.