Cedar Bog facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cedar Bog Nature Preserve |
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Boardwalk crossing Cedar Bog
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 Cedar Bog Nature Preserve
Location in Ohio
Cedar Bog Nature Preserve
Location in the United States
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| Location | Champaign County, Ohio |
| Nearest city | Urbana |
| Area | 450 acres (180 ha) |
| Established | 1942 |
| Designated: | 1967 |
Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve is a really special natural area in Champaign County, Ohio. It's a unique type of wetland called a "fen." This amazing place was formed thousands of years ago by giant sheets of ice called glaciers. Today, it's home to many rare plants and animals you won't find just anywhere!
Contents
Discover Cedar Bog: Ohio's Ancient Fen
Cedar Bog is a protected area of about 450 acres (182 hectares). It's what's left of a much larger fen that was once about 7,000 acres (28 square kilometers). This special place is near the city of Urbana.
What is a Fen?
A fen is a type of wetland, similar to a marsh or a swamp. But fens are unique because they get their water from underground springs. This water is full of minerals, which creates a very special environment.
At Cedar Bog, the water comes from deep underground. It flows through hundreds of feet of gravel left behind by ancient glaciers. This mineral-rich water helps many rare and unusual plants grow here.
A Peek into the Past: Glaciers and Ancient Life
About 12,000 to 18,000 years ago, huge sheets of ice called glaciers covered much of North America. As these glaciers melted and moved, they shaped the land. They also left behind lots of gravel and changed how rivers flowed.
The glaciers left behind not just the land, but also seeds and plants. These plants are usually found much farther north, in places like the boreal forest. For example, you can find bog birch and northern white cedar trees here.
Long ago, these plants were food for huge animals like mastodons and giant sloths that once roamed the Earth!
Amazing Plants and Animals
Cedar Bog is a living museum of nature. Many of the plants that grow here are rare or even endangered. These include different types of sedges and other unique plants.
It's also a safe home for some very special animals. Keep an eye out for the endangered spotted turtle. You might also find the massasauga rattlesnake and the Milbert's tortoise-shell butterfly. These creatures depend on the unique habitat of Cedar Bog to survive.
A Special History
Cedar Bog was purchased in 1942 by the Ohio History Connection. It was the very first nature preserve bought with money from the state of Ohio!
In 1967, Cedar Bog was given an even higher honor. The National Park Service named it a National Natural Landmark. This means it's recognized as one of the most important natural areas in the entire country.
