Bog Laboratory
Colby/Marston Preserve

ORGANIZATIONAL OUTLINE OF BOG FIELD TRIP

After an introduction to the vegetational zones of the bog, the class will divide up into groups to collect aquatic animal and plant life. After collecting, the groups will reunite to display and identify the organisms they have collected. Following a demonstration of peat coring techniques, the class will return to Arey 201/202 to analyze water samples obtained from the bog. PLEASE NOTE: EACH GROUP IS EXPECTED TO FILL OUT AND TURN IN TO THE INSTRUCTORS A DATA CARD FOR EACH WATER ANALYSIS PROCEDURE PERFORMED.

LAB OBJECTIVES:
Shoreline and bog mat area

  1. Learn topographic and geographic features characteristic of a kettle-hole bog.
  2. Become familiar with zonation patterns of vegetation and specific plants which are characteristic of each zone.
    Collecting session along edge of mat
    1. Learn biotic components of a bog ecosystem
      1. Collect and identify typical plant and animal species, including plankton tows.
      2. Study adaptations and interrelationships among plant and animal species.
    bog substrate
    1. Learn some physical features which are unique to a bog
      1. Observe some physical characteristics of a floating bog mat.
      2. Observe stratification of bog substrate.
    Peat core of Return to lab for water analyses
    1. Measure some abiotic factors characteristic of a bog by comparing surface and deep water environments.
      1. Physical factors
        temperature and dissolved O2 profiles
        pH
        Secchi disc (turbidity)
      2. Plant nutrients (Kemmerer water sampler for sample collection)
        nitrates
        phosphates
        hardness (calcium + magnesium)
        iron
      3. Decomposition products
        hydrogen sulfide
        tannin/lignin

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PP SLIDES FROM TUESDAY LAB WEDNESDAY LAB

     

    CLICK HERE FOR FLORA AND FAUNA LIST

    SLIDE SHOW OF BOG AND POND PLANTS

    SLIDE SHOW OF BOG AND POND INSECTS

    Site with lists and pictures of bog plants and animals

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