A rare find

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This article first appeared in INHF's Winter 2007 magazine.

By Tim Laehn

Nancy Gilbertson, USFWS

Fens support many unusual plants, several of which have been identified and photographed at Jasper County Fen. This photo features Riddell’s goldenrod, bottle gentian and other native species.

The real estate ad touted the property’s potential for a pond. But, as landowners Bill and Coleen Sandquist discovered, the proposed pond would have destroyed something more wonderful and rare: a fen.

The project

A fen is a scarce type of wetland that hosts unique plants and animals. Once the Sandquists understood the fen’s real value, they agreed to bargain sell the property for conservation.

Aided by the landowners’ generosity, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, the Jasper County Conservation Board and other prairie and wildlife enthusiasts are combining forces to purchase the 33- acre site. It contains the 6.5-acre fen, other natural land and crop ground that will be reconstructed to fen and upland prairie habitat. The Foundation will provide temporary ownership and stewardship. Jasper County will become the permanent owner and land manager.

The species

Fens are characterized by continuous sources of mineral-rich groundwater flowing just beneath the surface. This saturated habitat can support more than 200 kinds of plants—including several rare and endangered species.

Though a complete species inventory is not yet available, conservationists have spotted strong fen-indicator species, including turtlehead, flat-topped aster, Riddell’s goldenrod and spring cress.

Meanwhile, the fen and its adjoining uplands harbor wildlife ranging from pheasants and deer to songbirds and butterflies.

The benefits     

Jasper County Fen’s value is increased by its proximity to previously protected sites, including Engeldinger Marsh, Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt and Puccoon Prairie. It’s even been used as a seed source for the nearby Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.

Besides protecting the fen itself, project partners hope to remove invasive woody species from the uplands, reconstruct prairie and improve the site’s water quality benefits.

“This special habitat area will be open for hunting, but will also be used for educational programs and prairie hikes,” says Keri Van Zante, Jasper County Conservation Board director. “Volunteers will be offered a hands-on approach to learning about this unique system by assisting with seed collection and using that seed for on-site fen restoration.”

The finances

To cover the acquisition and initial management costs, project partners must raise $228,000 in public and private funds.

Financial commitments are already coming in from groups as diverse as the site itself, including Jasper County Pheasants Forever, North Polk Pheasants Forever, Iowa Prairie Network, Sierra Club and Iowa Native Plant Society.

To help out, send contributions labeled “Jasper County Fen” to INHF.

Tim Laehn is a Drake University student and Robert R. Buckmaster intern at INHF.

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.