Savage Fen Scientific and Natural Area
Savage Fen Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) is a unique and beautiful landmark located in Savage, Minnesota. It is a 300-acre peatland that is home to a variety of rare and endangered plant and animal species. The fen is a remnant of the once-extensive Big Woods ecosystem that covered much of southern Minnesota.
The Savage Fen SNA is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and bird watchers. The fen is home to over 200 species of plants, including several rare orchids, such as the showy lady’s slipper and the eastern prairie fringed orchid. The fen is also home to several rare and endangered animal species, including the Blanding’s turtle, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, and the Hine’s emerald dragonfly.
The Savage Fen SNA is an important research site for scientists studying peatlands and their unique ecosystems. The fen is one of the few remaining examples of a calcareous fen in Minnesota, which means that it has a high pH due to the presence of calcium carbonate. This unique environment supports a variety of plant and animal species that are not found in other types of wetlands.
The Savage Fen SNA is also an important site for conservation efforts. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been working to restore and protect the fen since the 1970s. The DNR has installed water control structures to regulate water levels in the fen, which helps to prevent the growth of invasive species and promote the growth of native plants. The DNR also conducts prescribed burns to maintain the fen’s unique ecosystem and prevent the growth of trees and shrubs that would otherwise take over the open peatland.
Visitors to the Savage Fen SNA can enjoy hiking trails that wind through the fen and offer stunning views of the unique landscape. The trails are open year-round, but visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear and clothing, as the fen can be wet and muddy. The fen is also a popular destination for bird watchers, who can spot a variety of species, including sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and red-tailed hawks.
In conclusion, the Savage Fen Scientific and Natural Area is a unique and beautiful landmark in Savage, Minnesota. It is a remnant of the once-extensive Big Woods ecosystem and is home to a variety of rare and endangered plant and animal species. The fen is an important research site for scientists studying peatlands and is also an important site for conservation efforts. Visitors to the fen can enjoy hiking trails and bird watching, and can learn about the unique ecosystem that makes the Savage Fen SNA such a special place. Dan Patch Historical Society Museum