Wetlands are a very special kind of habitat, but they need our protection, so they can continue to protect us. Friday Bogs are very special types of wetlands that play an important role in our environment. Streams do not flow in or out of bogs, creating a highly acidic habitat. Plants that thrive in bogs, like spongy sphagnum moss, have adjusted to this acidity. Some of the plants, such as pitcher plants and sundews, are carnivorous - they've learned how to trap and digest insects to compensate for living in a low nutrient environment.
Bogs have soils that are too wet, too cold, and too acidic for bacteria which aid in decomposition.
For this reason, leaves, seeds, or any other type of organic matter will be well-preserved. Layers of undecomposed stuff, which can pile up for centuries, are called peat. One cool bog you can visit is the Mollie Beattie Bog in Lewis, Vermont. A handicapped-accessible, interpretive trail, sponsored the Conte Wildlife Refuge, offers visitors a great opportunity to learn about and explore a bog without harming the fragile plant communities. It is open from May to September.