Jeanette and the group also study the geology surrounding the fen to understand why the fen exists and what it will take to keep it in existence. This project began in the spring of 1985 when a road project was proposed that would cross a fen in the metro area. Jeanette was asked to get involved in the project because she had worked on fens in graduate school. Across the metro area, wetlands are being threatened by development which brings in new houses, new sewers, new roads and increased demand for ground water. In some cases the wetland itself is a desired space for development.
Fens are the rarest wetlands and they are given special protection.
Our goal is to try to figure out what sustains a given fen. Then, we assess if the project can exist without hurting the fen. If we really think that the fen will be harmed, then we suggest that the project be re-designed in order to protect the fen. Loss of a fen means loss of significant plant diversity, because many of the plants that live in fens are not found in other habitats in the area anymore. And, it's not just fens that are threatened by development projects that affect groundwater.