Fen Chat

This Section provides a bulletin board where on-going dialogue regarding specific fen issues can continue. Users can swap tips and ask questions about hydrology, native vegetation, invasive and exotic species, ecology, the role of disturbance and succession, restoration, and stewardship.

Topics include:

  • Hydrology
  • Native Vegetation
  • Invasive/Exotic Species
  • Ecology
  • Role of Disturbance & Succession
  • Restoration
  • Stewardship & Management

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    Bulletin Board Messages

    Name : Su Fanok

    Date : August 2, 2000

    Topic : Invasive/Exotic Species Message:

    1) Has there been any documentation or research on the effect (or lack thereof) of glyphosate or other herbicides on herptiles, specifically turtles? Unfortunately, the US-FWS does not have much information to offer us.

    2) What methods have you used that have been effective in controlling the weeds, but don't negatively impact the native vegetation?

    3) Have you done mostly manual techniques or a combination thereof that you think is the most effective and efficient means of controlling the weeds?

    4) If you're herbiciding, have you done your treatments stepwise (i.e., a little bit each year, moving out from the initial treatment area) or have you done the herbiciding all at once? It would be useful to hear how large the areas are that you are treating.

    5) Finally, have you followed up with any planting of native plants or have they filled in the blank spots left when the weeds are killed? This ties in with question #4.

    Any references you have, contacts we can call on, helpful hints or admonitions would be most welcome!

    Name : John Johnson

    Date : November 28, 2000

    Topic : Native Vegetation

    Message: Has anyone found Triglochin palustris growing in fens and seeps that have a peat soil as the primary substrate instead of a mineral soil substrate? What bird species has anyone noticed that frequent fens for food, shelter, or nesting? Is Phragmites communis invasion associated with greatly increased nutrient levels? If so, what are some of the solutions used to lower nutrient levels in fens?

    Name : Tanya Crum
    Date : 2/5/01
    Topic : Ecology
    Message: Hi. This web site is so helpful! Could anyone help to answer these questions for me? I've read through some web sites dealing with fen ecology, but some things are still a little unclear. Is a basin graminoid - forb fen a type of calcareous fen by definition? If not, what parameters define these two terms? Also, do you know of any sources of information that would allow me to determine if certain species of plants and fish are fen specific? Any information you have would be greatly appreciated!

    Questions or Comments? Please contact Margie Barry at mmt1@lehigh.edu

    Lehigh University 31 Williams Drive Bethlehem, PA 18015 (610) 758-5411