# Specialized Habitats And Microenvironments **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 6, 2021, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150 "2021-08-06T12:34:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2022, 6:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/41 "2022-03-30T18:15:33Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > The [Hocking Hills](https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/hocking-hills-state-park) in Ohio… For some reason this link (and indeed everything to do with ohiodnr) gets me a 404 error. I tried a second browser, but got the same result, so I’m assuming it’s a regional thing (ie, from the UK in this case). Anyways, I see there is a wiki page for the State Park, so I’ll take the liberty of adding it as a backup. > **[Hocking Hills State Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hocking_Hills_State_Park)** > > Hocking Hills State Park is a state park in the Hocking Hills region of Hocking County, Ohio, United States. In some areas the park adjoins the Hocking State Forest. Within the park are over 25 miles (40 km) of hiking trails, rock formations, waterfalls, and recess caves. The trails are open from dawn to dusk, all year round, including holidays. > The park contains seven separate hiking areas: Ash Cave, Cantwell Cliffs, Cedar Falls, Conkle's Hollow (nature preserve), Old Man's Cave, Rock House a... j ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2022, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/42 "2022-04-03T18:57:01Z")
Wakehurst prairie update: First, another shot of early plant growth. This is actually from a visit on Friday (sorry, we’ve had a busy weekend): [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eAQ4eLzy8-QEVaFornUdOmuQu3HXwYySo9UyxZl4QQfxWHpqFJTiOfk0CW84crPF_tK_pOR10J0l-lLN6UVoYPnkvB1ZtW6fA0gMd0JRQkv3fXdNgQfZUuPIlLlW4WCpJfvgGC-tCw=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/dt5WmAukFgcnyiYP9) Second - **they have put up a new sign** ; and things now become much clearer: [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ari75AmjDsNO8EH9nZa0v3XJEtk13PcHZ-s_4nXhHRyG7B3MOUuznUkd9iwPejrslv8IuXNnokQpl2BJ45erJXFoEB3rU2zn9SyweAgYN0ITq-vRWxgMk7U10C4xcxZl8cvw6ooPIA=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/znKUstC9QV3p2yiH7) Damn - cropped by google again. Click the picture for the full image. SO: there are actually THREE types of prairie being grown in Wakehurst (!). I was previously unaware of this, so I think my photos have been exclusively Atlantic Coastal Plain. I didn’t have time on Friday to figure out the locations of each prairie type and take photos - that’s a job for the next visit. Plus I suspect they would be hard to distinguish at this time of the year - though having said that, the reed-like plants I had noticed (eg see photo in this post, full image, one tenth in from right, two tenths in from top) are presumably bluestem grass, specific to ACP. One of the things that kept me busy this weekend was spending today on the south coast, including a couple of hours up on the Downs near [Beachy Head](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beachy_Head). _Note to self_ - chalk grassland - a habitat rich in specialized plants - one to get around to later in the spring. Finally, I can’t compete with the severe cold @Broomstick had to contend with when when she took her prairie photos; but on Friday I did get snowed on. Sheesh. j ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2022, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/43 "2022-04-03T19:30:05Z")
Well, I had to smile when you described it as “severe” cold. Sure, we call it cold (for spring) but if it was mid-winter that would be considered on the warm side. My area has much greater temperature swings than yours. I’ve been out when its -33C (now _that_ is cold!) and when it’s +42C (which is very hot). We’ve been having morning frosts and light overnight snows all this week, with daytime high temperatures near +5 C. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2022, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/44 "2022-04-27T20:29:05Z")
Wakehurst prairie **s** update! OK, so now I have new information that three types of prairie are being recreated at Wakehurst - and here is the first comparison between the three (key in post 42). Working from east to west (and rather cutely, that’s the way they’ve been laid out at Wakehurst): Atlantic Coastal Prairie [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7FSOcLcXQcGg6YFRqq1T1VLgVbzaF0TJmR6zCTxgsQ5DF52joKytgDkRvkkTM7mtpGx9_xFI5rkmpppZt6i--_zc2fgQ9KSmnLggRUzTsJNlYMNrTjuW8bsfiFrlXGwhOM5ppM-jQA=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/M1afaxe2ZyCYmtqX8) South Central Prairie [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FGQF03NdMzKi3be1fKEwB9vZu_EiqU4DlFUNiYxfXN5VI2vHrl6_p7m40P_zubDUeTApzvxu0r4DRCe4Jgd8p96fVZh9SJxYWMSGxIdo9P4qfS9PEU7h0umGN0rAw8hA1XxXZ3KvAQ=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/Z47brCVoSLmgcp3j6) Pacific Northwest Prairie [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aeQiY6PJDKgyCnkjTv5aMif_uIWxgrKIyes51nx7iqqGu11fsN_3aC7D2AeuafZbcmaKG2NpDlVl9vGFZc3CaD9n047JE-3cHnjk6Z5iOAl-4h1-34t7WauawBqo2gRVSWGnCiCIvw=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/w7ZMgt8GJ2WYUuWP7) Well, differences between the three are definitely starting to emerge. You can figure some of it out from the aforementioned key - for example, miniature lupins in PNW. For those with familiarity with - uh - the originals, any observations/comparisons you have to make would be interesting. Shout out to @Broomstick - how’s South Central looking? Now that divergences between the areas are becoming obvious, I’ll try to accost a gardener and engage them in conversation. Thing is, a nearby one is hard to spot. What do you actually _do_ to a prairie? Ans: not much; they’re all busy weeding the walled garden and so forth. j ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2022, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/45 "2022-04-27T20:56:42Z")
Elsewhere on the Wakehurst estate, this is how their wetland area is doing. [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IX-aL_TgAD1uI3Quwo6Ct86L0hz_6_5tQHp8Enyq-f8CL8fJBA-qcZOS9RpLdBILGIpdDZ350IhD4yTtJUgyu8SrIgUf9JM098IRR1BliLAdTW9-lqvcBuhnmOhYGzuYmZMXm6gUHA=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/vefJeojq5S6Br4t4A) The reed beds have really sprung into new life. Reed beds as a specific habitat have been on my mind since we last visited Knepp. They have huge reed beds, and a board discussing how (amongst other things) they are important for eel conservation. And that started me thinking about a number of places I go where there are still extensive reed beds. See post 18 for an example - I may take a couple more photos over the summer. (BTW - anyone wants to be the swamp correspondent? Jump right in (heh)) Anyway, local to me reed beds have declined This document (spoilered link - PDF) [spoiler][https://dnu7gk7p9afoo.cloudfront.net/create-and-manage-reedbeds-2.pdf[/spoiler]](https://dnu7gk7p9afoo.cloudfront.net/create-and-manage-reedbeds-2.pdf%5B/spoiler%5D) discusses reed beds, including how to make your own. j ---
**Author:** ![Zyada](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zyada/32/3028_2.png) [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2022, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/46 "2022-04-28T03:31:29Z")
For a different sort of habitat, there are the vernal pools on Enchanted Rock Enchanted Rock is the second oldest exposed rock in the US. It’s basically a giant solid granite rock about 145 tall. At the top of the hill, there are pits in the granite. Some of these pits have accumulated small amounts of soil, and plants thereof. [https://www.imagesfromtexas.com/blog/zen-pools-of-enchanted-rock-in-the-texas-hill-country/](https://www.imagesfromtexas.com/blog/zen-pools-of-enchanted-rock-in-the-texas-hill-country/) ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2022, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/47 "2022-04-28T11:25:49Z")
> [@Treppenwitz](#): > > Now that divergences between the areas are becoming obvious, I’ll try to accost a gardener and engage them in conversation. Thing is, a nearby one is hard to spot. What do you actually _do_ to a prairie? Ans: not much; they’re all busy weeding the walled garden and so forth. A well developed prairie doesn’t really require much maintenance although, as I’ve said, we periodically burn ours because that’s a natural part of the life cycle for one. Around here, at the start of a prairie restoration, some people will “weed” one by removing non-native and intrusive plants, but the periodic fire also has that effect, although in some ways more slowly. I’ll try to get a picture of the Hoosier today since I’m off work and I’m hoping the trails aren’t too boggy. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2022, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/48 "2022-04-28T15:43:53Z")
Love the prairie pictures. My favorite specialty habitat is the one for psammon - the community of microscopic life forms living between grains of sand on shores. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2022, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/49 "2022-04-28T16:47:40Z")
What I’m learning in years of gardening trial and error is that microclimates are everywhere, and they can be really small (nanoclimates?). I never had much luck growing basil in my (upstate NY, [USDA Plant Hardiness Zone](https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov) 5b) herb garden. But when I stuck a leftover basil seedling into a south-facing corner sheltered by two white-painted house walls, it went NUTS. Just that minor degree of increase in heat, light and dryness was all it needed. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2022, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/50 "2022-04-28T20:19:39Z")
> [@Zyada](#): > > For a different sort of habitat, there are the vernal pools on Enchanted Rock Loved it. I did some more reading, and I’ll take the liberty of adding it here. > **[Vernal pool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernal_pool)** > > Vernal pools, also called vernal ponds or ephemeral pools, are seasonal pools of water that provide habitat for distinctive plants and animals. They are considered to be a distinctive type of wetland usually devoid of fish, and thus allow the safe development of natal amphibian and insect species unable to withstand competition or predation by fish. Certain tropical fish lineages (such as killifishes) have however adapted to this habitat specifically. > Vernal pools are a type of wetland. They c... > **[Enchanted Rock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enchanted_Rock)** > > Enchanted Rock is a pink granite mountain located in the Llano Uplift about 17 miles (27 km) north of Fredericksburg, Texas and 24 miles (39 km) south of Llano, Texas, United States. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, which includes Enchanted Rock and surrounding land, spans the border between Gillespie and Llano counties, south of the Llano River. Enchanted Rock covers roughly 640 acres (260 ha) and rises around 425 feet (130 m) above the surrounding terrain to an elevation of 1,825 feet (556... Fascinating stuff. j ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2022, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/51 "2022-04-29T01:45:51Z")
One of my friends had a comparable experience when she planted a canna bulb in a place where she had never done it before. These things that were previously as tall as she was, were growing up to the eaves. Earlier this year, we found out that the house where my mother was raised, and hadn’t been maintained to speak of since my grandmother sold it in 1975, was demolished. My brother considered buying the lot and letting it revert to its natural state (this is in a small town) but then he found out that someone else in town bought the land, and moved a double-wide mobile home over the utility hook-ups. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2022, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/52 "2022-04-29T19:53:37Z")
Continuing the theme of niche locations for plants, I was on a cycle trail today which is built on a disused railway line. There is a stretch of old railway embankment, about 50 meters long - this is it: [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VZyMT5WSEF3k9Iv6Tol6tL66zZTLvPEAXprfHKeLkNK8K6T-SsR9itAIKGxqpaqC1EXr3CI23_gG_cgKhSfe23l_PVw2D8RzWcyfsbZ76znZNkC5D51fNunvZwCnurKsEWOK7MVN_A=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/8mfSixscG4tT6Jy96) - where Early Purple Orchids grow. Here’s one I photographed today: [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aWFWOQ7DoKPGLks7FYyxG_ypZ7zfzhcbRAmZEsGOm24O32wclJd66LqC0jIiwr8OTZqvgxMang7QWdJfJltdt9biIFGE3TPkySRCw1N-MC1tYmxxy6nuxl3qRrxGGfLreV2mZUaFA=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/2dEQgu81ha6TmmBp9) That’s the bank where they grow. The trail/old railway line continues for miles in each direction, but they don’t grow anywhere else. Some orchids - perhaps most of the UK native species - require the presence of a mycorrhizal fungus in order to grow, but I don’t think early purple is one of them. The bank in question is pretty sunny and south facing - but early purples like, or at least don’t mind, a bit of shade. They grow happily in a wood. Lots of orchids like chalk or limestone, but early purple isn’t particular. So it’s all a bit weird - there’s something about that little stretch that suits them down to the ground (pun unintentional) and they just won’t spread beyond it. Aside: I wasn’t expecting to see any today, as it’s still rather early and its been cold for the last couple of weeks; but they were fully out, and there must have been at least 70 spikes, as many as I have ever seen there. j ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2022, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/53 "2022-05-03T19:19:25Z")
Prairie Update (US version) Posting on behalf of @Broomstick “As a general statement, one reason for the differences between my prairie and your prairie is that mine is not mowed. So you have leftover bits from last year obscuring some of the new growth. This prairie is never mowed, as I’ve said, every few years it is _burned_. Otherwise, it can be quite untidy because it’s a wild area. Nonetheless, you can see some of the green starting to come through”. [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/cAgpMqwgY5FaitzC9x0o590fM3_E-q1SjpgnCHw04WDZFPuYIflMkquYs_VGVnxEUXTB2wrXeQnYu1AMR6RIc_xnA5RyUUFAWajTQe_ipHdBayY3gDyBcxskYQfzXasWfuvzGrrKkA=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/df8KCLx7SNQDhC1i9) “Other areas… still a lot of overburdening debris. Not much green visible here.” [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/hw8PCSWdoP6PvTHsR-4VUZGXd22nM9VeKgvxP-F_hhkLEHNV13I_m95rTc9uSQknTHsS8nNVfaC38CQztA8e6vJC2bLjprLTd4sHjqKoxue2pzN0AE1jYxL2uj_jnzj97tQmQBvhYg=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/UGm7crBG1KYtmz8Q9) “Another view” [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gIlRjPnBDxtvo8H_s4cWXcjMl0xoR4Y-KWaV1z-xqe7Un2grqVjRbizSgCXmFDC3iJ0-dc9Joqa3Q-B-tG1N0kCuAJyxPrGuI2c_m7Xh3RDE4TMePByBHs-HfeIFsUt5eNn3x4Rd_A=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/a79GDBkL8KRF86978) “This is from the parking lot over looking the “restoration area” that is being restored to prairie and intended as a buffer zone between the primordial prairie and the altered local area. There’s some non-grass vegetation that’s re-greening, as well as the grasses starting to green up.” [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xJ19GktdE7Ei59OYU9wGDXNjBKlZkxaGbJKss1ApRO2eNCMl-X_Gp06ok-jKLoR781SnDs4HwNfgRw-shIxkS4m0qTUJYdtdDa5O2A2gmt5WIiSLnFEeh5hM-1OBiAHW8uiWgXZNmw=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/hgEc7jmLwGMX5NXQA) “Another shot from the parking area. The line of trees in the distance marks the edge of the preserve where houses and businesses take over the landscape.” [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/noAbiWPGoFWVfrLvRSPaJm-jC6TPqFRCqtF-ABb0mIV22XzeL4mZ7BO-7leIDnoLDkYZ4-A_NPT1ZJxCxyG0KVJ73Pv0iSJa4PbjUEYuJwT_y78vV4MtD5R4wt21Bg4yY1Ht7dDhqw=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/wf6DzNkDTdoUngTv7) j ETA: BTW, Google Photos crops pictures when I post them. If you wish to see the full picture, you need to click on it. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2022, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/54 "2022-05-03T20:00:07Z")
And here’s something which I hadn’t realized is a habitat very closely associated with my part of the world - chalk rivers and lakes. We were in Arundel the other day, and took a walk round Swanbourne Lake. Arundel is built across the junction of the chalk hills of the South Downs and _the levels_ - which are alluvial plains at pretty much nothing above sea level. Swanbourne Lake lies on this perimeter, nestling in the chalk hills, is fed by chalk springs, and empties via The Mill Stream into the nearby River Arun. I have to confess that I didn’t know much about chalk rivers (or lakes) beyond the fact that they are excellent habitats for freshwater crayfish (and presumably other shelled creatures) because of their handily high chalk content. So here’s a short article on them. > **[Chalk rivers | The Wildlife Trusts](https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/habitats/freshwater/chalk-rivers)** > > Cool, crystal-clear waters flow over gravelly beds, streaming through white-flowered water-crowfoot and watercress in serene lowland landscapes. > Only 200 chalk rivers are known globally, 85% of which are found in the UK in southern and eastern England. Crikey - I never knew they were so rare, and I didn’t know I was in chalk river central. I know a bunch of them - The Meon, the Test, the Itchen, Silent Pool. > England’s chalk rivers and streams are world famous for trout and salmon fishing Now here’s a thing, about a year ago we were walking along by the Test, and I have never seen so may fish (trout) in a river. I tried to take photos for the Today In Nature thread, but I failed (fish portrait photos are not easy)… Anyways, to answer the hanging question of _How Clear Is That Water, Then?_, here’s a photo of The Mill Stream that I took on Saturday. Trimmed as ever by Google Photos, click for the full pic. [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ABLVV871AqYwZv3_lQcawsyCGTXr3k_buxOZjTxRNcCfT2RRQmEArhUSDvCHV6PuWEQ1HFDyKNPLgF_SH5ZQcbF1G5ET8VxBFskB7Ql3feRDIGzH9DRKOuU=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/5z5sF1cfrHGmCX6o7) j ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2022, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/55 "2022-05-03T20:43:33Z")
@Treppenwitz I still think my prairie is a couple weeks behind your prairie in growth. We’ve had chilly spring, which slows things down, and in general we have a colder and longer winter than you do. We’ll see how it goes. We do get blooms of flowers. I’ll see if I can catch a few when they happen. And I’m also hoping to show you the results of a controlled burn. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2022, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/56 "2022-05-24T20:36:31Z")
Polders: the marais [marshes] of the Cotentan peninsula. Or to give them their proper title, Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin. As an aside, I see that the wiki entry for Polders lists _New Orleans_ and _Sacramento – San Joaquin River Delta_ as US polders, so if anyone has material to contribute re them, that would be good. The wiki entry also defines three types of polder: 1. Land reclaimed from a body of water, such as a lake or the seabed 2. Flood plains separated from the sea or river by a dike 3. Marshes separated from the surrounding water by a dike and subsequently drained; these are also known as koogs, especially in Germany > **[Polder](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polder)** > > Pages for logged out editors learn more > > A polder (Dutch pronunciation: \[ˈpɔldər\] (listen)) is a low-lying tract of land that forms an artificial hydrological entity, enclosed by embankments known as dikes. The three types of polder are: > The ground level in drained marshes subsides over time. All polders will eventually be below the surrounding water level some or all of the time. Water enters the low-lying polder through infiltration and water pressure of groundwater, or rainfall, or ... As I understand it, the Cotentin marais are the second of these. The lower plains flood from winter rains, and are largely drained by May, after which the floodplains are mostly used as cattle pasture. Le bas-pays, le long des fleuves côtiers, composé de prairies humides est inondé pendant l’hiver. C’est le marais caractéristique du parc, avec ses horizons ouverts, l’altitude est comprise entre 0 et 5 mètres. (_The low country, along the coastal rivers, composed of wet meadows is flooded during the winter. It is the characteristic marsh of the park, with its open horizons, the altitude is between 0 and 5 meters._ ) > **[Parc naturel régional des Marais du Cotentin et du Bessin](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parc_naturel_r%C3%A9gional_des_Marais_du_Cotentin_et_du_Bessin)** > > Pages pour les contributeurs déconnectés en savoir plus > > modifier - modifier le code - modifier Wikidata Le parc naturel régional des marais du Cotentin et du Bessin est un parc naturel régional français, situé en Normandie. Le parc régional est créé le 14 mai 1991 par décret ministériel en raison de l'importance de sa zone humide que les crues hivernales recouvrent ou « blanchissent ». > Il est actuellement présidé par Jean Morin et est composé de 119 communes. We parked up at Pointe de Brévands on the dike that separates the marais from the sea – a view of the pastures: [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/dAkbi6Izj3LUVFBKR8zZHddVV7P1VfEGer-KOjfQoE1tJGNcCrRazcP6o0ZkdnVYWH6kUnbWlVtmXiMifurCs8r2t_UbwO2QLX9guGZhYhWTJBmw6EFhTkb_5CLjPztc_0Bd0YTInA=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/5PGuDuiRCFkaWnkf8) So: flat. If you really zoom in, there’s a white dot on the right hand side of that water course just as it disappears from view. That’s a great white egret. Interestingly we saw GWEs (only) on the freshwater side of the dike; and little egrets (only) on the saltwater side. These are working cattle pastures (though no cattle yet, it seemed); but they’re still supporting a wealth of wildlife, with waterfowl and reed dwellers which we couldn’t identify. Hopefully this link will open google maps in satellite view, showing the area we were looking down on. Note the grid of drainage ditches. _ETA - you need to click on the square, bottom left of the image to open satellite view._ https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=49.3604306,-1.1558902&z=17&output=embed&dg=ntvb Inland, we visited La Maison du Parc, which is a sort of exhibition building that fronts a nature reserve, based around a large lake with half a dozen hides. An annual ticket costs you 5 Euro – well worthwhile. The headliners are the storks, nesting on platforms. [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HLucPdE2YD--FHohFZ6c1ts6AlWd5ErwMRVi8cG7jy49r6xGeWzJqfiWSl2Vp2Q2MyJh79YB6T_WcHO6BbsCIuLU1xLq3CxxztZ_TeF34F1m2qTiNrXP1rVjJZSjNTbMX526hzipTw=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/yUaAzarWztZq5i76A) We saw three nests – there may be more. As huge nests on high poles in a dead flat environment go, they’re surprisingly difficult to spot. Chicks being fed was great to see. > **[Bienvenue sur le site du Parc Naturel Régional des Marais du Cotentin et du...](https://parc-cotentin-bessin.fr/)** > > Découvrez les marais du Cotentin et du Bessin. Guide touristique, idées de balades, randonnées, informations pratiques, animations... Visitez les Ponts d'Ouve, vitrine touristique du parc... Découverte des domaines d'action du parc des marais,... The park supports sheep and cattle in the traditional manner. The central lake had waterfowl, egrets, and musk rats and coypu – the last 2 being introduced species, of course. The dikes feeding the lake additionally had very loud frogs; and we saw southern marsh orchids and lax flowered orchids growing on the pasture. j Note: The Maison du parc webpage and the wiki for the marais appear to be in French only. Nothing I can do about that, and I couldn’t find a good English language alternative. I hope there’s no rule against referencing non-english source material – you can page translate with a variety of apps. Mods, if this is a problem could you please delete this post and I’ll rebuild it without the refs. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/57 "2022-05-25T00:19:23Z")
Since Friday 5/20/22 we have had a bit more than 3 feet of snow where I live. Micro Environment? Not really. But sucks when you are looking for spring. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/58 "2022-05-25T02:43:12Z")
Are you in Colorado? One of my Facebook friends, a HS classmate, lives at 9,000 feet and he got pummeled, but they expect that any time of the year. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2022, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/59 "2022-05-25T12:28:41Z")
Yeah. Colorado. I’m at 11,200 feet. It is to be expected. March, April and May are generally our heaviest snow months. We call this mud season up here. ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2022, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150/60 "2022-05-28T20:52:39Z")
Prairie update (again). Photos taken today. Atlantic Coast [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6MCNHaCjXqVRsep6wbrAMJu3RAVfPz1FuNEkT2KyoTNoUPubATW0TeeRk5laWavSDuDC4t3i2ZOK0rb8PBQd1C5pxi-xVWx3VpgZ3QMOkvrndGMdPfQpy17cgAPEGZTavH6l6y23Xg=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/c7C7Bp88QGdkMsMY9) South Central [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/LjKTNLJrBr2nSHBH0ez8wf2HhyXuwlaFJi0Ls5aZTKq2bfEc3cclB2UeNHLdqlci6DOmm4eXHcDijRsoityA60trlPJBHkW9_SnCT9iIeYZf80U0OfWLhHd15LIeKqiqQNIfk5U0Sg=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/h5bcehiwxz6LyPAK6) Pacific Northwest [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Dy6XEOEhwOHbY7R3N8tNyF8IWff0vl1tLC6FM3CkYiDQyg6qZis5Rd4H1cFFocKa5CzPebHprN3_eofBsi6xBgxjFfq1AqQU4iakPZTHDdWZ-VR_AZrz6lWm4ew1DFw7T7iStpIieA=w600-h315-p-k "New item by j") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/KBxmZuP4pqXK1TiDA) For anyone just happening across this, I should point out that these are prairies recreated some twenty-odd miles south of London, England, because if you don’t know that I’m about to say something that will make no sense. The prairies look rather different now - particularly PNW - but I had the suspicion that part of this difference is down to some invasion in the SC version. That’s clover growing in the foreground, so far as I can tell. I assume that’s a British invader - but if I’m wrong (and it’s something that grows in the original), please let me know. Still haven’t managed to collar a local prairie gardener. j [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specialized-habitats-and-microenvironments/948150.md?page=4)