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University of Michigan Biological Station

The University of Michigan Biological Station (UMBS) was founded in 1909.

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Smith's Fen

Longitude/Latitude: 
45.5531, -84.6483
Address: 
US
Site Overview: 
Property to the south of property line cutting through the south end of the fen was clearcut in December, 1991. A Carex mat with some open water - named for Professor Frank Smith, member of UMBS faculty for 8 summers, who found in this bog all of the species of sponges known to be in the region (see Gates, S.P. 1942, 9:227). Owned by Randy Stempky 1061 LaHaie Rd., Cheboygan 49721
Management
Site History: 

Gates (1942): Later Professor Frank Smith discovered that this bog contained all the species of freshwater sponges then known to inhabit the region and it became known as Smith’s bog.
    When the author first saw this bog in 1911 it had a lake occupying about two-fifths of the depression, and surrounded by an excellent Carex lasiocarpa mat at a distinctly higher level than at present.
    Lumbering and fires in the vicinity destroyed the surrounding vegetation and invasion of aspen followed. Fire in 1914 and a very severe fire in 1916, burning out onto the mat, destroyed the Sphagnum fringe besides burning up some of the peat at the edges.
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Synonyms: 
Smith Fen
Site Ownership: 
Private