Volo Bog State Natural Area in IL was first to celebrate in the USA (2008); Bogs in MN, IN & OH joined in 2012. Bogs are peatlands of the north country. Around the world, these amazing ecosystems host bizzare plants including carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, nestled among an often floating carpet of sphagnum moss. Tamarack trees, spruce and cedars are joined by heath family shrubs such as b
og rosemary and leatherleaf upon an often floating mat. A visitor to bogs will notice the ground move underfoot and even the trees shaking with one's steps; thus the term "quaking bog." The Scots first celebrated International Bog Day in 1991 (or 1989) on the fourth (by some the last) Sunday of July. Ireland, famous for its bogs, Wales, and British Columbia also celebrate. In 2008, Volo Bog State Natural Area in Northern Illinois was the first to celebrate in the United States. For centuries bogs have provided peat for fuel, and in Northern Europe, have revealed preserved human remains dating over 2,000 years old! Today few bogs remain undisturbed. Canadian peatlands are mined, their peat being shipped to China to fuel power plants in order to supply the world with goods. IBD promotes awareness of these fascinating, rare ecosystems and encourages preservation of bogs and other peatlands around the world. Look under "Events" to see who's celebrating across the USA! Then...
Join the celebration! Do you manage or promote a bog in the US? If so, contact IBDUSA's page owner, Stacy Iwanicki, at [email protected] or 815-344-1294. Learn more about "What is a Bog???" Visit www.FriendsofVoloBog.org
