Clover Valley Fen State Natural Area

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Clover Valley Fen features a series of peat mounds that rise eight to ten feet above the surrounding lowland, formed by accumulations of partially decayed vegetation around slowly flowing springs. Radiocarbon dating of these and similar mounds in the area indicate that mound formation began approximately 11,500 years ago. Centered on the site is a large, L-shaped mound with four distinctive high points. This mound has many characteristic fen plants including grass-of-parnassus, lousewort, Kalm's lobelia, common bog arrow-grass, valerian, Riddell's goldenrod, and several rare and restricted species. In the southeast corner of the site are three small mounds, each with a distinct flora. Surrounding the mounds is sedge meadow, which has been grazed but maintains good integrity and diversity. Bisecting the tract is a small, sand-bottomed stream. Soils in the lower areas are Adrian and Houghton mucks, with higher ground to the east being Drummer silt loam. Clover Valley Fen is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 1987.