The Top Ten Peatland Plants and Animals in Northern Minnesota

Peatlands in Northern Minnesota are home to some of the most diverse and interesting ecosystems in the world. These wetland habitats have ecological importance for providing habitat to plenty of sphagnum mosses, sedges, and grasses, but also unique species of flora and fauna. From rare and endangered species to traditional knowledge and practices, peatlands play a vital role in the local environment and the preservation of biodiversity.

More than a third of Minnesota’s species of birds are said to be major users of peatland habitats, which shows the abundance in the region. With so many species to explore, it can be hard to narrow down the top ten peatland plants and animals in Northern Minnesota. However, to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of these habitats, we'll take a look at these fascinating species of plants and animals that call the peatlands of Northern Minnesota home, including important species that are rare, endangered, threatened and special concern status.

1. The American bittern

The American bittern is a stunning, large wading bird that can be found in the peatlands of northern Minnesota. This species is a master of camouflage, blending in with the surrounding landscape. It is most often spotted near the shorelines of wetlands and lakes, where it hunts for small fish and amphibians. The American bittern is an important part of the ecosystem, helping keep the population of small animals in check. To see this majestic bird, make sure to visit the wetlands of northern Minnesota!

Image credit: https://mnbirdatlas.org/species/american-bittern/

2. The beaver

The beaver plays an integral role in sustaining the wetland ecosystems of northern Minnesota. It helps to create and maintain wetlands by constructing dams, which help to control water levels. As a result, the beaver helps to create the ideal conditions for peatlands to thrive. Beyond this, the presence of beavers in wetland habitats also serves as an indicator of a healthy environment.

Image credit: https://seagrant.umn.edu/research/beavers-streams-steelhead

3. Northern bog lemming 

The Northern bog lemming is a special creature that is native to peatlands in Minnesota and is listed as a species of special concern by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and is being considered for federal protection as a threatened or endangered species. They can be found in open meadows, tamarack forests, and black spruce forests, and their habitat is usually dominated by sphagnum mosses, bearberry, wintergreen, Labrador tea, and grasses and sedges. Unfortunately, these animals are threatened by extractive activities, climate change, and invasive species, and due to their particularly small and isolated populations, they are especially vulnerable to rapid extinction.

Image Credit: https://georgiabiodiversity.org/natels/profile?es_id=20622

4. Short-eared Owl 

The Short-eared Owl is a medium-sized buffy-brown owl with long wings that is found in northern Minnesota's peatlands and native grasslands. Unfortunately, these habitats have been greatly reduced in extent due to cultivation and drainage. As a result, the Short-eared Owl was listed as a special concern species in Minnesota in 1984. In addition, a recent study found that the Short-eared Owl has experienced an annual decline of 1% throughout its North American range over the past 50 years. This decrease is largely attributed to habitat loss and degradation, including the conversion of native open habitats to agriculture and the reforestation of open lands. Fortunately, protection and management of peatlands and native grasslands for waterfowl can also benefit Short-eared Owl populations, along with small mammals, their main prey.

Image Credit: https://raptor.umn.edu/about-raptors/raptors-north-america/short-eared-owl

5. Wilson's phalarope 

Wilson's phalarope is a small wading bird that breeds in the northern reaches of Minnesota. They prefer to inhabit shallow wetlands, ponds, and marshes and feed on small aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans and aquatic worms. They are particularly abundant in the peatlands of northern Minnesota, where they can find plenty of food and safe habitat. The Wilson's phalarope is a highly social species, forming large flocks during migration. In addition to being an important part of the food chain in the region, Wilson's phalarope is an important indicator species for the health of Minnesota's peatlands. Since they are so dependent on healthy wetlands, their presence is a good sign that these areas are healthy and can support a variety of other species.

Image Credit: https://mnbirdatlas.org/species/wilsons-phalarope/

6. Yellow Rail

The Yellow Rail is a small, secretive bird that can be found in northern Minnesota's peatlands. It is most active at night and is rarely seen during the day. This species is a ground-nesting bird, which means it prefers to nest on the ground under dense vegetation. The Yellow Rail is a very elusive bird, and its presence is often discovered only by the sound of its call. The Yellow Rail is listed as a species of special concern in Minnesota, so it is important to preserve its habitat to ensure its continued survival.

Image credit: https://climate2014.audubon.org/birds/yelrai/yellow-rail

7. Linear-leaved Sundew (Drosera linearis)

The Linear-leaves Sundew is an extraordinary plant found exclusively in the open peatlands. With its small and inconspicuous size, the most remarkable feature of this species is its leaves, which are adorned with tentacle hairs tipped with mucilage, a unique adaptation for trapping insects. What makes this plant even more remarkable is its ability to actively capture and digest small insects - when an insect of the right size lands on a leaf, the leaf slowly curls around it until the prey is trapped and eventually killed. This behavior likely enables the plant to obtain the nitrogen it needs to survive in the nutrient-poor peatland environment. Additionally, the flowers of Drosera linearis are adapted for insect-pollination, although they can also self-pollinate.

Image Credit: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/linear-leaved-sundew

8. English Sundew (Drosera anglica)

This species exclusively inhabits fens of open rich peatlands, primarily in water tracks in the interiors of large peatlands. Like the Linear-leaved Sundew, Drosera anglica capture and digest small insects, which it does to obtain fixed nitrogen which is often a limiting nutrient in peatland habitats. The flowers of D. anglica are adapted for insect pollination, although self-pollination is also possible. Unfortunately, the habitat of Sundew is highly dependent on specific patterns of surface and subsurface water flow and can be easily disrupted by activities such as peat mining, rice cultivation, and road building. Smaller populations of D. anglica in spring fens are particularly vulnerable to activities in adjacent upland areas.

Image Credit: https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/1169054

9. Coastal Sedge (Carex exilis)

Carex exilis is quite a rare sight in the state of Minnesota, even in areas with high-quality habitats and optimal conditions. This is why it was listed as a special concern species in 1984. This perennial sedge is wind pollinated and can spread short distances by gravity and water, and longer distances by non-specialized animal vectors. It is larger than most species in its plant community and can form dense, raised hummocks. In certain conditions, Carex exilis can even become a dominant species and may even be a keystone species on a small scale.

Image Credit: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/grass-sedge-rush/coastal-sedge#lboxg-1

10. Northern purple pitcherplant

The Northern purple pitcher plant is a rare plant native to northern Minnesota. It is unique in its ability to trap and digest small insects, making it a valuable asset in any peatland ecosystem. The pitcher-shaped leaves of this carnivorous plant are deep purple and provide an attractive landscape feature along with its insect-eating capabilities. The Northern purple pitcher plant is a top pick for any peatland restoration project, as it provides a valuable source of food for the local insect populations, as well as a beautiful addition to the landscape.

Image Credit: http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Plants/northern_purple_pitcherplant.html

Northern Minnesota peatlands are a valuable resource that must be protected and conserved. These top ten peatland plants and animals in northern Minnesota are key to this effort, and understanding their importance is essential for their conservation and future sustainability. The species part of the peatland ecosystem are essential to maintaining the health of the local environment, providing food, fuel, and recreation, as well as acting as carbon sinks and water filters. The protection and conservation of these species are essential for their future sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Mitigation Partners, Inc. Founders Dax Dickson & Tory Christensen