Older Wiser Livelier Souls hosts walk and talk event at Rowley Fen

Join the Older Wiser Livelier Souls (OWLS) group at Rowley Fen, 2877 Lucas Ave., Rowley, on Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. to learn more about fens.

Have you ever walked through a prairie in late summer or early fall? If you have, you know how diverse and dense they can get. Now imagine an area that is more diverse, dense, wet, and bouncy. What is being described is a fen.

Fens are different from many other wetlands because they actually are fed by groundwater instead of rain water or other sources. Since the ground is always wet and plant material only partially decompose, that leads to a build up of a certain type of soil known as peat.

Fens actually are pretty rare in Iowa. These amazing places have some unique plants like fringed gentians, turtleheads, Riddell’s goldenrod and many more plants.

Be sure to wear sturdy and waterproof shoes because the fen probably will be wet. There also are no maintained trails so the group will not be on a path.

OWLS is a program specifically designed for adults to learn and explore nature in and around Buchanan County. Preregistration is required by going to www.buchanancountyparks.com and clicking on “Public Events.”