Rushes and sedges grow in very wet areas of the Bog. In Burns Bog, this community is formed artificially by
peat harvesting. The Bog has seen many methods of peat extraction. While some methods created ditches that continued to drain the Bog after extraction,
the operations in the central and western portions of the Bog did not
involve draining. In contrast, they dug holes in the ground and flush
the peat with water, extraction was done by sifting the slurry. This
method was equally devastating to the environment while it took place.
However, it resulted in many small ponds and lakes that would become
important bird habitats . The Rush and sedges community form in these wet
meadows. In areas where the water level is just right, Sphagnum
regeneration is highest here near the ponds. However, Sphagnum does
not grow under too much water. This makes sense, because otherwise all
lakes will become bogs!
Sphagnum mosses are also reported to come back at a healthy rate at the Rush and sedge community. In addition, this zone's "marshy" conditions have attracted many species of
birds.
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