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Bench F at Kuse Nature Preserve

Vernal ponds or puddles are an essential habitat for Wood Frogs. Step carefully around the wet area and look for tadpoles in spring. If the weather is too dry, the pollywogs will not survive. Deer enter the open area near this bench. Footprints in the wet soil tell of turkeys and deer that destroy developing frogs.

Dragonflies can sometimes be seen in this wet area. A Wood Duck house has been fastened to a nearby tree. Reed Canary Grass and Soft Rush grow in the moist area.

The wooded area behind this bench was left as shelter for cows. In these woods, there are White Pine, Basswood, Yellow Birch and Hop Hornbeam trees. In spring, the ground may be covered with the white fluff of Poplar trees.

Spring ephemerals, such as Spring Beauties, can be seen before leaves form on the trees. There are also Oak Ferns in the area.

Use the links on the grid below to help you observe.

Location Information	Plants	Animals
Vernal Pond	Poplar	Wood Frogs
	Yellow Birch	Duck House
	White Pine	Deer
	Basswood	Dragonflies
	Hop Hornbeam
	Reed Canary Grass
	Soft Rush
	Oak Ferns

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© Dr. Hildegard Kuse and Dr. Loretta Kuse