Wells Branch Fen
A fen is a rare natural community where soils are saturated from the upwelling of cold, mineral-rich groundwater, creating spring rivulets and ooze area. Wells Branch Fen contains a diverse plant communities consisting of mesic and wet prairie species growing with a distinct group of fen species. Of the known prairie fens in the state of Missouri, Wells Branch Fen is second only to Grasshopper Hollow, another USDA Forest Service natural area. These are both examples of rare ecological natural community.
This natural area incorporates two acres of relatively open land with scattered small trees and shrubs mostly confined to the edges. Dominant plant species include colonies of sedges, rushes, bulrushes, and ferns in the wettest areas. Indian grass and big bluestem clumps are spread among white turtlehead, orange coneflower, false loosestrife, yellow-eyed grass, and additional fen species characterisitic of wet-mesic soils. The drier areas are dominated by little bluestem and Ridell's goldenrod.
Wildlife at Wells Branch Fen
Wells Branch Fen provides important habitat for invertebrate species such as the Baltimore checkerspot butterfly. This butterfly is seldom found far from turtlehead plants, its primary source of food. Dragonflies, like the bog skimmer, also find plenty to dine on among the small insects thriving in the moist soils. In a portion of the fen where a permanent flow of cold groundwater exists, you'll find crayfish that favor this habitat. Walking around the fen you might flush a secretive sedge wren or see a salamander scurry for cover. Look for tracks of predators like the raccoon and coyote, too.
Special Regulations
Camping, collection of plants or animals, and vehicular traffic are prohibited. Enjoy all other recreational activities allowed on the National Forest.
Additional Natural Areas
You may wish to visit nearby natural areas on the same day. Listed below are Mark Twain National Forest, National Park Service, and Missouri Department of Conservation natural areas. For more information on a particular site, check ownership and contact the Forest Service District Ranger office, National Park Service - Ozark National Scenic Riverways, or the Department of Conservation Wildlife District Supervisor in the town listed.
- Haney Pond, USFS, Doniphan, MO
- Cowards Hollow, USFS, Doniphan, MO
- Big Barren Creek, USFS, Doniphan, MO
- Red Maple Pond, USFS, Doniphan, MO
- Cupola Pond, USFS, Winona, MO
- Allred Lake, MDC, Poplar Bluff, MO
Natural Features
An open prairie fen with scattered small trees and shrubs in the Lower Ozarks Section of the Ozark Natural Division. Situated on a gradually sloping area, Ordovician bedrock underlies the fen. Yellow-eyed grass and false loosestrife, both endangered species, are present in the fen.
GPS intersection of FS 4817 and FS 4811 SE of NA. Park along side of road.
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