Boreal studies

Wetlands like this one in Horseshoe Basin extend deeply below the visible surface of the water.

L.E. Smith photo

These wetlands range from swamps to sphagnum bogs to true bogs, with the majority somewhere in between as fenn-carrs (shrubby, mineral rich peatlands). These wetlands have a higher proportion of boreal floral and faunal features than elsewhere in the alpine North Cascades, although there are similarities to the Olympic Park, the Chilliwack area near Mount Baker and the northern Rockies. The picture shows a willow-clad stream with margins extending into sedge - herbaceous mixed vegetation.