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MINES OF SPAIN Wetland and Natural Area The vegetation of the Mines of Spain is very diverse.
Over 400 different plant species have been noted among the seven natural plant
communities that inhabit the area. The
seven communities include six forested types and a grassland type. The forested
communities consist of oak-hickory, maple-basswood, alluvial, birch-aspen, bur
oak, and juniper. The grassland community is noted as hill prairie.
The seven communities occur in three general growing areas loess,
limestone, and alluvium.
Oak Savanna The broad upland flats and gentle slopes, along with many of the narrow ridges in the Mines of Spain area are covered in loess. The natural communities that occupy this area are the oak-hickory forest, bur oak groves and birch-aspen groves. The oak-hickory forest is the dominant community in the Mines of Spain. The most common trees in this group include red oak (Quercus rubra) and white oak (Quercus alba). There are small bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) groves that are found on the highest hilltops and ridges and may be relic savannas. A few areas of birch-aspen forest occur on hillsides that were previously disturbed by logging at the turn of the century. The dominant trees present here are the paper birch (Betula papyifera) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). Limestone bluffs dominate the steep slopes throughout the Mines of Spain and support three of the natural communities: maple-basswood forests, juniper groves, and hill prairies. The maple-basswood forest is the most common of the three communities covering an extensive area of the northeast facing slopes of the river valley. Trees that thrive in these cool shaded habitats, such as the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and basswood (Tilia Americana), are the dominant species. Rare plants associated with this community are the jeweled shooting star (Dodecatheon amethystinum) and the glandular wood fern (Dryopteris intermedia). On the hot, dry, south facing slopes and ridges the juniper groves dominated by the eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) are prevalent. The hill prairies are found on the steepest, driest slopes and are reduced in area from their former magnitude due to the invasion of trees and shrubs. At one time Iowa had an estimated 30 million acres of prairie. These prairies include tall and mid-size grasses such as Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans). Common prairie forbs located in the Mines of Spain include: New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), 2Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Rigid Goldenrod (Solidago rigida), Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica), and a threatened species, the Jeweled Shooting Star (Dodecatheon amethystinum). The maintenance plan for the Mines of Spain prairies includes preserving all of the natural areas as well as restoration of some that have disappeared, such as the oak savanna. Deliberately set fires are one way that the prairies are maintained and cared for. Fire is a natural management tool for prairies and keeps them free from woody scrub. It also regenerates wetland areas and renews life in the oak savanna. The most accessible prairie areas at the Mines of Spain are located by the Dubuque Monument, along the ridge trail by Catfish Creek, and near Horseshoe Bluff. The last natural community, the alluvial forest, dominates the river bottom and flood plane area of the Mines of Spain. The flood planes on the property are small and narrow so alluvial forest is relatively uncommon in those areas. The best place to find this community is located along Catfish Creek and at the mouth of Cattesse Hollow. This community is dominated by the silver maple (Acer saccharinum). Conservation is a key aspect within the Mines of Spain. As you walk through the wetland area you will notice birdhouses scattered throughout to provide nesting areas and promote an increase in species numbers. This area is home to many species of songbirds including Bluejays and Chickadees. The two floating trails in this area give visitors access to view wetland flora and fauna. There are many changes in this area with the passing of the seasons. In the spring and summer the area comes to life with tadpoles turning into frogs, fish, turtles and crawfish swimming around looking for a meal. In the fall the activity slows as the inhabitants prepare for winter. When winter approaches the only activity is that above water as deer, turkey, and raccoons search for food and occasionally stop by the pond for a drink. The wildlife blind gives visitors an opportunity to observe animals in the wild. The best time to view animals is early in the morning and at dusk. Remember that these animals are scared of humans so they probably hide during the day when most visitors attend the park.
Floating Trail Exercises for Wetland and Natural Area Mines of Spain Recreation Area
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