And while bogs may be small and scattered they are also crucial
intricate pieces of the larger landscape puzzle. Their ability
to soak up and hold large quantities of water make them natural
flow regulators decreasing the impacts of both flooding and
drought. They also provide nesting and foraging habitat for many
Neotropical migrants like golden-winged warblers, prairie
warblers and Swainson’s warblers, plus resident birds like
American woodcock, wood duck, wild turkey and ruffed grouse.
Mink, beaver, meadow jumping mouse, common ribbon snake plus
numerous frogs and salamanders are just some of the animals that
utilize bogs in the Southern Appalachians. The U.S. fish and
Wildlife Service, recognizing the unique character of these
mountain oases, and the fact they are disappearing from the
landscape, has proposed establishing a refuge that would protect
a number of Southern Appalachian bogs. According to Rick
Huffines, the deputy regional chief of the National Refuge
System, “Given the rarity of these bogs an