Detailed summary of the wetlands at Pleasant Valley Conservancy

Restoration work on the Pleasant Valley Conservancy wetland has been underway for over 15 years. This work has been carried out by Craig Annen and his company, Integrated Restorations (IR).

Recently, as part of a survey for hybrid cattails, Craig has prepared a detailed summary of the wetland, including an extensive species list which includes a Floristic Quality Index (FQI).

Craig's paper has now been posted on the PVC website and is available for download.

According to the report, the 35-acre complex is a mosaic of seven unique wetland types: riparian floodplain, emergent aquatic, open water, shrub-carr, peaty sedge meadow, wet prairie, and calcareous fen/spring.

View of the PVC wetland from the bench at the Far Overlook. Although there is a substantial stream running through the wetland, most of the water is from springs and seeps.

Early Autumn view of the wetland, showing the location of the boardwalk.

The wetland complex supports 163 indigenous species of native plants, all listed in the report. The Floristic Quality Index (FQI) has a value of 62.2, indicative of a remnant natural area of remarkable quality. Thirty-eight species have a coefficient of conservatism (C-value) greater than or equal to 7, and 16 species have a C value greater than or equal to 8. These values are indicative of remnants of high-quality and with the least amount disturbance. Thus PVC has been justified in placing high priority on its wetland restoration work.

One plant species, sweet Indian plantain (Hasteola suaveolens), is a species of Special Concern in Wisconsin.

A gallery of flower photos and further information on the wetland can be found on the wetlands page on the PVC website.