Bishop’s Bog Preserve Trail, Michigan, United States

4Chris M 5:00 PM Jul 15, 2020

A different kind of bog
As a bog enthusiast, I try to visit bogs whenever possible. This one is a bit different than you might expect. First of all, despite it’s name, there were absolutely no clergy to be found anywhere. Secondly, the trail gets the top billing, while the natural bog itself is downplayed. This bog is located directly in the middle of a suburban development. In fact, there is a construction company right outside the bog, and there are “for sale” signs along the beginning of the bike path. The main, paved, bike path takes you through a scenic trail, but the dirt footpath that takes you to the bog proper is unmarked. The Bog, despite being mere yards from developed areas, is quiet, scenic and relaxing. Mosquitoes are prevalent, but you’ve gotta expect that. Frogs can be heard, animal tracks are seen and the area is kind of surreal, primordial and very pretty. One of the highlights of this, as in most bogs, is the sphagnum moss, which allows lots of plants to grow which you don’t see in many other places. Kind of like a rainforest jungle in the middle of a residential development. Walk involves hills and may be muddy but is not too strenuous. It is nice that the city of Portage preserved this area, but it is kind of disappointing that they seem to use and promote it as just another “city park” for the enjoyment of its residents, as opposed to the rare treasure it is. A lot of bogs offer educational signage and guides explaining the rare plants and animals that call bogs home and to explain the unique ecosystem and why it is important and unusual. This Bog has none of these.

5Bob H 5:00 PM Nov 29, 2019

A Beautiful and Significant Bog
This bog was one of the noteworthy sites in Clarence and Florence Hanes's "Flora of Kalamazoo County" (1947). It's a beautiful place that harbors the rare orange fringed orchid, at least three kind of carnivorous plant (northern pitcher plant and two species of sundew), pink ladyslipper orchids, and more. I've walked the boardwalk for many years--and yes, when the bog is saturated, you'll get wet feet and probably wet pants from getting squirted, as others have noted. In drier periods you won't have that problem, but wear water shoes and shorts when the place is waterlogged. After all, it's a *wet*land. Don't let a little water stop you from enjoying this little gem while you still can. It is being invaded on the east side by dense stands of glossy buckthorn, and I have noticed significant changes since I first began visiting there fifteen or twenty years ago. Last time I was there, two years ago,* the trail was overgrown and appeared not to have been maintained. But I just read a more current and hopeful writeup here from this year, so hopefully my last experience was just a fluke, not a sign of disinvestment by the City of Portage. This bog is unique, and it deserves to be fought for, not surrendered to invasive species. __________ * The question below, "When did you visit?" doesn't provide an adequate date range. So, sorry, I lied. My last visit was in August 2018.