Peatland Habitats
Peatlands
Peatlands are wetland ecosystems that contain peat, a spongy, organic material formed by partially decayed wetland plants. The water in many peatlands is highly acidic and lacking in nutrients, creating growing conditions for a very distinct group of plants (for example, the carnivorous pitcher plant, see photo at left). Types of peatlands include:
Bogs receive very little surface water flow and are among the most acidic peatlands. They are dominated by shrubs such as leatherleaf and bog laurel.
Fens are peatlands assocatiated with moving water, either a lake, pond or stream. They are often dominated by sedges and shrubs.
Peat swamps are peatlands dominated by trees, such as black spruce, larch, cedar, or (most common) red maple.
To learn more, read the NH Wildlife Action Plan habitat profile for Peatlands, including information about the condition and location of this habitat, the threats facing this habitat, and conservation actions recommended by biologists to protect peatlands in New Hampshire.
New Habitat Brochure on Peatlands 
Peatlands add significantly to New Hampshire's biodiversity. At least 550 different plants grow in peatlands in the state, many of them highly-specialized to their environment. To learn more about recognizing and conserving peatland habitats, click here to download the new peatlands brochure in the Habitat Stewardship Series.
Wildlife Found in Peatlands
A number of wildlife species of conservation concern in New Hampshire depend on peatlands. To learn more about each species, click on the link below to read its Wildlife Action Plan profile:
Blanding's turtle
Eastern towhee
Mink frog
Northern bog lemming
Palm warbler
Ribbon snake
Ringed boghaunter dragonfly
Rusty blackbird
Spotted turtle
Spruce grouse
