Kip’s Comments - September 11, 2026
Kauten Fen Walk 2026
This morning a group of outdoor explorers enjoyed a pleasant day exploring the rare beauty found in the Kauten Fen. John Pearson (State Ecologist with the Iowa DNR) provided insight on the unusual ecological site and the vegetation found in the wet environment. Rebecca Kauten shared the family history of the fen and how it came to be preserved. Heather Gamm (Fayette County Conservation) and her staff joined us and helped to coordinate the event. (Fayette County Conservation are the “boots on the ground” team to manage the Kauten Fen.)
This is a one-day, annual event and today was believed to be the 30th Fen Walk.
Many thanks to Bill and Joanne Kauten, Rebecca Kauten, John Pearson, Heather Gamm, and Fayette County Conservation for making this day possible!
Following are images recorded during my walk. Due to the fragile nature of a fen, and that there is so much interesting plant life found in this fen, some of the pictures are a bit busier than I prefer. Image information is in the captions.
Becky's Fen Walk 2026 - Image 1145297
Grass of Parnassus - Image 1145396
Grass of Parnassus - Image 1145381 (past its prime)
Great Plains Lady Tresses - Image 1145414
Great Plains Lady Tresses - Image 1145458 (Stem found severed on the ground. Then used for the photo.)
Fringed Gentian (Crinita) - Image 1145356
Lesser Fringed Gentian - Image 1145479
Stiff Gentian - Image 1145498
Stiff Gentian - Image 1145555
Bottle (Closed) Gentian - Image 1145342
Swamp Lousewort - Image 1145570
White-lined Sphinx Moth - Image 1145584 (wing action)
White-lined Sphinx Moth - Image 1145586
Willow Pinecone Gall - Image 1145603
