Every year, dozens of local boat owners in Wisconsin band together to move a giant floating island on Lake Chippewa, also known as the Chippewa Flowage. This floating island, known as the “Forty Acre Bog,” is composed of peat, plant roots, mud, and even mature trees. These trees act as sails, catching the wind and moving the island around the lake. When the bog drifts and blocks a crucial bridge connecting the east and west sides of the lake, it requires a community effort to push it back into position using their boats.
The floating bogs formed over time as peat bogs from the lake’s swampy bottom rose to the surface, creating a habitat rich in biodiversity. Moving the bog is a complex task that relies on favorable wind conditions, and it often requires multiple attempts to place it correctly, or it will drift back within days. This annual task, while challenging, highlights the community’s dedication to preserving the natural environment and maintaining access across the lake. The floating bog is legally protected and cannot be broken apart, adding to the complexity of the task. Despite their best efforts, there are occasions when the bog gets stuck on obstacles like rocks, necessitating repeated efforts to clear the passage.
Credit: Just Weirdness 🥰