Photo Gallery
These are photos that I took of the Endla Nature Reserve. This reserve is in central Estonia, and was created in 1985. It is the home to some rare plant species, including the natural red pondweed (Potamogeton rutilus) and the introduced species, water rice (Zizania latifolia).
All photos Copyright 2000 Jeremy Aber. They are not to be used without permission.
Here is a view of the forest that borders on the bog.
This is what the floor of the forest surrounding the bog looks like. The large amounts of moss growing have replaced traditional grasses in most places.
This is a lake that borders the bog. The shores of the lake are extremely soggy, which makes getting close for a picture difficult.
This is a typical view of the bog surface. Note the lack of large trees (most within 1-3 m tall) and the large amounts of short grasses and moss.
Another view of the bog floor. You can see a small pond, which is typical of a bog.
The observation tower. When on top, one can see a good portion of the bog. The view is rather impressive.
A view from the observation tower. One can see the myriad ponds that make up the bog system. One can also see my shadow at the bottom.
Here is a shot from a more saturated area of the bog. This was taken from the observation tower.
Another shot of the vegetation and landscapes in the bog.
More ponds in the bog. Some of the small water bodies show good reflections and are quite attractive.
This view shows the elevated walkway that is used for movement in the bog. This is done to protect the vegetation, to make movement faster, and prevent the loss of tourists.
Another shot of another bridge. This one is directly next to the observation tower.
Scientists have been taking samples from the Endla bog system since the 1950's. Perhaps international cooperation will cause the data to be brought together with other data sets; then a more complete record could be made available.
More equipment used to collect data about the bog.
Yet another picture of a bridge.
A close-up shot of the sphagnum moss that makes up most of the bog's ground cover. It's the red plant.
Probably the most beautiful picture I took at this bog. Actually, if I hadn't taken a wrong turn and left the elevated walkway, I would have never captured this pond.
Truth be told, it was my brother who led me off the main path, but if he hadn't, I wouldn't have these last two pictures, so I guess it was worth it.