WISCONSIN—Wetlands, especially organic rich peatlands, have historically been massive sinks for carbon but climate change may be changing the source/sink relationship. If northern peatlands become carbon sources (or even lesser sinks) the possible feedbacks to the atmosphere could have global implications on carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

Peatlands cover about 3% of the earth’s land surface area, but they store about one-third to half of the soil carbon stores on the planet. On the Northern Research Station’s Marcell Experimental Forest, researchers have been studying the peatland ecosystem for 65 years. Long-term research on a national network of experimental forests and ranges is unique to the Forest Service.

On June 20, Lakeland Public Television premiered a documentary about peatlands research on the experimental forest, which is located on Chippewa National Forest in northern Minnesota. The documentary focused on the SPRUCE experiment, a groundbreaking study on the effects of climate change on northern peatlands.

To learn more, watch the documentary on the Lakeland PBS website.