Pine Swamp Natural Area

Pine Swamp Natural Area in Mercer County was purchased in sections by the Conservancy between 1974 and 1981.  The name is a misnomer.  This 395-acre wetland is actually the only known raised bog in western Pennsylvania.  The center is higher than the edges due to build-up of vegetation over thousands of years.  Raised bogs are most common in Maine, eastern Canada, and Alaska.

Pine Swamp is the headwaters of Wolf Creek (another Conservancy project area) and Yellow Creek.  Its only source of moisture is rainwater, so there is little danger of contamination from adjacent lands.

In addition to having the only known stand of naturally occurring gray birch in western Pennsylvania, it also supports lush growth of sphagnum, cranberry, royal fern, and Virginia chain fern – a rare and endangered species.

Pine Swamp is an important natural area for a number of reasons.  Over its long life, the bog has been receiving a constant “rain” of pollen from the surrounding forest.  As the pollen settles in, the highly acidic chemistry of the bog retards decomposition of the pollen and other organic matter so that a continuous record of the area’s natural history is preserved in layers below the surface.

By making test borings, scientists are able to examine these layers and identify the various pollen to determine changes that have occurred in the surrounding forest over long periods of time.

Under the protection of Conservancy ownership, Pine Swamp will remain a living museum for research and study by present and future generations.