Spruce Swamp Natural Area
| Spruce Swamp Natural Area | |
|---|---|
Location within Pennsylvania | |
| Location | Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania |
| Nearest town | Thornhurst |
| Coordinates | 41°12′02″N 75°37′09″W / 41.2006°N 75.6193°W |
| Area | 87 acres (35 ha) |
Spruce Swamp Natural Area is a 87-acre (35 ha) protected area in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of Pinchot State Forest.[1][2]
Description
The Natural Area was established to protect a glacial bog of a type that is uncommon in Pennsylvania, protecting the habitats of several plant species that have been classified as threatened in Pennsylvania.[1] It is named specifically for the black spruce which is relatively rare in Pennsylvania.[2] A grove of tamarack trees have also been noted for their colorful fall foliage.[3] The area is also known for hosting a wide variety of songbirds.[4] The north and east edges of the area are traversed by the Pinchot Trail System.[5]
References
- ^ a b "Pinchot State Forest Wild and Natural Areas". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- ^ a b Fergus, Charles (2002). Natural Pennsylvania: Exploring the State Forest Natural Areas. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. pp. 120–122.
- ^ Serrao, John (November 10, 2007). "Color-turning tamarack worth trip into cold, boggy places". Pocono Record. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- ^ "Spruce Swamp Natural Area," Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
- ^ Cramer, Ben (2025). Guide to the Pinchot Trail System (2nd ed.). Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania: Catamount Press. pp. 3–6. ISBN 9798888193525.