Tamarack Swamp, the Lone Suvivor of Pa.'s Last Glacial Period
Tamarack
Swamp, in northern Clinton County, Pa., is named for the unusual presence
of tamarack (Larix laricina), the only native deciduous (annually
shedding) conifer tree in Pennsylvania. Tamarack Swamp survived after
a post-glacial shift in climate, while other similar areas disappeared.
The swamp forms the headwaters of Drury Run, an Exceptional Value, high-gradient
clearwater stream.
Bug-eating
plants, uncommon dragonflies, black spruce and balsam fir dot the soggy
soils, while birds like Virginia rail, swamp sparrow and northern saw-whet
owls mingle with black bear, red-spotted newt and an abundance of other
species.
Today, Tamarack Swamp is continuing to recover from earlier logging. It
has suffered some damage from other activities -- largely natural gas
development. Nonetheless, inherent ecological qualities remain. That's
why in 1998 WPC conveyed 351 acres to the Pa. State Bureau of Forestry
to protect part of the swamp. This part of the swamp's watershed was identified
for protection in the conservation plan for the swamp. In 2002, we acquired
an additional 134-acre tract to add more protection.
To
read the full article on this important ecological area, click
here.
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