Cranesville Swamp Preserve is a 1,600-acre (650 ha) preserve situated in Preston County, West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland.[4] It is one of the few remaining boreal bogs in the southern United States, [5] unusual in harboring many plants and animals that are normally only seen in more northern climates.[4]
History
The Nature Conservancy purchased the 1,600 acres (650 ha) beginning in 1960.[2] In October 1964, the site was designated as one of the first National Natural Landmarks in the country.[2][6]
Geology
Cranesville Swamp is situated in a natural bowl, or "frost pocket," creating a climate that is more consistent with more northerly regions.[6][4]
Ecology
Flora
Cranesville Swamp's unusual setting allows 19 different plant communities to flourish, [7] with the most dominant species being, among others, sphagnum moss, speckled alder (Alnus rugosa), various sedges (Carex folliculata, and C. stricta) and grasses. Bog species include round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) and narrowleaf gentian (Gentiana linearis).[2]
The swamp is also home to the southernmost natural community of American larches.[2]
Fauna
In addition to black bear, porcupine, snowshoe hare and a wide variety of birds, the rare northern water shrew has been documented here. Birders have also noted the golden-crowned kinglet and Nashville warbler, rarely seen in this area.[2]
References
- ^ "Cranesville Swamp Preserve". Protected Planet. IUCN. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Cranesville Swamp Preserve". The Nature Conservancy. Archived from the original on May 2, 2009. Retrieved February 26, 2009.
- ^ "Cranesville Swamp". Elevation Query. U.S. Geological Survey. Archived from the original on July 22, 2011. Retrieved March 8, 2009.
- ^ a b c "Cranesville Swamp". West Virginia University Extension Service. Archived from the original on February 4, 2009. Retrieved February 26, 2009.
- ^ Fuller, KB; Frank, PS Jr. (Autumn 1974). "The Cranesville Pine Swamp". Atlantic Naturalist. 3. 29: 101–105. Archived from the original on February 23, 2012. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
- ^ a b "Cranesville Swamp Nature Sanctuary". National Park Service. Archived from the original on January 15, 2009. Retrieved March 2, 2009.
- ^ Colbert, Judy (2004). Maryland and Delaware: Off the Beaten Path : a Guide to Unique Places (8, Illustrated ed.). Globe Pequot. p. 10. ISBN 0-7627-4418-9. Retrieved March 5, 2009.[permanent dead link]