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]
| Cranesville Swamp Preserve | |
|---|---|
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)[1] | |
 Bog at Cranesville Swamp | |
  Location of Cranesville Swamp Preserve in West Virginia | |
| Location | United States |
| Coordinates | 39°31′53″N 79°28′55″W / 39.53139°N 79.48194°W |
| Area | 1,600 acres (6.5 km2)[2] |
| Elevation | 2,547 ft (776 m)[3] |
| Established | 1960[2] |
| Website | Cranesville Swamp Preserve |
| Designated | 1964 |
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]