Cranesville Swamp Preserve

Cranesville Swamp Preserve
Nature Conservancy Preserve
256px Bog at Cranesville Swamp
Country	United States
States	Maryland, West Virginia
Counties	Garrett MD, Preston WV
Elevation	2,547 ft (776.3 m)
Coordinates
Area	1,600 acres (647.5 ha)
Established	1960
- National Natural Landmark	October 1964
Owner	The Nature Conservancy
IUCN category	III - Natural Monument
Nearest city	Friendsville, Maryland
Location of Cranesville Swamp Preserve in West Virginia
Wikimedia Commons: Cranesville Swamp Preserve
Website: Cranesville Swamp Preserve
U.S. National Natural Landmark
Designated	1964

Cranesville Swamp Preserve is a 1,600-acre (650 ha) preserve situated in Preston County, West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland. It is one of the few remaining boreal bogs in the southern United States, unusual in harboring many plants and animals that are normally only seen in more northern climates.

History

The Nature Conservancy purchased the 1,600 acres (650 ha) beginning in 1960. In October 1964, the site was designated as one of the first National Natural Landmarks in the country.

Geology

Cranesville Swamp is situated in a natural bowl, or "frost pocket," creating a climate that is more consistent with more northerly regions.

Ecology

Flora

Cranesville Swamp's unusual setting allows 19 different plant communities to flourish, 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).

The swamp is also home to the southernmost natural community of larches.

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.