Pennsylvania’s state forest system includes dozens of special wild and natural areas set aside to protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic, and historical features or to showcase outstanding examples of the state’s major forest communities.
Natural areas are “managed” by nature and direct human intervention is limited. They:
- Provide places for scenic observation
- Protect special plant and animal communities
- Conserve outstanding examples of natural beauty
Wild areas are generally extensive tracts managed to protect the forest’s wild character and to provide back country recreational opportunities.
Anders Run Natural Area
A true remnant of years gone by, this 96-acre tract located near Irvine in Warren County, contains white pine and hemlock that date back hundreds of years.
Intermixed among the conifer giants are a variety of hardwood trees common to northwestern Pennsylvania, including:
- Red and white oaks
- Sugar and red maples
- Black and yellow birches
- Beech trees
Adding to the diversity is a wide spectrum of wildflowers including trilliums, violets, and trout lilies.
Of historical interest, a stone house dating to 1841 stands in a clearing near the southern boundary of the property.
See the Anders Run Natural Area Fact Sheet (PDF) for more information.