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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    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.

    Spruce Swamp Natural Area 

    This 87-acre site located on the Thornhurst Tract is noted for its glacial bog where native spruce, balsam fir, and tamarack are found.

    The area also is known to contain a few Pennsylvania Plant Species of Concern. Surrounding the bog and acting as a buffer is a typical hardwood forest interspersed with hemlock and assorted pines.

    See the Spruce Swamp Natural Area Fact Sheet (PDF) for more information.