The Tannersville Cranberry Bog is run by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. I am not affiliated with The Nature Conservancy in any way; any mistakes or ommissions are mine alone.

 
Sphagnum Moss		   The Tannersville Cranberry Bog is located at what was the southern-most end of the last glacier. It was created by sphagnum moss ("peat moss") gradually filling in a glacial "kettle", or lake. Sphagnum moss grows very slowly, so this bog has taken thousands of years to develop. Because sphagnum moss is the basis of the bog ecosystem, these enviroments cannot be easily replaced once destroyed.

The life cycle of sphagnum causes the water to be acidic and oxygen-poor, which inhibits decomposition. Well-preserved mammoths have been retrieved from bogs in our area, and human remains are often found in peat bogs in Europe, giving us a unique window on the past.


 

Sundew


Wild Calla		   The plant species that grow in bogs have to be specialized to tolerate the nutrient- poor environment.

Some, such as sundews and pitcher plants, have become carnivorous to supplement their diet. Others, like the Tamarack, grow very slowly.

The Tannersville bog is home to some of North America's more beautiful native orchids, including rose pogonia and heart-leaved twayblade (endangered in PA).

Other endangered plants that grow here are bog rosemary, labrador tea, and cotton grass.		  
Pitcher Plant

It is also home to various wildlife, including the endangered bog turtle. Other animals include black bear, river otter, bobcat, and wild turkey.
 
Because it is a delicate environment, and home to some endangered species, you must arrange to go on an accompanied "bog walk" to see it. Call the Monroe County Enviromental Education Center for information: (570) 629-3061.


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