Andy Zadnik, senior director of land stewardship at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, announced the inclusion of the mature northern hardwood and sugar maple floodplain forests at a recent Pennsylvania Native Species Day WPC Member Hike held at the natural area, which is owned and managed by the Conservancy.
After the announcement, attendees enjoyed exploring the trees in the dense forest and observing the rich diversity of native species, including plant species that depend on forests that haven’t been cleared or used for agriculture for a long time.
These species include wild sarsaparilla, dwarf ginseng, Dutchman’s breeches and trillium.
The 150 forested acres, now referred to as the “legacy forest” at Wolf Creek Narrows, make up the 41st Pennsylvania forest to be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network and the first in Butler County.
The upper slopes and plateau of the forest support a mature northern hardwood forest. Dominant trees include northern red oak, black cherry, tulip poplar, sugar maple and American beech.
Along the Wolf Creek floodplain is a sugar maple floodplain forest dominated by sugar maple, American sycamore and eastern hemlock, which is Pennsylvania’s state tree.
According to a former owner of the property, the majority of the forest has not been logged since at least 1900; as such, the oldest trees in this section of forest are estimated to be between 120 and 130 years old.
Some geologists believe the “narrows” formed when an ice-age tunnel collapsed due to glacial meltwaters.
The tunnel was carved through the limestone bedrock, and the resulting collapse left numerous boulders and rock outcrops.
The limestone bedrock has helped form rich soils that support a diverse floral community, including a brilliant display of spring wildflowers such as trillium, bluebells and trout lily.
The 243-acre preserve contains channel scars and vernal pools located at different elevations. These wetlands provide important habitat for amphibians and fairy shrimp.
Zadnik noted, “Through this induction, we appreciate the added recognition that Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area supports a unique forest ecosystem that will continue to develop old-growth characteristics far into the future.”
Click Here for the Old-Growth Forest Network description of the area.
The Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, publicly accessible, native forests.
OGFN intends to preserve at least one forest in every county in the U.S. that can sustain a forest. OGFN works to identify forests for the Network, ensure their protection from logging and inform people of the forest locations.
Founded in 2012, the Network has grown to include 335 forests across 40 states.
OGFN also recognizes exceptional forest advocates, educates about the extraordinary ecological benefits of old-growth forests, and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests.
OGFN Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager Brian Kane said, “The importance of preserving these rare forests cannot be overemphasized. The legacy forest at Wolf Creek stores carbon, provides wildlife habitat, filters stormwater and allows visitors to refresh their soul after walking among its amazing trees along Wolf Creek. OGFN is truly grateful for the efforts of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to protect and upkeep this rare natural area among many others.”
Bear Run Nature Reserve Will Also Soon Be Inducted
A portion of the Conservancy’s 5,162-acre Bear Run Nature Reserve in Fayette County will also soon be inducted into the OGFN.
Some trees in the preserve’s forest are also more than 120 years old.
The OGFN will host a public dedication ceremony at the preserve on July 8 at 10 a.m. If interested in attending or learning more, please contact Andy Zadnik at azadnik@paconserve.org.
Click Here for the WPC announcement.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) enhances the region by protecting and restoring exceptional places.
A private nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1932, WPC has helped establish 11 state parks, conserved more than a quarter million acres of natural lands, protected or restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams, and assessed thousands of wildlife species and their habitats.
The Conservancy owns and operates Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and symbolizes people living in harmony with nature.
In addition, WPC enriches our region’s cities and towns through 125 community gardens and other green spaces and thousands of trees that are planted with the help of more than 7,000 volunteers.
The work of the Conservancy is accomplished through the support of more than 10,000 members.
Related Articles This Week:
-- Wildlands Conservancy Permanently Protects 1,147 Acres Of Lehighton Water Authority Lands In Carbon County [PaEN]
-- Western PA Conservancy: Ligonier Valley Conservation Easement Protects 492 Acres Of Forestland, Streams In Westmoreland County [PaEN]
-- Heritage Conservancy Permanently Preserves 82 Acres In Williams Twp., Northampton County [PaEN]
-- Manada Conservancy Protects 40 Acres Of Woodlands For Future Generations In Dauphin County [PaEN]
-- Feature: Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy Members Help Make Tomb Flats Access On Pine Creek A Place For Everyone In Lycoming County [PaEN]
[Posted: June 5, 2026] PA Environment Digest
No comments :
Post a Comment