Cranesville Swamp Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cranesville Swamp Preserve |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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Bog at Cranesville Swamp
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 Cranesville Swamp Preserve
Location in West Virginia
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| Location | United States |
| Area | 1,600 acres (6.5 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,547 ft (776 m) |
| Established | 1960 |
| Website | Cranesville Swamp Preserve |
| Designated: | 1964 |
Cranesville Swamp Preserve is a special natural area. It is located in Preston County, West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland. This preserve covers about 1,600 acres. That's like 1,200 football fields!
Cranesville Swamp is unique because it is a "boreal bog." This means it is a swamp with plants and animals usually found much farther north. It is like a little piece of Canada right here in the southern United States!
Contents
A Special History
The Nature Conservancy is a group that works to protect nature. They started buying land for Cranesville Swamp in 1960. In October 1964, the site became one of the first National Natural Landmarks in the country. This means it is a very important natural place.
How the Swamp Formed
Cranesville Swamp sits in a natural bowl-shaped area. This area is often called a "frost pocket." Because of its shape, cold air gets trapped here. This creates a climate that is much colder than the areas around it. It is almost like the climate you would find in places much farther north.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Unique Plant Life
The special cold climate at Cranesville Swamp allows many different kinds of plants to grow. There are 19 different groups of plants that thrive here!
Some of the most common plants you will see include:
- Sphagnum moss: This moss acts like a giant sponge. It holds a lot of water.
- Speckled alder: This is a type of shrub or small tree.
- Sedges: These are grass-like plants.
- Grasses: Many different kinds of grasses grow here.
You can also find some very interesting bog plants. These include:
- Round-leaved sundew: This plant has sticky leaves that trap insects for food.
- Narrowleaf gentian: This plant has beautiful blue flowers.
The swamp is also home to the southernmost natural group of American larches. These are trees that usually grow in much colder northern areas.
Wildlife You Might See
Cranesville Swamp is a home for many different animals. You might spot some larger animals like:
- Black bears
- Porcupines
- Snowshoe hares
It is also a great place for birdwatchers! Some rare birds for this area have been seen here. These include:
- Golden-crowned kinglet
- Nashville warbler
A very rare animal called the northern water shrew has also been found here. This tiny mammal is usually found in colder, northern places.
