Celebrating 50 Years of Conservation in Pennsylvania

1957 was an important year as TNC acquired the Tannersville Cranberry Bog, a 1,000-acre preserve nestled in the heart of the Poconos. This remarkable site is one of Pennsylvania’s most unique ecosystems, formed over 10,000 years ago by glacial activity. Today, it serves as a living museum of the Ice Age, home to an extraordinary array of flora and fauna—including carnivorous plants, rare orchids like the rose pogonia and the state-endangered heart-leaved twayblade, and boreal species typically found much farther north.

The bog is the southernmost low-elevation boreal bog on the eastern seaboard, making it ecologically significant and irreplaceable. Over the decades, TNC has worked closely with partners such as the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, Pocono Township, and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to protect and steward this fragile landscape. The bog acts like a giant sponge, absorbing rain and runoff, filtering pollutants, and helping to maintain water quality throughout the Pocono Creek watershed.

Public access is carefully managed to preserve the bog’s delicate environment. While the North Woods and Fern Ridge Trails are open to visitors, the iconic floating boardwalk trail is accessible only through guided tours led by environmental educators.

See the schedule of 2025 public events here.

Since opening the Hauser Nature Center to the public in 2001, The Nature Conservancy has continued to protect the surrounding Pocono Mountains, an essential stopover for migratory birds.

In 2024, we proudly unveiled the Universal Access Trail at Hauser Nature Center, located in a region that holds Pennsylvania’s highest concentration of globally rare species. This first-of-its-kind trail in the Poconos makes nature more accessible than ever, inviting people of all abilities to experience the unique beauty of this landscape.

The trail is part of the larger Long Pond Preserve complex, a 12,000-acre mosaic of bogs, swamps, marshes, and forests along the southeastern edge of the Pocono Plateau. Managed by TNC, this ecologically rich area includes the Hauser Nature Center, Cathy’s Trail, and the Long Pond Barrens. It supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including rare butterflies, moths, and birds, and is recognized as one of the most biologically significant natural areas in Pennsylvania.

Through partnerships with organizations like the Pennsylvania Game Commission, TNC has implemented innovative conservation strategies here, including the use of prescribed fire to restore over 2,000 acres of barrens habitat. These efforts ensure that the preserve remains a thriving sanctuary for both wildlife and people.

Plan your visit to the Long Pond Nature Complex today.

In 2002, TNC took a major step in conservation by acquiring 1,200 acres in the heart of Moosic Mountain, land that was previously slated for development. This purchase helped protect sensitive mountaintop habitats and safeguard local water quality.

The preserve grew even larger in 2009, expanding to 2,250 acres. It quickly became a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails with sweeping views of northeastern Pennsylvania. The area is recognized as one of the best locations in the northeastern U.S. for ridge-top heath barrens and features 12 miles of mountain biking trails with a 1,000-foot elevation gain.

In 2021, TNC partnered with Individual Abilities in Motion (I AM) to enhance accessibility. Together, they installed a new gate at the trailhead, allowing individuals using mobility devices to more easily enjoy the preserve.

Plan your visit to Eales Preserve today.

In 2009, TNC played a pivotal role in championing legislation that formally recognized prescribed fire as a legitimate and essential forest management tool in Pennsylvania. This landmark policy shift provided legal protections for trained practitioners, enabling land stewards to safely and effectively use fire to restore ecological balance.

Since the legislation was passed, hundreds of acres across Pennsylvania have benefited from prescribed fire. TNC’s fire crews, often working in collaboration with state agencies, local fire departments, and private landowners, have restored critical habitats for grassland birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. The program has also become a model for cross-state collaboration, with fire teams sharing expertise and resources across the Mid-Atlantic region.

This proactive approach to land management not only enhances biodiversity but also builds more resilient landscapes capable of withstanding the growing threats of climate change and wildfire. 

Learn more about how and why we work with fire here.

Our work at Cove Mountain Preserve is a shining example of landscape-scale conservation in action. What began in 2007 with the protection of 350 acres has grown into a 1,550-acre preserve as of 2021, thanks to a landmark land acquisition that filled a critical gap in the Kittatinny Ridge corridor. This expansion created a continuous 14-mile stretch of protected land along one of Pennsylvania’s most ecologically significant landscapes.

The Kittatinny Ridge, part of the Appalachian Mountain chain, is a globally recognized migratory corridor for birds and other wildlife. It provides vital habitat for species like the state-threatened Allegheny woodrat and serves as a natural highway for animals adapting to climate change. The ridge’s diverse topography—steep slopes, ravines, and varied soil types—creates a mosaic of microclimates that support rich biodiversity and allow species to move freely in search of suitable habitat.

The expansion of Cove Mountain not only protects critical wildlife habitat and clean water for the Susquehanna River but also enhances public access to nature. The preserve offers hiking, birdwatching, and seasonal hunting opportunities, all within a short drive of Harrisburg. It also preserves an iconic Pennsylvania viewshed, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the scenic beauty of this treasured landscape.

Plan your visit to Cove Mountain today.

In Philadelphia and beyond, we are advancing urban conservation strategies that make cities more livable and resilient. Through nature-based solutions like green stormwater infrastructure, urban heat mapping, and tree planting, TNC is helping to reduce flooding, cool neighborhoods, and improve air quality. By partnering with local communities and organizations, we are ensuring that these efforts are community-centered, addressing both environmental and social challenges. From the Resilient Communities Stormwater Initiative to interactive tools like the Philadelphia Urban Heat Map and the GSI Impact Hub, TNC’s work is creating healthier environments where both people and nature can thrive.

Learn more about work in Philadelphia here.