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As July's summer heat begins its assault
on the Chesapeake watershed, one area is just swinging into bloom.
The alpine bogs of central Pennsylvania's Bear Meadows Natural Area
are brimming with high-bush blueberries. This 325-acre bog is a national
natural landmark that is home to yellow-fringed orchids, red-spotted
newts, 58 species of dragonflies and lots of blueberries. To experience
the sweet, succulent taste of these wild treats, be prepared to get
your feet wet in the bog's squishy terrain. And, check over your shoulder
as local black bears crave these delectables as well.
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All text and images courtesy of Watershed
Radio. More information can be found on their website.
Bear Meadows Natural Area
The Bear Meadows Natural Area is located in the ridge-and-valley section
of central Pennsylvania, seven miles south of State College. This
520-acre natural landmark is surrounded by mountain ridges that are
400 to 600 feet higher than the bog. The bog itself is 1,820 feet
above sea level.
Ten thousand years ago there was a pond at Bear Meadows, but either
a beaver dam or a landslide blocked the outlet to Sinking Creek. Over
the centuries, the area gradually filled in with sphagnum moss, which
formed the thick peat layer you can see today.
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