Cranberry Glades Botanical Area

The Cranberry River is an incredibly unique ecosystem that I was lucky enough to observe during my visit to the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. The river runs through a rich fen, a type of wetland with a high concentration of peat moss, and is surrounded by a rare boreal forest. The river's water is crystal clear, which allows for a great view of the riverbed and its many inhabitants, such as crayfish, trout, and freshwater mussels. The bog and fen are home to many unique plant species, including carnivorous pitcher plants and sundews, which have adapted to grow in the nutrient-poor environment. The area is also known for several rare bird species including the yellow-bellied flycatcher and olive-sided flycatcher.