Spring Pond Bog Preserve

Before you go, view our preserve guidelines.

The half-mile trail leads through a hardwood forest, along an esker with views of the spruce swamp, to a point with magnificent views of Spring Pond Bog.  There is also a boardwalk trail through a smaller "teaching bog" off the main trail. Built by volunteers during the summer of 1998, it allows visitors to take an up-close look at the bog without disturbing the plants. Note: Because it is located beyond a private gate, access to Spring Pond Bog requires written permission. Contact the Adirondack Chapter of The Nature Conservancy for a gate pass.

The wetlands and surrounding forest provide habitat for more than 130 species of birds, including boreal species like spruce grouse, black-backed woodpecker, gray jay, and short-eared owl.

The bog contains a variety of typical northern bog plant species such as pitcher plant, leather leaf, bog laurel and Labrador tea, as well as several rare species. Plants must adapt to this nutrient-poor environment. The pitcher plant actually traps and "eats" insects. The leaves of the pitcher plant form a vase that holds water. Insects that venture in are trapped by downward pointing hairs, fall into the water, and are digested by the plant.