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Pennsylvania

Places We Protect in Pennsylvania

A sunsets over the horizon creating a pink, purple, and orange clouded sky.
Sunset at Eales Preserve The Blueberry trail at the Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the ridge tops. © Melisa Soysal/TNC

With your help, The Nature Conservancy protects critical natural lands and life-giving waters in Pennsylvania.

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In addition to providing healthy and resilient habitats for a wide variety of wildlife, The Nature Conservancy's preserves in Pennsylvania are the perfect destinations to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking to spot migratory birds, hike through white pine, hemlock and oak forests, or take your mountain bike around Moosic Mountain, one of these public preserves has you covered!

Public Preserves

A rock sticks out of the water in front of a small mountain.
Stunning Views Beautiful views of nature and Harrisburg await you as you hike through the Hamer Woodlands at Cove Mountain. © Kevin Yoder/TNC

Hamer Woodlands at Cove Mountain

The Hamer Woodlands at Cove Mountain is situated along the Kittatinny Ridge and bridges existing conservation lands, creating a 14-mile protected corridor for migratory species. Visitors can explore several miles of hiking trails while enjoying scenic views of the Susquehanna River and surrounding ridges. The preserve also plays a vital role in climate resilience and wildlife habitat preservation. Explore the Hamer Woodlands at Cove Mountain.

A colorful pollinator garden sits in front of a brown barn with a green roof.
Hauser Nature Center During the spring and summer months, visitors can explore the native pollinator garden at Hauser Nature Center. © John Hinkson/TNC

Long Pond Barrens & Hauser Nature Center

The Long Pond Barrens and Hauser Nature Center are nestled within the picturesque Pocono Mountains. This unique landscape harbors the highest concentration of globally rare species in Pennsylvania. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the pollinator garden, explore the visitor center to learn about local species, take a tour along the universal access trail, or venture into the barrens for serene woodland views. Explore the Long Pond Barrens & Hauser Nature Center.

A cleared path runs through a tall brush. A tree sits to the left of the path agasint a pink and purple clouded sky.
Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve Our Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain is an excellent place for birding in the fall. © Melisa Soysal/TNC

Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve

Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve, located within Moosic Mountain, offers breathtaking vistas of Pennsylvania’s northeastern corner. This diverse preserve features pine and oak forests, along with huckleberry, blueberry, and other shrubs that attract a wide variety of species—making it a haven for birdwatchers. Visitors are welcome to bring their leashed dogs, mountain bikes, or simply their sense of adventure to explore the extensive trail network. Explore Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve.

A wooden kisok sits at a trail entracne agasint fall colored trees with yellow leaves.
Preserve Entrance A kiosk with preserve information greets you at the entrance of Thomas Darling Preserve. © Melisa Soysal/TNC

Thomas Darling Preserve

Thomas Darling Preserve, positioned within the Pocono Plateau, boasts Pennsylvania’s largest and healthiest spruce forests. Abundant wildlife—including black bears, eastern coyotes, and snowshoe hares—calls this preserve home. Visitors can revel in the preserve’s year-round beauty while strolling along the two-mile loop, spotting unique bird species, and immersing themselves in nature’s tranquility. Explore the Thomas Darling Preserve.

 

A pitcher plant growns in a bog and holds water in it's center tube.
Pitcher Plant These carnivorous plants are native to Tannersville Cranberry Bog. © Melisa Soysal/TNC

Tannersville Cranberry Bog

Tannersville Cranberry Bog, located on the remnants of a vast glacial lake, harbors a remarkable ecosystem. As the southernmost low-elevation boreal bog along the eastern seaboard, it hosts unique wildlife, including carnivorous pitcher plants, native orchids, and river otters. To explore this natural wonder, visitors can attend one of several guided public events. Explore Tannersville Cranberry Bog.

A large brown bird with white spots stands on a fallen log in the forest.
Ruffed Grouse Pennsylvania's state bird spotted at TNC's West Branch Preserve. © Geroge Gress/TNC

West Branch Forest Preserve

West Branch Forest Preserve, nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s High Allegheny Plateau, treats visitors to miles of picturesque views. The area boasts abundant wildlife including ruffed grouse, fishers and a reintroduced elk herd. In addition to hiking and birding, visitors can observe the sustainable practices implemented in this working forest. Explore West Branch Forest.

Become a Volunteer Monitorer

You can help us protect nature!

  • Factsheet explaining how to use the PA/DE preserve monitoring app. Instructions are shown in text and graphics. A QR code in the upper right corner allows users to download the app.

    Preserve Monitoring

    We need volunteers to help us monitor our public preserves. Monitors can use an app to log information and keep us informed of new issues like downed trees across the trails or other maintenance needs. Learn more by downloading the form.

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A person holding a shot gun in an orange vest looks into the distance at a tree line while standing in tall grass.
Hunting Members of the hunting and angling communities represent some of the conservation movement's earliest supporters. © ColdSnap Photography

Partnerships in Protection

Explore some additional public preserves TNC has had a hand in protecting.