Bog Walk

A couple weekends ago we went on a bog walk at the Tannersville Cranberry Bog. That's where I found out all about the Gall.  Since the bog is protected by the local nature conservancy you can only access the bog with a guide. We were lucky enough to have a botanist lead our group, if only I could remember half of what he said...

The Tannersville Cranberry Bog is a special place! Since it's a wetland and has such a unique ecosystem there are floating boardwalks to walk on.

It once was a huge glacial lake and because of that is now the home to many unique plants.

It's the lowest boreal bog on the eastern seaboard! The climate inside the bog provides the perfect conditions for plants that would normally be found in colder climates and further north. 

This bog is home to some of North America's most beautiful native orchids. I was really hoping to see some but none were in bloom. I was not disappointed though because there were still so many other exotic plants to see.

Like the Pitcher Plant.

This plant is a carnivore! It produces sweet smelling juice which lures unsuspecting insects right into it's mouth. They were mesmerizing. 

The above photo is of a Pitcher Plant flower.

As you can see this bog was not at all like a cranberry bog is portrayed on those cranberry juice T.V. commercials.

Although there were still plenty of wild cranberries to be found.

Aren't they beautiful?