Acting Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources John Quigley this week announced Pennsylvania is designating its first Private Wild Plant Sanctuary, a 7.6-acre property owned by Michael and Barbara Yavorosky is located in Fell Township, Lackawanna County and Clinton Township, Wayne County.

 

The Yavoroskys, of nearby Hop Bottom, are committed to preserving the site in perpetuity and welcome the public to visit the sanctuary.

 

"The program is meant to encourage the conservation of natural areas and native plants on private lands, and to recognize landowners who serve as good stewards of these special resources," Acting Secretary Quigley said. "The Yavorsky's have been very enthusiastic, seeking this designation long before the program was developed. They serve as great conservationists and as models for other landowners."

 

The Private Wild Plant Sanctuary Program was established through the Wild Resource Conservation Act of 1982 to establish a voluntary statewide network of native plant sanctuaries on private lands.

 

Landowners agree to protect the area and educate others about the importance of native and wild plants and habitats. In return, they receive assistance with a management plan if needed, and have access to technical assistance and ecological check ups.

 

Now to be called the Panther Creek Private Wild Plant Sanctuary, the property is located on Moosic Mountain. Panther Creek is a steep sloping, forested ravine stream which includes a dramatic waterfall.

 

Several botanists have documented a healthy and diverse plant community of native wildflowers and shrubs, including showy species such as pink lady-slipper, rosebay rhododendron and swamp azalea. The sanctuary also has been noted by the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program as a site of local conservation significance.

 

"The Private Plant Sanctuary Program presents an opportunity for people to make a positive contribution to conservation and our hope is that many landowners will take advantage of the program," said Michael and Barbara Yavorosky.

 

For more information about the Private Wild Plant Sanctuary Program, contact DCNR's Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-3444 or send email to: RA-PAPlandSanctuary@state.pa.us.