PA Environment Digest

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will designate the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art as the second Pennsylvania Wild Plant Sanctuary.

"The Wild Plant Sanctuary program is meant to encourage the conservation of natural areas and native plants, and to recognize private landowners who serve as models of good conservation and stewardship of these special resources," DCNR Secretary John Quigley said. "With strategies to conserve rare plants as part of the property's management plan already in place, the center serves as a great model for other landowners."

The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, located on 500 acres is the leading institution combining art with the collection and dissemination of natural history knowledge in Pennsylvania.

The center property contains healthy hardwood forests that support several plant species of concern, including what is perhaps the state's largest population of minniebush, a woodland shrub with rosy, bell-shaped flowers, related to mountain laurel and azaleas.

Jerry Regan, the center's director, is honored to have the Ned Smith Center Lands receive such a prestigious recognition.

"The Wild Plant Sanctuary designation will greatly enhance our more than 500 acres and 12 miles of trails including a new ADA trail to allow all of our visitors an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature," said Regan. "We hope the public will come out in full force to celebrate with us on this special day."

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

The first designation in June 2009 was a 7.6-acre property owned by Michael and Barbara Yavorosky and is located in Fell Township, Lackawanna County, and Clinton Township, Wayne County.

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

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