Summary
The preserve spans 130 acres of land and is home to a variety of plant and animal species that are typically found in bogs and wetlands.
Some good reasons to visit the Donnelley Hardpan Bog Preserve include the opportunity to see rare and endangered plant species such as sweet pitcher plant, purple bladderwort, and loblolly bay. Visitors can also observe a variety of bird species such as the prothonotary warbler and other migratory birds.
The preserve is also known for its unique geological features, including the hardpan layer that lies beneath the surface soil. This hardpan layer is made up of dense, clay-like material that prevents water from draining and creates a perfect habitat for bog plants.
Visitors to the Donnelley Hardpan Bog Preserve can hike along the trails that wind through the preserve, stopping at viewing platforms to observe the different plant and animal species. There is also a boardwalk that allows visitors to walk through the heart of the bog and observe the unique plant life up close.
The best time of year to visit the Donnelley Hardpan Bog Preserve is in the spring and summer months when many of the plant and animal species are in full bloom and active. The preserve is open year-round, but visitors should check the weather conditions before visiting as the trails can become muddy and difficult to navigate after heavy rainfall.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References