Bogg's Run Conservation Area

In August 1995 HOLT accepted the donation of sixty acres of open space on the north side of the Beaver Valley Expressway. Located in both Moon and Hopewell Townships in Allegheny and Beaver Counties, the property was named the Bogg's Run Conservation Area because one of its borders lies along that stream, and the headwaters of Bogg's Run can be found just on the other side of the Expressway.

Although this Conservation Area has been untouched by construction, the property is crossed both by electric power line towers and by a gas line. The land formerly was used for pastures and crops and contains an old cherry orchard and raspberry thickets.

Wooded portions of the property contain sugar maple, sycamore, ash, elm, and black birch trees. The trees serve a lively population of birds -- the hooded warbler, cardinal, wood thrush, flicker, grouse, and indigo bunting all have been seen on the site, while the northern green frog makes his home in the cool, muddy floodplain of the stream.

A very boggy area collects water from a drainage pipe under the Expressway and may have been a borrow pit when the road was constructed. Beaver now have moved into the area, and their dam helps to maintain this wetlands habitat with its rich plant and animal life.

Land Steward: If you have any questions concerning use of the property or want to discuss the possibility of a scientific study or visit by a school class, contact the Land Steward, Fred Kohun, through the HOLT office at 264-5354.