Bogs are one of nature’s most mysterious and intriguing ecosystems. We are fortunate to have a spectacular bog in the Upper Delaware River region, where the public can experience the unique plants, insects, birds and other life forms that thrive in this special habitat.

The Tannersville Cranberry Bog in nearby Monroe County is protected by The Nature Conservancy and open to the public. Environmental educators from the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center lead guided tours along a floating boardwalk on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, spring through fall.

A rare opportunity to explore the deep center of the Bog is scheduled for August 25 at 10 a.m. Participants can experience a unique area with a “quaking mat” and several unusual plants, while most likely getting their feet wet!

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Call 570/629-3061 to secure a spot. A fee of $6 is charged to non-members; $4 for Nature Conservancy members and children under 12 years old. Visit http://tinyurl.com/nnswqk9 for more information.

A bit closer to home is a smaller bog in Pike County, protected through the Delaware Highlands Conservancy on the Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA property in Dingmans Ferry, PA. The public can explore this bog by boardwalk when summer camp is not in session. The bog is currently closed, but will reopen to the public in the fall at the conclusion of the camping season. There is no charge, but accessing the bog trail requires a hike.

Finally, one of the best books on bogs, in my opinion, is “Stirring the Mud: On Swamps, Bogs and Human Imagination,” by Barbara Hurd. Another good resource is “The Book of Swamp and Bog,” by John Eastman.