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| DESCRIPTION: Scotia Barrens (SGL 176) is a 6,211-acre pitch pine/scrub oak barrens, the largest in Pennsylvania. The habitat consists of shrub/scrub, old fields, and a large pond. Early references to the "Pine Barrens" applied to an area of about 50,000 acres extending southwest from current-day Toftrees to Huntingdon County. Today's Scotia Barrens is the portion of the Pine Barrens that has probably changed the least from that earlier time. Pine barrens are uncommon in Pennsylvania and contain unique wildlife. The sandy soils deflect heat and absorb cold, causing the area to be much cooler than surrounding areas. |
DIRECTIONS: From State College, go west on US 322 and take the Gray's Woods exit. Go south on Grays Woods Boulevard, and bear right on Scotia Road. Go 0.4 mile and turn left of Scotia Range Road. Follow Range Road about 0.25 miles to a sharp right bend in the road with parking areas on the left. Park and walk the trail east to the pond. More trails are available by driving Scotia Range Road. Watch for parking areas. This is the best site in the state for Golden-winged Warbler. As many as 50 territorial males have been counted in surveys, possibly the highest number of any site in Pennsylvania. American Woodcock and Whip-poor-will are also common breeders here. In late summer and early fall, the barrens are a good spot for migrating warblers and other passerines. |
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| Posted: 2009-10-24 00:00:00 Updated: |
