Wild Plant Sanctuaries

The greatest threat to Pennsylvania's rarest species is loss of habitat. Across the Commonwealth, the best examples of habitat supporting wild plants of special concern are being designated as Wild Plant Sanctuaries. The Wild Plant Sanctuary Program was established through the Wild Resource Conservation Act of 1982 to create a voluntary statewide network of habitat managed specifically to conserve rare native wild plant. Important sites within State Forests and State Parks are incorporated into the forest and park management plans. Goat Hill Wild Plant Sanctuary in William Penn State Forest,  Mohn Mill Ponds Wild Plant Sanctuary in Bald Eagle State Forest and the Wild Plant Sanctuary at Jennings Environmental Education Center are notable examples.

However, most of Pennsylvania’s threatened and endangered plants are found on privately owned land. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources designates private Wild Plant Sanctuaries to commend private landowners for conserving and enhancing native wild plants and plant communities. 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 check ups. The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art in Millersburg PA, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s West Branch French Creek Conservation Area include designated private wild plant sanctuary areas open to the public. 

For more information about private wild plant sanctuaries, download the program brochure. To enroll in the program download the application. Applications are accepted anytime but reviewed only twice a year, on March 1 and September 1.