Lands We Own

George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary (North)

Foster Township • 134 Acres

Located along Peat Moss Road near White Haven in Luzerne County is the second important parcel of land of the George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary. This conserved 134 acre sanctuary hosts hemlock palustrine forests, a mixed oak forest, marsh, ponds, streams, and spring seeps. The ponds contain fish like bluegills, red-fin pickerels and golden shiners while the stream hosts creek chubs and black-nose. Salamanders like red-spotted newts, northern two-lined and the vivid northern red can be discovered beneath rocks in the clear flowing waters. The spring seeps cast vivid displays of spring wildflowers such as Jack-in-the-pulpit and red trillium but also easily overlooked species including the rare early coral-root orchid. The marsh is heavily vegetated with sedges, rushes and pockets of nodding Lady-tresses orchids. Wading birds like great blue herons can be found hunting fro frogs along the marsh edges. The intact conifer and hardwood forests protect these valuable wetlands yet support wild turkey, ruffed grouse, red-shouldered hawk, black bear, raccoon, and whitetail deer.