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Joyce Kilmer Natural Area

Joyce Kilmer Natural Area
Image
Laurel Run in Joyce Kilmer Natural Area.
Joyce Kilmer Natural Area is located in Pennsylvania
Joyce Kilmer Natural Area
Location within Pennsylvania
LocationUnion County, Pennsylvania
Nearest townWoodward
Coordinates40°53′27″N 77°16′03″W / 40.8909°N 77.2675°W / 40.8909; -77.2675
Area77 acres (31 ha)
Established1921
Named forJoyce Kilmer

Joyce Kilmer Natural Area is a 77-acre (31 ha) protected area in Union County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of Bald Eagle State Forest.[1][2]

Description

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The Natural Area protects a grove of old-growth white pine and hemlock trees.[1][3] The area was established in 1921 as one of the first protected forest zones in Pennsylvania, then known as Forest Monuments. It was named after poet Joyce Kilmer, who wrote about the types of trees found in the Natural Area; this was done in honor of Kilmer's death at age 31 during World War I though he is not known to have personally visited the region.[2] The area has received special attention from Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro as part of his program to grow the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps.[4]

References

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  1. 1 2 "Bald Eagle State Forest Wild and Natural Areas". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
  2. 1 2 Fergus, Charles (2002). Natural Pennsylvania: Exploring the State Forest Natural Areas. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. pp. 101–103.
  3. "Tall Timbers: Old-Growth Forests Survive PA's Heavily Logged Past". The Morning Call. July 22, 1997. Retrieved May 28, 2026.
  4. Gonzalez, Lexi (April 19, 2024). "Shapiro Administration Highlights Opportunities in Conservation Jobs in Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps as 2024 Season Begins". BCTV. Retrieved May 28, 2026.