Cedar Mountain Bog, with a soft peat floor, is recovering after a couple of years of hard work removing encroaching shrubs and trees.  The opened canopy is allowing the return of a rich diversity of plant life.  It has also attracted attention from those interested in seeing the transformation, and that has led to a couple of serious problems.
 
First, plants have been poached, but poaching is now being monitored.  Second, the bog floor has been trampled in areas, inhibiting growth of newly emerging plants.
 
To allow the bog to fully recover, the bog is now closed to foot traffic.  If you have research needs or another solid reason to be in the bog, please contact the NC Plant Conservation Program office for a permit and/or a guided visit.
 
As a reminder, all PCP Preserves require a permit to enter.
 
For information on obtaining a permit, contact
Nancy Stewart
919-707-3755

Xerophyllum asphodeloides, 
​turkey beard

Turkey beard has bloomed in abundance since the beginning of restoration efforts in the bog (which is actually a Southern Appalachian fen).
Not endangered or threatened. 

Arethus bulbosa,
​bog rose

We watched with excitement as this plant grew and blossomed for the first time in decades.  Two plants emerged, and produced seed heads.  One of the seed heads subsequently "disappeared."  Sadly, evidence suggests a cut rather than browsing.

It is illegal to take or dig plants from any property without permission, or to take any plant part, including seeds--especially of our Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern species.

Too bad some people think this doesn't apply to them, further endangered these plants.

Kalmia carolina,
bog laurel

Another of the plants that has re-appeared in the bog since work began.  Not an imperiled plant, but we are happy to see it return.