Pennsy Swamp
submitted by Richard Nugent

Pennsy Swamp is the name used by birders to describe the marshy areas in State Gamelands 284 (SGL 284), which are in Mercer County. The area in Lawrence County is called Black Swamp. An old railroad grade (now a gated gamelands road) goes through the middle of Pennsy Swamp and provides good views of the ponds and marshy areas. This is a good place to see Marsh Wrens, Sandhill Cranes, migrating waterfowl, Osprey, Sora, Virginia Rail and a nice variety of wetland birds. It is also a productive place for turtles, beaver and mosquitoes.

Directions: From Pittsburgh take I-79 north to Exit 105 (SR 108). Turn right (west) on SR 108 and drive about 3.6 miles to US 19. Turn right (north) on US 19 and travel about 5.6 miles to Black Road. Turn right on Black Road and go about 0.9 miles to Nelson Road. Turn left on Nelson Road and drive about 1.0 miles to the point where Nelson Road makes a 90 degree right turn. Turn right and go about 0.3 miles to an SGL parking lot on the right. Park here. If you go a short distance past the parking lot on Nelson Road, there is a tiny parking spot for one or two cars. Opposite this tiny parking area is the start of the railroad grade.