Kent Bog a.k.a. Tom S, Cooperrider State Nature Preserve

A remnant of the last Ice Age,
this boreal forest is characteristic of the climate zone south of the Arctic. It supports the largest, southernmost stand of tamaracks in the 48 states and is home to several unusual  and endangered plant and animal species.

Twelve thousand years ago the bog was a 50-acre kettle-hole lake, left by a huge chunk of glacial ice. As the climate warmed, plants colonized the shoreline until a floating mat of sphagnum moss covered the lake. The process continued until the lake was transformed into a lovely bog meadow. At present,10 types of sphagnum moss are thriving in the Kent Bog.

Guided tours are available: 330-527-5118
Or follow the interpretive signage

Preserve manager Charlotte McCurdy
talks to a group at Cooperrider-Kent Bog State Park

1/2 mile boardwalk brings visitors close to nature
photo courtesy Amy Schnebelin

Kent-Cooperrider Bog website