Clarendon resident Bill DesJardin, a trustee of the Bergen Swamp Preservation Society, led a guided tour of the Bergen Swamp on Saturday morning, August 29. The tour followed a presentation he gave on the Swamp to the Clarendon Historical Society on August 19. The Bergen Swamp is known worldwide for its rare plants and animals. DesJardin says its biodiversity is the same as a tropical rain forest.
The swamp was the first National Natural Historic Landmark and is also registered as a Living Museum with the New York State Board of Regents. DesJardin pointed out some of the unique features of the place, including an “exclosure” installed by members of the Preservation Society to protect the rare Pink Lady Slipper plant from deer. Other “exclosures” are located throughout the swamp to protect rare orchids which grow there
