George & Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary
Foster Township • 349 Acres • Picton South Open to Public
The George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary (South) is the larger of two parcels of land that make up the preserve. The majority of the sanctuary is forested with mature oak, sassafras, maple, ash, and birch. Two very scenic ponds occur on the property that host fish, salamanders, turtles, frogs, freshwater mussels, rare damselflies and dragonflies, and an endangered freshwater sponge. Waterfowl use these ponds as resting and feeding wetlands and neo-tropical birds such as ruby-crowed kinglets can be found by the dozens throughout the forest during their migration. Each spring, vernal pools found on the sanctuary are teeming with egg masses of spotted salamanders and wood frogs.
History:
George and Lillian Picton had a great appreciation for the peace and tranquility offered by their special parcel of land and a passion for the wildlife who call it home. Unsure of what might happen when they no longer owned their wonderful lands, they created their very own wildlife sanctuary. North Branch Land Trust worked with the George and Lillian Picton Estate to insure that the conservation wishes of George and Lillian be carried on forever.
Visiting Picton South:
- Enter from Pond Creek Road at the George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary Sign.
- Drive approximately 0.25 miles and park on the side of the gravel road at the locked gate.
- Trailheads for Picton South begin at approximately 0.25 miles from the gate.
- During NBLT events, gates will be open and additional parking will be made available closer to trailheads.
Picton North: By Appointment Only
PA GAME COMMISSION DEER MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PARTICIPANT – LIMITED COUPONS GRANTED (ALL CLAIMED)
Learn more about the PA DMAP Program today!
The Northern parcel of the George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary is separated from Picton South by Interstate 80. The 134 acres host hemlock palustrine forests, a mixed oak forest, marsh, ponds, streams, and spring seeps. The marsh is heavily vegetated with sedges, rushes, and pockets of nodding Lady-tresses orchids. Wading birds like great blue herons can be found hunting for frogs along the marsh edges. The intact conifer and hardwood forests protect these valuable wetlands yet support wild turkey, ruffed grouse, red-shouldered hawk, black bear, raccoon, and whitetail deer.
Picton North can only be visited by appointment. Please contact us to learn more.
Please note that all of George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary is monitored by game camera.
