Designated a Registered National Natural Landmark by the Department of Interior in 1973, Bear Swamp itself dates from 13,000 years ago, with the retreat of the last glacier. The interior of Bear Swamp supports a relic stand of giant rhododendron, the northernmost in New York State.

Why “Bear Swamp?” There was, in fact, a Mr. Bear who bought this land from Stephen Van Rensselear in the late 1800s. It’s also true that “bear swamp” is a generic American term for swamps with the kinds of plants found here, including blueberries, which bears relish.

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/newyork/placesweprotect/easternnewyork/wherewework/eny-bear-swamp-preserve.xml