Varden Conservation Area is a Pennsylvania state park near the village of Varden on Pennsylvania Route 296 in Wayne County. Covering 444 acres in Lake and South Canaan townships, it differs from a typical state park because it is managed with very limited development as a conservation area. The land was donated to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in December 2001 by Dr. Mead Shaffer of Boothwyn, whose gift reflected his commitment to environmental education. He intended the area to help present and future generations observe and study its diverse ecology, and its development continues to emphasize protecting natural resources over extensive roads or recreational facilities.