Blacklick Valley
66 photos
Welcome the the Blacklick Valley Natural Area
The late David and Penny Russell were the donors of 675 acres of land that became the Blacklick Valley Natural Area. It was their wish that the property would remain in its natural state for future generations to enjoy.
Eastern Featherbells
Woodduck Interpretation
A large portion of the Blacklick Valley Natural Area is a forested floodplain that has several small streams, and wetlands.
Grassy Paths
Beech Leaf Miner is an invasive species that will impact the health of beech trees in our area.
The Russell Memorial Shelter
Fungi Display
Dutchman's Breeches
Hooded Mergansers
Skunk Cabbage Swamp
Cinammon Ferns
The BVNA is one of Indiana County's best places for vernal pools which provides important seasonal habitat for amphibians like frogs and salamanders.
Skunk Cabbage Snow Caps
Snowy Trail at BVNA
Trail Respite
Trout Lilly at BVNA
Over 6 miles of hiking trails are available at the BVNA.
This trail shelter at the Blacklick Valley Natural Area was erected in honor of David and Penny Russell, benefactors of the property who donated the land to Indiana County in 1995.
Cicadas at BVNA
Skunk Cabbage in the Swamp
Raindrops at Vernal Pool
David & Penny Russell Memorial Shelter
Green Dragon - A Unique Plant at BVNA
Found in one small area of the extensive BVNA the Seal Salamander is a Species of Special Concern in PA.
Inviting grassy paths at the BVNA are a great place for a hike.
This is the Eft phase of the Res Spotted Newt.
Spotted Salamanders
Dutchman's Breeches
Fall Asters
The BVNA is on eof three park sin our park system where the Wehrle's Salamander lives. They reside in higher elevations at this park in areas of rocky outcrops. The species is named for R.W. Wehrle (1852 - 1937) of Indiana, PA who discovered the first specimen in 1911 here in Indiana County.
These three adult Northern Slimys were together under the same cover rock. This is how we found them when we lifted a rock while doing a salamander survey of the BVNA.
Two Red-spotted Newts
The lines extending from the eyes to the snout are called the Canthus rostralis, thought to be used to line up their prey.
Hillside at the Parker Tract
This was a gravid female that had several eggs visible in its belly.
Sugar Maple Hillside
Juvenile Water Snake
Spring Salamander Larva
Emerging Skunk Cabbage
The Swamp
Six miles of hiking trails await you at the BVNA.
Wild Columbine
Clarke Run Spring Run-off
Eastern Garter Snake
