Summer Means Daisies

A field of daisies means that summer has arrived.

Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher is an excellent fisherman in lakes and streams. They also make their nests in the banks of streams. It's not often that we get to see one this close but from a bridge, we were able to snap a photo before it realized we were standing there.

Waterfall Eruption

Heavy rains will cause many small hillside streams along the Ghost Town Trail to erupt into waterfalls.

Ghost Plant

Monotropa uniflora, also known as the ghost plant, Indian pipe, or corpse plant is found in shaded woody areas of our parks. Unlike most plants, it is white and does not contain chlorophyll. Instead of generating energy from sunlight, it is parasitic,

Repainting the Ghost Town Mural

Dan McClure is depicted repainting the mural along the Ghost Town Trail. The mural is located in the trail section between Heshbon and Black Lick, at the site of the former McHenry Mine. The mural has an interesting history in that we have no idea who originally painted it. It just appeared one day and no one ever claimed to be the artist.

Indiana, PA Resident

Although not as common as they once were it is surprising sometimes where Box Turtles will turn up at. This male Box Turtle was discovered in a residential area of Indiana Borough probably roaming the area looking for a mate.

Ray's Crew

For the past 11 weeks, Ray Stile's and his crew from Tri-County Career Track have been helping to maintain our parks and trails. During our first 50 years of existence, we have had hundreds of young people, from all walks of life, assist us in our efforts.

Eastern Spiny Softshell

The Spiny Softshell Turtle is typically a hard turtle to get close to because they are so quick to move away. However, this one was a female that was just beginning to dig out a nest for eggs and she was not interested in moving. The eggs will be laid about 5 - inches deep and usually around 15- 20 eggs are laid. By late August through October, the hatchlings will emerge.

Our Trusal Covered Bridge will be one of the bridges featured in the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society 2018 Calendar.

Hummingbirds Love Red Salvia

A good flowering plant to attract Hummingbirds is the Red Salvia. The long red tubular flowers are easy for them to reach into with their long beaks to draw out nectar.

Unnamed Falls

Besides our own Buttermilk Falls, Indiana County has many unnamed waterfalls. This one is located along a tributary to Blacklick Creek.

The Golden Dragon

This is the seed pod of the Golden Dragon, a plant related to Jack-in-the-Pulpit, that grows in wet soils. It is not a commonly found plant but does occur in a few places in our park system.

Mountain Laurel Blooming

Our native Mountain Laurel typically begins blooming the first week of June in Indiana County.

The Garden at Old Smicksburg Park

Beardtongue

Penstemon digitalis (Beardtongue) matures to 3' in height and has white to pink flowers. It prefers medium to dry medium soils but can adapt to many light conditions: full sun to part shade such as clearings within forests and woods' edges.The ones in this photo were growing along a gas well road at Blue Spruce Park. The tubular flowers of this plant attract honeybees, bumblebees and hummingbirds.

Firefighter Training at Hemlock Lake

The Rossiter Fire Company uses the dry hydrants at Hemlock Lake to allow their new firefighters a chance to practice. The hydrants are used to draw water from the lake to provide water for firefighting in this area of Indiana County.

Water Spray at Hemlock Lake

Some fishermen enjoy a peaceful evening at Hemlock Lake while the Rossiter Fire Company takes some time to check out their pumper truck to make sure it is working properly. Water is drawn from the lake through a hydrant and then sprayed back into the lake.

The Kousa Dogwood blooms later than our native dogwood, usually by the first week of June they are in full bloom.

Fisher

Fishers are members of the weasel family. They are omnivores and will feed on just about anything but they are especially known for eating porcupines. They are very secretive so if you have the opportunity to see one count yourself as lucky. They have expanded their range and have been in Indiana County for quite a few years now.

Big Bird

Dan McClure, a member of our park maintenance crew, is an avid hunter. Recently Dan harvested this large turkey in Indiana County.

It's Turtle Season

May and early June is the time of year when Box Turtles begin to move in our area. Some are males looking mates, others are females looking for a place to lay their eggs.

Buttermilk Falls - Indiana County, PA

Numerous waterfalls go by the name Buttermilk Falls. This one is Indiana County, PA.

Memorial Park - Indiana, PA

The park has been readied for the 2017 Memorial Day ceremony. Every year since 1925 a Memorial Day ceremony has been held here.

Iris Blooming at Blue Spruce Park

Blooming Season at Blue Spruce Lodge

These large Rhododendron shrubs were planted in this area in the late 1960s when Blue Spruce Park was being established. Today, they provide a colorful entrance to Blue Spruce Lodge. They are usually in full bloom by the later part of May.

Covered Bridge Resident

This harmless Black Rat Snake lives in and around one of our covered bridges. On this day it was enjoying a sunny spot inside the bridge where the sun was just beginning to warm things up