Come spring the delicate blue and purple violets will graces the edges of Clarke Run at the Blacklick Valley Natural Area.
You will find 6 miles of trails at the Blacklick Valley Natural Area, many are grassy paths like this one that lead throughout the varied habitat of the property.
One of the more interesting salamanders found in Indiana County is the Valley & Ridge Salamander. They are often described as a 'worm with legs' because of their long tails. They are also known for gold flecking on their backs. They inhabit hillsides with well-drained soil and abundant flat rocks for cover. They are a woodland salamander and do not enter the water at anytime. A small cluster of three to eight eggs is laid by the female deep underground. In July and August they remain underground and are rarely on the surface. They are regarded as a species of special concern in PA due to their limited range (about 20 counties) and specific habitat requirements. This is a species we have enjoyed documenting and studying in several locations in our park system and throughout Indiana County.
