The Sanborn Map at Vintondale

This large mosaic map of Vintondale is based on a Sanborn Insurance Company map produced in the 1920s. The mosaic was recently restored. It is located along the Ghost Town Trail.

Linton Park Marker

In Marion Center, PA you will find this historical marker for Linton Park, a native of the town who was known for his folk artwork. His painting, Flax Scutching Bee, is Indiana County's most famous painting. The painting is housed at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Gone Fishin'

Two young Amish boys make their way to Blue Spruce Park for a day of fishing.

Fossil Find

While looking through a shale rock embankment we came across this well-preserved fern fossil.

Maidenhair Ferns

Jack-in-the-Pulpit Seed Pod

In several weeks the seed pod of the Jack-in-the-Pulpit will turn a bright red-orange color.

Colorful Butterfly Weed

The C&I Extension on the Ghost Town Trail

A view of Cambria County's new extension of the Ghost Town Trail. This trail section is known as the C&I Extension after the Cambria & Indiana Railroad. This view was taken not far from Snake Road crossing.

Framing Auld's Run

A bridge on the Ghost Town Trail provides the setting for this view of Auld's Run. The stream suffers from a high concentration of acid mine water which turns the rocks a bright orange color. It's part of the legacy of Indiana County's mining era.

Muddy Run

A flash flood created high water at this small waterfall on Muddy Run. The stream is a tributary to Blacklick Creek and is located on the flood control area for Conemaugh Dam.

Our Season of Rain

The first several months of 2018 have proven to be very rainy and with it, Buttermilk Falls has been at full capacity on many days.

Ghost Town Trail Murals in Ebensburg, PA

At the Ghost Town Trail Trail entrance in Ebensburg, PA you will find a series of colorful murals painted by local students.

Memorial Park Concerts

Concerts are held at Memorial Park in Indiana Borough on Sunday afternoons from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. The concerts in 2018 run through August 26th.

A June Day at Hemlock Lake

Barred Owl at Pine Ridge Park

A young Barred Owl decided to check out our maintenance crew at Pine Ridge.

Wild Stonecrop

The Wild Stonecrop is a member of the Sedum family of plants. It grows in moist rocky areas. Although more often found in southern PA it does grow in Indiana County.

It's amazing how still a Fawn will remain to avoid detection. Usually, the mother is nearby and comes to check on the fawn a few times a day. This one we almost stepped on before we noticed it.

Hemlock Lake View

Hemlock Lake West Shore Pavilion

Fire Pink

The fire pink is a member of the carnation family. Although the fire pink is not large, it is one of our most conspicuous plants because of its brilliant scarlet or crimson color. It typically blooms n our area by the end of May on dry hillsides and roadsides.

Rain Means Fungi

Our rainy May weather has brought out many interesting fungi in the woods.

The Buttermilk Falls Access Project was awarded the Eagle Award by the Associated Builders and Contractors, Western PA Chapter. The award is the highest award the group designates. The project contractor was Vince Building Company of Greensburg, PA and the architect was Thomas Harly Architects of Indiana, PA.

By mid-May Box Turtles have started to move and can be seen crossing our rural roads, especially on rainy days. This turtle was a young male Box Turtle found crossing Blue Spruce Road.

The Spring rains of 2018 have resulted in lots of water going over the falls at Blue Spruce.

Baby Snapper

By mid-May, Snapping Turtles begin to move to a new habitat. This small Snapper was found crossing Wehrum Road near the Ghost Town Trail.

Eliza Furnace Historic Site

We lease the Eliza Furnace Historic Site from the Cambria County Historical Society. The lease is for 99 years.

Early Evening at Mahoning Creek