Fresh snow on Blue Spruce trees is one of our favorite winter scenes. These Blue Spruce trees are part of a large field of trees once planted at what is now the Blacklick Valley Natural Area. For many years the property was used for Christmas tree production. Since the donation of the property for the natural area the trees have been allowed to grow to provide a natural cover for wildlife at this area.
At one time just about all Canada Geese flew south for the winter but in recent times more and more geese have become year-round residents. They will seek out open water in lakes and streams throughout the winter. We saw these ones at a shoreline area at the Ghost Town Trail along Blacklick Creek.
THe date of this historic photo of the Eliza Furnace in Vintondale, PA is unknown. When we come across old photos of the furnace we like to compare the stone pattern to how the furnace looks today. We are pleased to report that most of the stones shown in this photo are still intact at the furnace today. This photo was contained in a digital file from the Pattee Library of Penn State University.
