Vernal Pool at BVNA

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

Cinammon Ferns

Grassy Paths

Trout Lilly at BVNA

Dutchman's Breeches

Unique Shelter

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.

Forested Wetland

A large portion of the Blacklick Valley Natural Area is a forested floodplain that has several small streams, and wetlands.

Hiking Trail at the Blacklick Valley Natural Area

Over 6 miles of hiking trails are available at the BVNA.

Cicadas at BVNA

Skunk Cabbage in the Swamp

Raindrops at Vernal Pool

David & Penny Russell Memorial Shelter

Green Dragon - A Unique Plant at BVNA

Seal Salamander

Found in one small area of the extensive BVNA the Seal Salamander is a Species of Special Concern in PA.

Grassy Paths

Inviting grassy paths at the BVNA are a great place for a hike.

Welcome the the Blacklick Valley Natural Area

Eye of Newt

This is the Eft phase of the Res Spotted Newt.

The Russell Memorial Shelter

Spotted Salamanders

Fall Asters

Wehrle's Salamander

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.

Three Northern Slimys

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

Wehrle's Salamander

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

Trail Scene

Six miles of hiking trails await you at the BVNA.