Environmental Sites in Indiana County, PA

White Township Rain Garden

On June 3rd, 2015, White Township’s rain garden was officially opened. Rain gardens are designed to hold excess rainwater, which then feeds the many plants in the garden. These gardens are meant to help prevent flooding and to improve the quality of local waterways. The opening of the White Township Rain Garden was part of the Stormwater Education Partnership’s year-long effort to educate municipal and county officials, landscape professionals, and residents about new stormwater management practices. This is part of the Evergreen Conservancy Eco Geocache trail and can be found at  https://evergreenconservancy.org/indiana-county-eco-tour/indiana-county-geotrail/ 

AMD and Art

AMD & Art was originally started in 1994 with the help of T. Allan Comp, Ph.D. and the Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team. The AMD & Art featured a series of AMD treatment ponds to treat discharges from the Vintondale Mine No. 3, acres of wetlands, educational signage, and various art pieces including the Mine No. 6 Etched Portal and the Great Map Mosaic. The Mine No. 6 Portal and Great Map Mosaic can still be viewed off the Ghost Town Trail in Vintondale. To learn more about this site, visit  https://www.amdandart.info/ 

Two Lick Waterworks Active AMD Treatment System

The Waterworks Active AMD Treatment System is located adjacent to Two Lick Creek, and is currently treating the 100 gallons-per-minute flow of discharge coming from an old Lucerne mine that operated from 1907-1967. Plans for the Waterworks site were completed by a class of planning design students attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2008. The site formed with the help of the Indiana County Conservation District, and received funding through the PA Department of Environmental Protection and the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. To learn more about this site and view an area map, visit  https://www.indianacountyparks.org/parks/waterworks_park/default.aspx 

This is part of the Evergreen Conservancy Eco Geocache trail.

Ramsey Run Riparian Buffer

This mature riparian buffer runs alongside Ramsey Run, a 4.48 mile stream near Indiana, PA. Riparian buffers are known to be the most effective means of protecting a water source. They are comprised of strips of grass, shrubs, and trees, which act as a filter for pollutants that reside alongside the stream. The overhanging vegetation also provides shade, which is a necessary function within a riparian zone. They are also able to act as a natural stream flow regulator, and as a provider of habitats for the local wildlife. To learn more about riparian buffer zones, visit  https://extension.psu.edu/riparian-buffers-pennsylvanias-best-solution-for-protecting-its-waters 

Yellow Creek AMD Treatment

Located in the eastern part of Indiana County. This acid mine drainage treatment is an active site that was designated to restore the last 3.5 mile section of Yellow Creek. To learn more information about this site, visit  https://blacklickcreekwatershed.org/yellow-creek/ 

Bear Run Renaissance

The Bear Run Renaissance is the collective attempt at improving the 17.85 stream miles of Bear Run that were listed as impaired by AMD. There are multiple phases of the Renaissance, many of which have already been put in place. The Evergreen Conservancy, funded by the PADEP, completed phase one and three of the plan, both of which were very successful. To learn more about this site, visit  https://evergreenconservancy.org/projects-acquisitions/remediation/stream-restoration/ 

Millstone Fly Marker

This marker is an educational site that represents the first gristmill on the Little Mahoning Creek used for grinding grain in the early 1800's. To learn more information about this historical marker, visit  https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=132491 

White Township Recreational Complex

Located in Indiana, the White Township Recreational Complex offers space for outdoor activity for local youth. A bioswale near the residing path is present for stormwater conveyance and filtering of passing water. To learn more information about this site, visit  https://www.icopd.org/assets/indiana_white-twp_070716.pdf 

This site is also on our Eco Geocache trail.

Hemlock Lake

Hemlock Lake, located in the northeast region of Indiana County, is a 205-acre park featuring a 60-acre lake for fishing, and areas for hiking and wildlife viewing. The lake is stocked with bluegill, bass, catfish, muskellunge, walleye, and northern pike. This park is managed by the Indiana County Parks and Trails. There are pavilions located in the park that are first-come first serve with a 20-person capacity. To learn more information and view a park map, visit  https://www.indianacountyparks.org/parks/hemlock_lake_park/default.aspx 

Blacklick Valley Natural Area

The Blacklick Valley Natural Area is a large area of land that aims to preserve, protect, and enhance county lands in order to improve the health of people and the environment. This was one of the first established natural areas in the county park system, and is a whopping 719 acres. The hiking trails, totaling about 6 miles, are located on the southern portion of the property known as the Parker Tract. Access is from McFeaters Road on Route 22. To learn more information and view area maps, visit  https://www.indianacountyparks.org/parks/blacklick_valley_park/default.aspx 

Electric Vehicle Charging and Hoodlebug Access

Located in Indiana borough, central Indiana County, this parking lot was reconfigured in 2019 and became an extension to the Hoodlebug Trail. This parking lot makes a total of three electric vehicle charging stations within the borough. The bikeway extension to the Hoodlebug is part of the Indiana Multi-Modal Corridor (IMMC) and in the parking lot there is also a bike repair station and rack. Not only does this site support renewable energy and healthy living, but the landscape boasts native species and permeable surface for excess storm runoff. To find this EV station and others in the area, visit  https://chargehub.com/en/charging-stations-map.html  or download its free mobile app. More information on this project can be found by visiting  http://sustainableindianacounty.org/indiana-boroughs-8th-st-lot-project-turning-an-asphalt-desert-into-a-destination/