History of Blacklick Valley Natural Area Although no detailed written history of the Native American presence in the Blacklick Valley is available, it is likely that members of the Shawnee and Delaware tribes used the creek for fishing and transportation. The first recorded owners of what is now the Parker Tract of the BVNA was William Bracken who purchased 309 acres from the Commonwealth of PA in 1786. At that time the land was located in Westmoreland County; Indiana County was not created until 1803. Since Bracken's purchase, the property has changed hands many times. Most recently David and Penny Russell, formerly of Dilltown, owned the property and generously donated it to Indiana County Parks in 1995. The Blacklick Valley Natural Area is divided into three tracts, encompassing a total of 713 acres, 300 of which make up the Parker Tract. (The other two tracts do not have developed trails.) According to Indiana County Park literature. Plenty of hiking trails thru out the nature area.........Even I haven't toured the complete natural area yet , so every time I place a cache the journey to and from the parking area is a new experience........Have walked the river trail numerous times ,but it's been a while since I ventured out this trial, but OH!!!! What a beautiful trail this time of year.......Nice surprise awaited me as I approached this area , with some new improvements....This is a nice place to sit and enjoy as you search.......Have fun and enjoy !!!!!!!..... ........ .