Black Moshannon State Park

Update: The swans were not seen this morning (3/19). Geese, mallards, ring-necked ducks, mergansers, and the pair of green-winged teals were seen. Three swans, a pair of green-winged teals, Canada geese, mallards, and mergansers were spotted on Black Moshannon Lake today.

Wild Facts Wednesday Leatherleaf (reddish-brown shrubs throughout photo) Leatherleaf is a shrub that is normally found growing in cold, acidic bogs. During the summer months, the alternate, oblong-shaped leaves are green on top with lighter green or brown on the bottom. During autumn, the leaves turn a reddish-brown color. This shrub is considered an evergreen, so the thick, leather-like leaves are there throughout the winter months. ... Leatherleaf blooms during the spring months. The white flowers are hardly noticed due to their small size. These bell-shaped flowers are pollinated by insects. Afterwards, a reddish-brown seed capsule forms. Leatherleaf has large rhizomes that spread and help anchor the plant in the bog. These rhizomes also provide a base for other plants to grow. Eventually, leatherleaf will form a large colony, which will provide habitat for nesting waterfowl, hiding spots for other birds, and food for deer and cottontails. Leatherleaf is found throughout Black Moshannon State Park in the bog. It can be seen along the Bog Trail, but don't confuse it with the blueberry species. The blueberries are taller than the leatherleaf bushes.

A beautiful shot of the Milky Way over Black Moshannon Lake. Thank you, Dan Yosua, for sharing your picture with us!

The Black Moshannon State Park Office will be closed on Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 5 and Dec. 6). Office hours will resume on Monday at 8 am.

Life On A Log At Black Moshannon Deer and a squirrel were the only visitors near the log this week.

View of Black Moshannon Lake this morning.

Evening view of Black Moshannon Lake in late November. Thanks for sharing your photo with us, Lisa Luchini!