Wildlife Watching at Hillman State Park
The varied habitats created as part of the reclamation efforts provide opportunity to enjoy a variety of plant life and wildlife.
Wildflowers such as closed-bottle gentian, boneset, and hepatica can be found along the streams.
Milkweed, butterfly weed, Joe-Pye weed, and teasel can be found in the fields.
Rattlesnake plantain, running cedar, and ferns can be found in the forest.
Common wildlife species include:
Deer
Red fox
Rabbits
Muskrat
Beaver
Hillman State Park is part of the Raccoon Creek Valley Important Bird Area designated by the Pennsylvania Ornithological Technical Committee. Notable bird species include:
American woodcock
Ruffed grouse
Turkey
Whip-poor-will
Hermit thrush
Louisiana waterthrush
Red-breasted nuthatch
Pine warbler
Tennessee warbler
Eastern bluebird
Northern harrier
Barred owl
Wildlife Habitat Management
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is responsible for several management efforts at Hillman State Park that provide specific habitat requirements for a variety of wildlife species.
Young forest habitat has been restored in partnership with the Ruffed Grouse Society to provide food, cover, and nesting sites for:
Ruffed grouse
American woodcock
Variety of songbirds
Native warm season grass fields of big bluestem grass, Indian grass, and switch grass have been established to provide habitat for:
Hawks
Rabbits
Voles
Butterflies
Hummingbirds
Food plots of buckwheat, sorghum, brassicas, and sunflower have been planted as an additional food source for deer and other wildlife during the fall and winter and nest boxes for cavity-nesting birds, such as bluebirds and wood ducks can be found throughout the park.