2025 Fall Program Guide

PROGRAMS & EVENTS • FALL 2025

PRESERVATION PARKS MISSION To protect and conserve the natural and historical features of Delaware County and to inspire outdoor exploration and learning.

Park Hours MARCH - OCTOBER Daily, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY Daily, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

District Office and Mary McCoy Nature Center 2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074 740-524-8600 Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(Office)

Shale Hollow Park Photo by Beth Johnston

Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

(Nature Center) Visitor Center at Deer Haven Park 4183 Liberty Road Delaware, Ohio 43015 740-362-0283 Daily, 12 - 5 p.m.

STARTING SEPTEMBER 1 Wed-Mon, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tues, Closed Gallant Farm 2150 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, Ohio 43015 740-595-3020 Mon, Closed Tue-Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sun, 12 - 5 p.m.

STARTING SEPTEMBER 1 Tues-Sun, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mon, Closed

Cover Photo: McCammon Creek Park

The Preservation Parks Foundation supports and raises funds for educational programs, events, and special projects including the Summer Letterbox Adventure, the Perfect Schoolhouse, trails, and renovation of Delaware County's Bicentennial Barn.

You can make your secure, online contribution today or anytime here: https://preservationparks.com/foundation/

The Preservation Parks Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization as designated by the IRS. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The organization’s tax identification number is 832234653. All donations directly support the programs, projects, and services of Preservation Parks of Delaware County.

Blues Creek Park 9627 Fontanelle Road Ostrander, 43061

Hogback Ridge Park 2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, 43074

Char-Mar Ridge Park 7741 Lewis Center Road Westerville, 43082

Hoover Scenic Trailhead 8405 Plumb Road Galena, 43021

Deer Haven Park 4183 Liberty Road Delaware, 43015

McCammon Creek Park - North Area 3675 E. Orange Road Lewis Center, 43035

Emily Traphagen Park 5094 Seldom Seen Road Powell, 43065

River Run Park 168 Main Road Delaware, 43015

Gallant Farm 2150 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, 43015

Sandel Legacy Trailhead 168 S. Vernon St. Sunbury, 43074

Gallant Woods Park 2151 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, 43015

Shale Hollow Park 6320 Artesian Run Lewis Center, 43035

Hickory Woods Park 1271 Pollock Road Delaware, 43015

Sycamore Run Park 7341 Olentangy River Road Delaware, OH 43015 PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | FALL 2025

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION HOW TO REGISTER

Some programs have a fee and/or require advance registration. Watch for programs with the following symbols:

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS

Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest park district updates and fun outdoor adventures.

Follow us @PreservationParks To register for a program, visit https://preservationparks.recdesk.com First time users: Click “CREATE ACCOUNT” and complete the questions to set up your FREE account. You will receive a confirmation email, then you can register for a program!

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Outdoor Connections Department at (740) 524-8600 x 103 or register@preservationparks.com.

Scan QR code for all program dates and descriptions or to register. https://preservationparks.recdesk.com White-tailed deer Photo by Mike Zysk

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For complete descriptions of all our programs or to register, visit

https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

Registration opens at noon, Wednesday, August 13.

STEP INTO FALL, HIKE THEM ALL, p 4 Sept. 1 - Nov. 30 DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR, p 5 Sept. 13 - 20

SEPTEMBER

6 Yoga & Hike, p 4 6 Try It: Creeking, p 4 15 Golden Marathon, p 5 20 Model Railroad Open House, p 5 20 Try It: Fly Fishing, p 5 21 Model Railroad Open House, p 5 22 Delaware County Bird Club, p 5 23 Cub Scout Badge Day, p 5 24 Little Adventurers: Migration, p 6 24 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8 25 Girl Scout Badge Day, p 6 27 Try It: Paddle with Kayaks or SUPs, p 6 28 Performances from the Past, p 8 29 Golden Marathon, p 5

OCTOBER

4 Yoga & Hike, p 4 4 Storytime at the Farm, p 8 4 Get to know Grassland Birds, p 9 6 Golden Marathon, p 5 6 Painting with Turtles, p 6 11 Fall on the Farm, p 9 12 Performances from the Past, p 8 13 Golden Marathon, p 5 17 Schools Out: Nocturnal Animals, p 6 17 Scarecrow Building Contest, p 6 18 Geology Hike, p 7 18 Model Railroad Open House, p 5 19 Trick or Treat Trail, p 7 19 Model Railroad Open House, p 5

OCTOBER CONTINUED

20 Golden Marathon, p 5 22 Little Adventurers: Bats, p 6 26 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8 27 Delaware County Bird Club, p 5

NOVEMBER

1 Yoga & Hike, p 4 1 Make It, Take It: Bat House, p 7 3 Golden Marathon, p 5 8 Honeysuckle Hackfest, p 7 12 Little Adventurers: Gamebirds, p 6 15 Model Railroad Open House, p 5 16 The Bees Knees Stitching Circle, p 9 16 Model Railroad Open House, p 5 17 Golden Marathon, p 5 17 Delaware County Bird Club, p 5 21 Make It, Take It: Natural Wreath, p 7 22 Make It, Take It: Natural Wreath, p 7 22 Jigsaw Puzzle Swap, p 9 23 Make It, Take It: Natural Wreath, p 7 24 Make It, Take It: Natural Wreath, p 7

DECEMBER

7 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8

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PARK PROGRAMS STEP INTO FALL: HIKE THEM ALL

September 1 - November 30 All District Parks, All Ages Registration required Hike all Preservation Parks’ nature trails this fall, almost 19 miles in total. Register for free OR purchase a hiking stick and custom medallion for $15. Then download your nature trail checklist to mark your journey.

TRY IT: CREEKING

Saturday, September 6, 11 a.m.

Sycamore Run Park, All Ages Explore the Olentangy River with a naturalist to look for aquatic organisms.

Wear closed-toed shoes that can get wet.

There are no restrooms at this park. Water level dependent.

DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

September 13 – 20 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Daily Delaware County Fairgrounds Near the Arts & Crafts Building Check social media for program times

YOGA & HIKE

10 a.m., Ages 15+ Bend and stretch outside at a shelter house or inside the Visitor Center. Go on a group hike after to enjoy the autumn colors.

Come as you are, all abilities and bodies welcome.

Saturday, Sept. 6 Emily Traphagen Park Shelter House Saturday, Oct. 4 Blues Creek Park Shelter House

Saturday, September 13 Find Your Next Adventure with Preservation Parks: Outdoor Connections Day Sunday, September 14 Behind the Scenes at Preservation Parks: Volunteer Day & Bugman Education Monday, September 15 Tools of the Trade: Natural Resources Day Tuesday, September 16 Hands-On History: Gallant Farm Day Wednesday, September 17 Maintenance & More: Touch a Truck

Saturday, Nov. 1 Deer Haven Park Classroom

Thursday, September 18 Life on a Leaf Exhibit Friday, September 19 A Sneak Peek of Future Parks: Planning Department Day

Yoga & Hike

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Saturday, September 20 Life on a Leaf Exhibit

GOLDEN MARATHON

A Partnership with SourcePoint Mondays, 9:30 a.m., Ages 55+ Get moving this autumn with SourcePoint’s Golden Marathon outdoor hikers! We hike in all weather except for temperatures below 10 degrees or a Level 2 or 3 snow emergency.

Registration at MySourcePoint.org/ec or with customer service. Meet at locations listed, bring your own water, and be prepared for the weather and terrain.

Sept. 15 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Nov. 3 Nov. 17

Deer Haven Park Shale Hollow Park Emily Traphagen Park McCammon Creek Park Hogback Ridge Park Gallant Woods Park Shale Hollow Park

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE

Sandel Legacy Trailhead, All Ages Stop by model railroad open houses during these autumn weekends. Members of the model railway group will share the history of railroads in America.

Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15 Sundays, 12 - 4 p.m.

Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16

Try It: Fly Fishing

TRY IT: FLY FISHING

Saturday, September 20, 6 p.m.

Hickory Woods Park, Ages 18+ Register by September 14 Build on your fly-fishing skills with this advanced course! Practice casting techniques like roll casts, then fish the pond at Hickory Woods Park using provided gear. Prior experience recommended. Equipment and instruction provided by the Central Ohio Fly Fishers.

DELAWARE COUNTY BIRD CLUB

Mondays, 7 p.m.

Sept. 22, Oct. 27, & Nov. 17 Deer Haven Park, All Ages See Preservation Parks’ online program calendar for meeting details, special guests, and topics closer to the meeting dates.

CUB SCOUT BADGE DAY

Model Railroad Open House

Tuesday, September 23, 5:30 p.m.

Deer Haven Park Welcome, Cub Scouts! Lion, Tiger, Wolf, and Bear scouts can earn their Outdoor Adventure badge by going for a hike with a naturalist. Dress for the weather.

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PAINTING WITH TURTLES

Monday, October 6, 6 – 8 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 5+ Register by Oct. 2, $5 per canvas Let your artsy side go wild with some resident turtles! Come paint a canvas, learn about turtles, and meet one! Plus, our ambassador painted turtle will give their “stomp of approval” by signing your artwork.

Little Adventurers

LITTLE ADVENTURERS

10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Ages 5 & under Drop in to enjoy informal self-guided stations featuring fall themed hands-on activities and crafts. Children must be accompanied by a guardian and the whole family is welcome. Please dress for the weather.

Wednesday, Sept. 24 Deer Haven Park - Migration

SCHOOLS OUT: NOCTURNAL ANIMALS

Friday, October 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 5+ Drop in and explore the fascinating world of nocturnal animals! Through hands-on activities, animal artifacts, and interactive displays participants will learn how creatures of the night survive.

Wednesday, Oct. 22 Char-Mar Ridge Park - Bats Wednesday, Nov. 12 Gallant Farm - Gamebirds

GIRL SCOUT BADGE DAY

Thursday, September 25, 5:30 p.m.

Deer Haven Park Welcome Girl Scouts! Junior girl scouts can earn their Animal Habitats badge by going on a hike with a naturalist to explore different habitats. Dress for the weather.

TRY IT: PADDLE WITH KAYAKS OR SUPS

Saturday, Sept 27, Age 8+ 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 2 – 4 p.m.

Hickory Woods Park Equipment is First Come, First Served Curious about kayaking or paddleboarding? Drop in and try it out on a calm pond with staff to get you started.

Weather permitting, updates on website calendar.

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Luna Moth

SCARECROW BUILDING CONTEST

Friday, October 17, 5:30 p.m.

Gallant Woods Park, All Ages Register by October 13 Bring the whole family to build a scarecrow.

Frame and stuffing provided; you bring clothing and other items to decorate your unique scarecrow. Judging will take place during the Trick or Treat Trail on Oct. 19.

HONEYSUCKLE HACKFEST

Geology Hike

GEOLOGY HIKE

Saturday, October 18, 1 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Rock out during Earth Science Week 2025 with Ohio Geological Survey’s Molly Hunt and Andy Nash. Learn how Ohio shale concretions formed, explore park geology, and discover how rocks reveal Earth’s past and future.

A Partnership with Nature Dads Saturday, November 8 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages Become a Hacker! Help restore our ecosystem by removing invasive honeysuckle, a threat to our natural areas.

Learn effective removal techniques and yard hacks while supporting ongoing conservation efforts and family-friendly activities.

TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL

Sponsored by Consolidated Cooperative & The Preservation Parks Foundation Sunday, October 19, 1 – 4 p.m.

Gallant Woods Park, All Ages Bring kids in costume to collect treats along the enchanted trail! Enjoy pumpkin decorating, hayrides, creepy critters, scarecrows, and Gallant Farm. Free fun for all!

MAKE IT, TAKE IT: NATURAL WREATH

Shale Hollow Park Register by Nov. 18, $10 per wreath Make a wreath out of natural items that you can take home to display for your holiday gatherings. Pick the date that works best for you and sign up today!

Classes fill up quickly.

Friday, Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m.

Ages 18+

Trick or Treat Trail

MAKE IT, TAKE IT: BAT HOUSE

Saturday, November 1, 1 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 12+ Register by October 25, $15 per bat house Build a bat house to take home and increase habitat for local bats! Learn about bats' important role in our ecosystem.

Materials and guidance provided.

Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.

Ages 18+ Saturday, Nov. 22, 2 p.m.

Ages 18+ Sunday, Nov. 23, 1 p.m.

Ages 8+ with adult Monday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m.

Ages 18+ PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | FALL 2025

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GALLANT FARM Even as the days grow shorter, the farm is still filled with fun. Join us this season for programs and events for all ages that will make you step back in time almost 100 years—without leaving 2025!

Gallant Farm Hours: Tue-Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun, 12 - 5 p.m.

Mon, Closed STARTING SEPTEMBER 1 Tues-Sun, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon, Closed

GALLANT FARM LITERARY & COWPIE SOCIETY

Gallant Farm, Ages 12+ Join us for a lively discussion of each month’s featured book. We typically read titles that were popular during the Great Depression and WWII years, or books focusing on those time periods.

PERFORMANCES FROM THE PAST

Sundays, 2 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Come to the farm and experience an interpreter's vision of a key event from history. A costumed actor will give their unique perspective based on in-depth research. Bring a snack to enjoy during the performance!

Sept. 28 Bonesetter Sports Medicine Presented by Ron St. Pierre Oct. 12 The Dust Bowl & An Electrifying Conflict Presented by Nancy Taylor & Joby Easley

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m.

Brideshead Revisited

by Evelyn Waugh Sunday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m.

Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m.

Braiding Sweetgrass

by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Gallant Farm

STORYTIME AT THE FARM

Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | FALL 2025

Presented by Beanbag Books Saturday, October 4, 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Gallant Farm, Ages 5 & under Enjoy an autumn story at Gallant Farm!

Complete a craft, enjoy a snack in the farmhouse and visit the animals.

Red-winged black bird Photo by Carrie Baas

GET TO KNOW GRASSLAND BIRDS

Saturday, October 4, 1 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Join Master Gardeners to explore how past farming practices helped grassland birds like meadowlarks and discover modern native plants and cover crops that help these beneficial birds thrive and protect crops today.

Gallant Farm

THE BEES KNEES STITCHING CIRCLE

Sunday, November 16, 1 – 3 p.m.

Gallant Farm, Ages 12+ Join us for a modern twist on the knitting circles popular in the 1930s. Bring your own knit, crochet, or other fiber project for a relaxing “crafternoon” of stitching and chatting.

JIGSAW PUZZLE SWAP Chore Day on the farm

FALL ON THE FARM

Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Experience autumn on a 1930s farm with harvest activities, hands-on kids’ crafts, and seasonal treats—celebrating the sights, smells, and tastes of fall in historical style.

Saturday, November 22, 1 – 3 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Whether you prefer a simple 300-piece puzzle or enjoy more of a challenge, come out to Gallant Farm to meet other puzzlers and swap for a new-to-you jigsaw masterpiece. Bring a puzzle you have already conquered with all the pieces and trade for one you haven’t yet solved!

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Printed on post-consumer recycled paper, using soy-based inks

Photo: Kingfisher by Joan Pearse

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2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074 preservationparks.com