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)
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
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.
Shale Hollow Park
Photo by Beth Johnston
Cover Photo: McCammon Creek Park
Blues Creek Park 9627 Fontanelle Road Ostrander, 43061
Char-Mar Ridge Park 7741 Lewis Center Road Westerville, 43082
Deer Haven Park 4183 Liberty Road Delaware, 43015
Emily Traphagen Park 5094 Seldom Seen Road Powell, 43065
Gallant Farm 2150 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, 43015
Gallant Woods Park 2151 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, 43015
Hickory Woods Park 1271 Pollock Road Delaware, 43015
Hogback Ridge Park 2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, 43074
McCammon Creek Park - North Area 3675 E. Orange Road Lewis Center, 43035
River Run Park 168 Main Road Delaware, 43015
Sandel Legacy Trailhead 168 S. Vernon St. Sunbury, 43074
Shale Hollow Park 6320 Artesian Run Lewis Center, 43035
Sycamore Run Park 7341 Olentangy River Road Delaware, OH 43015
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
HOW TO REGISTER
Some programs have a fee and/or require advance registration. Watch for programs with the following symbols:
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
SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest park district updates and fun outdoor adventures.
White-tailed deer
Photo by Mike Zysk
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
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.
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, Nov. 1
Deer Haven Park Classroom
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
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
Thursday, September 18 Life on a Leaf Exhibit
Friday, September 19
A Sneak Peek of Future Parks: Planning Department Day
Saturday, September 20 Life on a Leaf Exhibit Yoga & Hike
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
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
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.
Try It: Fly Fishing
Model Railroad Open House
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Luna Moth
Little Adventurers
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.
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: 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.
HONEYSUCKLE HACKFEST
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.
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+
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+
Geology Hike
Trick or Treat Trail
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!
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.
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
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
STORYTIME
AT THE FARM
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.
Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society
Gallant Farm
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.
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.
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
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!
