To protect and conserve the natural and historic features of Delaware County and to inspire outdoor exploration and learning.
Park Hours
MARCH - OCTOBER
8 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily
NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY
8 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily
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.
Gallant Farm
2150 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, Ohio 43015
740-595-3020
MAY - AUGUST
Mon, Closed
Tue-Sat, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sun, 12 - 5 p.m.
SEPTEMBER - APRIL
Mon-Wed, Closed Thu-Sun, 12 - 5 p.m.
The Preservation Parks Foundation supports a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the park district and raises funds for special projects including the Deer Haven aviary, 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 83-2234653. All donations directly support the programs, projects, and services of Preservation Parks of Delaware County.
COMING THIS JUNE!
Join the Preservation Parks Foundation for an evening of fun and fundraising. Details coming soon!
Photo by Shawna Stanbaugh
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 open 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:
SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest park district updates and fun outdoor adventures.
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.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Outdoor Connections Department at (740) 524-8600 x 103 or register@preservationparks.com.
Yellow spotted salamander
Registration for spring programs opens at noon, Wednesday, Feb. 12.
WILDFLOWER EXPERIENCE, p 5
April-May
JEWEL EXHIBIT, p 9
April-October
MARCH
1 Yoga Series, p 4
1 A Bounty of Benefits, p 8
2 Vernal Pool Exploration, p 4
3 Golden Marathon, p 4
8 Hogback Ridge Geology Hike, p 4
8 Dance with the Woodcock, p 4
12 Little Adventurers: Spring, p 5
15 Model Railroad Open House, p 5
15 FrogWatch USA Training, p 5
15 Little Adventurers: Spring, p 5
16 Model Railroad Open House, p 5
22 Welcome Back Bats, p 5
22 Sustainable Seed Starting, p 8
24 Delaware County Bird Club, p 5
28 Native Plant Garden Planning, p 5
29 Make It, Take It: Centerpiece, p 5
30 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8
31 Golden Marathon, p 4
APRIL
4 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6
5 Yoga Series, p 4
5 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6
5 Youth Chess Championship, p 6
6 Youth Chess Championship, p 6
7 Golden Marathon, p 4
12 Storytime at the Farm, p 8
12 Jewel Exhibit Opening, p 9
12 Model Railroad Open House, p 5
13 Model Railroad Open House, p 5
18 UFOs & Earth, p 6
18 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6
APRIL CONT.
19 Earth Day Adventures, p 6
21 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6
26 Home Sweet Hive, p 6
26 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6
27 Sheep Shearing & Wool Festival, p 9
28 Golden Marathon, p 4
28 Delaware County Bird Club, p 5
30 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8
MAY
3 Yoga Series, p 4
3 Try It: Camping, p 6
4 May the Forest be with You, p 6
10 Let’s Plant the Garden, p 9
11 Let’s Plant the Garden, p 9
17 Model Railroad Open House, p 5
17 Collaborating with Nature, p 7
18 Off-Trail Hike, p 7
18 Model Railroad Open House, p 5
19 Golden Marathon, p 4
23 Exhibit Sneak Peak, p 7
24 Exhibit Grand Opening, p 7
25 Movie Under the Stars, p 7
26 Golden Marathon, p 4
28 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8
31 Pre-WWII Classic Car Show, p 9
Scan QR code for all program dates and descriptions or to register.
https://preservationparks.recdesk.com
PARK PROGRAMS
YOGA SERIES
Ages 15+, 10 a.m.
Deer Haven Park
Get a great start to your weekend with yoga followed by a spring hike! For beginners and anyone who practices yoga. Come to yoga, grab a bird-friendly coffee, then take a hike.
Saturday, March 1 Register by Feb. 26
Saturday, April 5 Register by April 2
Saturday, May 3
Register by April 30
POP-UP PROGRAM
AMPHIBIAN ADVENTURE
Gallant Woods Park, Ages 6+
Keep an eye out for our pop-up program! When weather conditions are right for amphibians to migrate to their spawning grounds, we will post program details on our social media.
VERNAL POOL EXPLORATION
Sunday, March 2, 10 a.m.
Gallant Woods Park, Ages 8+
Discover the hidden wonders of the park’s vernal pools! Enjoy a guided exploration of these temporary wetlands and learn about the unique wildlife they support.
GOLDEN MARATHON
Presented by SourcePoint Ages 55+
Get moving this season with SourcePoint’s Golden Marathon outdoor hikers. We hike in all weather! Register at MySourcePoint.org/ec. Meet at locations listed, bring your own water, and be prepared for the weather and terrain.
Mondays, 1:30 p.m.
Mar. 3 Char-Mar Ridge Park
Mar. 31 Gallant Woods Park
Mondays, 9:30 a.m.
Apr. 7 Blues Creek Park
Apr. 28 Emily Traphagen Park
May 19 Deer Haven Park
May 26 Hickory Woods Park
HOGBACK RIDGE GEOLOGY HIKE
Saturday, March 8, 1 p.m.
Hogback Ridge Park, All Ages Spend an afternoon with geologists from the Ohio Geological Survey and explore Hogback Ridge Park’s geology and glacial history. Meet at the nature center, and wear waterproof footwear for moderate hiking.
DANCE WITH THE WOODCOCK
Saturday, March 8, 6:30 p.m.
Hickory Woods Park, Ages 8+
Join us as we catch a glimpse of the secretive Timberdoodle or American Woodcock. Their annual spring courtship “skydance” is always a treat to witness.
LITTLE ADVENTURERS: SPRING
Wednesday, March 12 & Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 0-5
Explore and get comfortable in nature with your little ones! Drop in anytime between 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. to enjoy selfguided stations all about spring.
MODEL RAILROADERS OPEN HOUSE
Sandel Legacy Trail Depot, All Ages
Stop by model railroad open houses during these spring weekends. Members of the model railway group will share the history of railroads in America.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
March 15, April 12, May 17
Sundays, 12 - 4 p.m.
March 16, April 13, May 18
FROGWATCH USA TRAINING
Saturday, March 15, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 14+
Register by March 1
Become a FrogWatch USA citizen scientist! Learn to identify Ohio’s frogs and toads, and agree to visit a local wetland to collect and report data.
DELAWARE COUNTY BIRD CLUB
Mondays, 7 p.m.
March 24 & April 28
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
See Preservation Parks’ online program calendar for meeting details, special guests, and topics closer to the meeting dates.
WELCOME BACK BATS
Saturday, March 22, 1 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 12+
Register by Feb. 21, $25 per bat house
Uncover the secrets of the night! Learn about bats’ important role in our ecosystem and build a bat house. Materials and guidance provided. Children must be with an adult.
NATIVE PLANT GARDEN PLANNING
Friday, March 28, 6 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 18+
Register by March 14
Start your native plant garden journey at the Visitor Center! Learn site prep basics, evaluate your space, and explore the variety of heights and colors native plants offer for your garden.
MAKE IT, TAKE IT: SPRING CENTERPIECE
Saturday, March 29, 1 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 18+
Register by March 25, $20 per person
Create a beautiful spring table decoration and explore sustainable products to host a celebration that’s stylish and leaves zero waste behind.
SELF-GUIDED WILDFLOWER EXPERIENCE
April - May
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages
Celebrate Ohio Native Plant Month with Preservation Parks and the Delaware County Master Gardeners! Enjoy revolving signs spotlighting the variety of spring ephemerals on display throughout the month in the Shale Hollow natural play area.
GUIDED WILDFLOWER HIKES
Shale Hollow Park
Delaware County Master Gardeners will lead guided hikes showcasing Ohio’s seasonal woodland wildflowers.
Friday, April 4, 1:30 p.m.
Ages 55+
Saturday, April 5, 1:30 p.m.
All Ages
Friday, April 18, 10 a.m.
Ages 55+
Monday, April 21, 10 a.m.
All Ages
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.
All Ages
YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, April 5, 12 - 5 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Grades 9 - 12 Register by March 29
Free, unrated chess tournament for grades 9-12 in partnership with the Hanging Pawns Chess Club. Games played in 60 minutes. Players must know chess rules. Equipment and light snacks provided. New competitors welcome.
YOUTH CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, April 6, 12 - 5 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Grades K - 8 Register by March 30
Free, unrated chess tournament for grades K-8 in partnership with the Hanging Pawns Chess Club. Games played in 30 minutes. Players must know chess rules and be accompanied by an adult. Snacks provided. New competitors welcome.
UFOs AND EARTH: OUT OF THIS WORLD CONNECTIONS
Friday, April 18, 7 - 9 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 8+ Register by April 4
As Earth Day approaches, explore UFOs and their connection to protecting our planet with expert Irena Scott. Discover local sightings and dive into the mystery.
EARTH DAY ADVENTURES
Saturday, April 19, 1 - 4 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
Celebrate Earth Day with tree planting, interactive nature adventures, a primitive trail hike, native plant vendors, and more.
HOME SWEET HIVE
Saturday, April 26, 2 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 8+ Register by April 14, $15 per hive Buzz into the world of bees! Learn about the fascinating lives of bees, the importance of pollination, and build a bee nesting house.
TRY IT: CAMPING
Saturday, May 3, 2 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages Register by April 26
Discover the essentials of camping! Explore the contents of the new Camping Borrow Bin. Learn how to use the gear and gain confidence for your first outdoor adventure. Contents include a tent, cots, pads and chairs.
MAY THE FOREST BE WITH YOU
Sunday, May 4, 3 p.m.
Hogback Ridge Park, Ages 7+
Celebrate May 4th with a Star Wars inspired hike to the osprey platforms! Start at Hogback Ridge Park, trek the equestrian trail, cross creeks, and scale hillsides. Wear sturdy boots and bring binoculars.
CREATIVELY COLLABORATING WITH NATURE
Saturday, May 17, 12 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
Celebrate the opening of our naturethemed art exhibit in partnership with SourcePoint! Featuring rotating works, May – September, showcasing the beauty and inspiration found in nature through various artistic mediums.
OFF-TRAIL HIKE
Sunday, May 18, 10 a.m.
Char-Mar Ridge Park, Ages 7+
This guided hike takes you off the usual trails to discover hidden gems and wildlife in their natural habitats. Moderate difficulty and elevation changes.
Discover a variety of engaging programs throughout the year, designed to educate and inspire—from interactive workshops to guided nature walks.
Immerse yourself in the summer exhibit in the McKay Lodge at Shale Hollow Park, showcasing the beauty and rich biodiversity of Ohio’s native plant habitats and their vital role in supporting local wildlife. Whether you join us for one of our fascinating programs or explore the summer exhibit, we look forward to sharing the beauty and importance of native plants with you.
EXHIBIT SNEAK PEEK
Friday, May 23, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, 18+
Register by May 16
Reserve your spot to get a sneak-peek! Meet the paper-making artist whose work is on display, join a geologist for a hike, and enjoy refreshments as you explore the summer exhibit, Life on a Leaf!
EXHIBIT GRAND OPENING
Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages
Join us for the grand opening of the summer exhibit Life on a Leaf! Stop by Franklin Park Conservatory’s table to explore the partnership between plants and pollinators and grab some wildflower seeds to start your own pollinator garden!
MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Sunday, May 25, 8:30 – 11 p.m.
Gallant Farm, Ages 13+
Enjoy an outdoor showing of Little Shop of Horrors! Experience this quircky musical comedy under the stars with singing, laughter, and a man-eating plant, rated PG-13. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and friends! Free popcorn and snow cones. Movie begins at 9 p.m.
GALLANT FARM
The farm comes alive again in the spring. Join us this season for programs for all ages, a book club and events that will make you step back in time almost 100 years without leaving 2025!
Plus, Gallant Farm is hosting an exciting summer exhibit Jewel that you won’t want to miss.
A BOUNTY OF BENEFITS FROM NATIVE TREES
Saturday, March 1, 2 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages Farmers have long recognized the beneficial properties to be harvested from the woodlot on the farm. Visit Gallant Farm for a discussion on the uses of trees from tints to tasty treats!
SUSTAINABLE SEED STARTING
Saturday, March 22, 12 - 3 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages Learn eco-friendly techniques to start seeds sustainably indoors. Explore traditional practices, modern innovations, and hands-on methods to grow healthy plants. Guests will take home potted seeds of their choice.
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.
Sunday, March 30, 2 p.m.
Book Club 10th Anniversary!
The Blue Tattoo: The Life of Olive Oatman by Margot Mifflin
Wednesday, April 30, 6:30 p.m.
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver
Wednesday, May 28, 6:30 p.m.
The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
STORYTIME AT THE FARM
Saturday, April 12, 10:30 a.m.
Gallant Farm, Ages 0-5
Come listen to a springtime story on the farm! Enjoy a fun tale or two and explore the barnyard. Meet the animals and complete a craft.
JEWEL EXHIBIT OPENING
Saturday, April 12, 12 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages
Jewel unveils the hidden voices of native seeds, transforming their sounds into stunning visual art. Visit the exhibit to explore, learn, and celebrate the beauty and importance of native plants.
SHEEP SHEARING & WOOL FESTIVAL
Sunday, April 27, 12 - 4 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages
Step back in time to witness the “shear” magic of the 1930s. Watch skilled sheep shearers, explore wool crafts, and spin a yarn of a bygone era.
LET’S PLANT THE GARDEN!
Saturday, May 10 & Sunday, May 11
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages
Drop by the farm and help complete a spring-time staple: planting the vegetable and flower gardens! Spend as much or as little time as you’d like getting your hands dirty.
PRE-WORLD WAR 2 CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages
Step back in time at our Pre-WWII Classic Car Show, showcasing vintage automobiles amidst the charm of our Depression-era historical farm. Experience history and nostalgia in a timeless setting.
