PRESERVATION
PARKS MISSION
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.
Cover Photo by Carrie Baas Blues Creek Park
Chipmunk
Photo by Robyn Strickland
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
Hoover Scenic Trailhead 8405 Plumb Road Galena, 43021
McCammon Creek Park - North section 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:
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.
Preservation Parks turned 50 years old in 2024. Enjoy a timeline of our park history at the Deer Haven Park Visitor Center and add to our time capsule at various community events.
To learn more about our past, visit: preservationparks.com/50th-anniversary.
https://preservationparks.recdesk.com
SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS
For complete descriptions of all our programs or to register, visit https://preservationparks.recdesk.com
Registration for fall programs opens at noon, Wednesday, Aug. 14.
STEP INTO FALL, HIKE THEM ALL, p 6
Sept. 1 - Nov. 30
DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR, p 5
Sept. 14 - 21
PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE
PHOTO CONTEST, p 13
Entry Deadline is Nov. 3
AUGUST
30 Movie Under the Stars, p 4
31 Sun Gazing, p 4
SEPTEMBER
1 Star Stations, p 4
7 Tree ID, p 6
7 Saturday Yoga & Hike, p 6
8 Fly Fishing for Vets, p 6
9 Golden Marathon, p 7
21 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7
21 Monarchs & More, p 7
22 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7
22 Monarchs & More, p 7
23 Golden Marathon, p 7
24 Fungus Among Us, p 7
27 Family Game Night, p 8
28 Storytime at the Farm, p 12
28 Make It, Take It: Scarf, p 8
29 Paddle & Restore, p 8
29 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 12
30 Golden Marathon, p 7
OCTOBER
2 Little Adventurers, p 9
2 Learn to Crochet Series, p 9
5 Trailapalooza, p 9
5 Try It: Electric Bikes, p 9
5 Saturday Yoga & Hike, p 6
OCTOBER, CONTINUED
6 Scout Badge Day, p 10
7 Golden Marathon, p 7
13 All About Apples, p 12
14 Golden Marathon, p 7
18 School’s Out Bird Adventure, p 10
18 Scarecrow Building Contest, p 13
19 Little Adventurers, p 9
19 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7
20 Trick or Treat Trail, p 13
20 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7
21 Golden Marathon, p 7
26 Trek Your Trails, p 10
27 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 12
NOVEMBER
2 Saturday Yoga & Hike, p 6
4 Golden Marathon, p 7
9 Chillin’ with Mammals, p 10
10 Knit for Victory, p 12
14 Homeschool Adventures, p 11
16 Honeysuckle Hackfest, p 11
16 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7
17 Model Railroaders Open House, p 7
18 Golden Marathon, p 7
21 Intro to Medicinal Plants, p 11
22 Make It, Take It: Wreath, p 11
23 Make It, Take It: Wreath, p 11
24 Trek Your Trails, p 10
24 Make It, Take It: Wreath, p 11
25 Make It, Take It: Wreath, p 11
DECEMBER
1 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 12
Step into the “Far Out” realm of space at this immersive exhibit. Explore the mysteries of distant planets as you journey through stunning displays and interactive exhibits. Learn about the unique characteristics of each planet, from the scorching heat of Mercury to the icy depths of Neptune. Marvel at constellation patterns and discover their navigational significance. Embark on a journey of discovery and gain a deeper appreciation of your place in the universe.
SHALE HOLLOW PARK EXHIBIT
MAY 25 – AUG. 18: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
AUG. 24 – SEPT. 1: Saturday and Sunday only, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
LAST DAY: SEPT. 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
CLOSING WEEKEND
MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: HOME
Friday, Aug. 30, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages Movies is rated G
Come with your family to a “Far Out” free outdoor movie at Gallant Farm. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the animated DreamWorks comedy, Home.
SUN GAZING WITH PERKINS OBSERVATORY
Saturday, Aug. 31, 1 - 3 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
Observe our incredible day star, the Sun, through a special telescope! Experience the solar spectacle safely with expert guidance from Don Stevens, Director of Perkins Observatory.
STAR STATIONS
Sunday, Sept. 1, 1 - 3 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Our partners from Ohio Nature Education will have different astronomy-themed activities set up for you to enjoy!
DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR
Sept. 14 - 21
10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Delaware County Fairgrounds
Join us at the Delaware County Fair! We will have displays, activities, 50th anniversary giveaways, and special guests all week long.
PARK PROGRAMS
STEP INTO FALL: HIKE THEM ALL
Sept. 1 - Nov. 30, All Ages
All Our Parks
Hike all Preservation Parks’ nature trails, including two new paths, this fall. Register for free, or purchase a hiking stick and custom medallion for $15 or a custom medallion for $5. Then download your nature trail checklist to mark your journey.
TREE ID
Saturday, Sept. 7, 9:30 a.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
Join Delaware County Master Gardeners Jon Kerr and Nora Hiland in discovering ways to identify Ohio native trees. An indoor presentation and game will be followed by practicing identification skills on an accessible path near the Visitor Center.
SATURDAY YOGA & HIKE
Ages 15+
Enjoy beautiful fall days with an outdoor/ indoor yoga class. After yoga, enjoy a 40 minute hike led by a naturalist.
Sept. 7, 10 a.m.
Shale Hollow Park - Outdoor
Oct. 5, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
McNamara Park - Outdoor
Join us as a part of Trailapalooza (p. 8)
Nov. 2, 10 a.m.
Shale Hollow Park - Indoor
FLY FISHING FOR VETS
Sunday, Sept. 8, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hickory Woods Park
Adult Military Personnel and Veterans
Register by Sept. 1
Experience the restorative and healing power of nature while fly fishing. All levels welcome. Equipment and instruction will be provided by Project Healing Waters for all military personnel and veterans.
Fly FIshing 101
Yoga & Hike
GOLDEN MARATHON
Presented by SourcePoint
Mondays, 9 a.m., 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.
Sept. 9
Sept. 23
Sept. 30
Oct. 7
Oct. 14
Oct. 21
Nov. 4
Nov. 18
Deer Haven Park
Shale Hollow Park
Char-Mar Ridge Park
Emily Traphagen Park
McCammon Creek Park
Hogback Ridge Park
Gallant Woods Park
Shale Hollow Park
MONARCHS & MORE
Saturday, Sept. 21 & Sunday, Sept. 22
10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages Fly over to the Visitor Center for games, crafts, and refreshments to celebrate our local insects – especially monarch butterflies! See live monarch tagging at 2 p.m. – weather permitting.
MODEL RAILROADERS OPEN HOUSE
Sandel Legacy Trail Depot, All Ages Stop by model railroad open houses during these fall weekends. Members of the model railway group will share the history of railroads in America.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 16
Sundays, 12 - 4 p.m.
Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17
FUNGUS AMONG US
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m.
Emily Traphagen Park, Ages 18+
Embark on an exciting journey into the world of fungi, as you learn about their important role in our ecosystems. This program includes a 0.75-mile hike on a flat gravel trail.
Monarchs & More Deer Haven Park
Model Railroaders Open House
FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Friday, Sept. 27, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Gallant Woods Park, All Ages Register by Sept. 25
Bring your loved ones, your competitive spirit, and prepare for a night filled with laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition surrounded by nature. For families of up to 5 people.
MAKE IT, TAKE IT: FLOWER POUNDING SCARF
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2 - 4 p.m.
Blues Creek Park, Ages 14+
Register by Sept. 14, $10 per person
Create beautiful botanical-inspired designs using native plants to add vibrant colors to fabric and paper. With a hammer, imprint these natural hues onto a scarf and note cards, crafting unique and personalized pieces.
PADDLE & RESTORE
Sunday, Sept. 29, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Alum Creek Reservoir
Howard Road Boat Launch
Ages 18+
Register by Sept. 22, $20 per person
Registered Yoga Teacher Jen Hegerty RYT 500 offers a serene paddling excursion in Alum Creek State Park’s stunning northern section. Experience nature while doing simple stretches and resting on your boat followed by a guided meditation.
Kayaks provided by
An Evening Under the Paper Moon
Birds & Boating
TRAILAPALOOZA
Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. McNamara Park, Char-Mar Ridge Park, & More!
All Ages
Bike along the Ohio to Erie Trail starting at McNamara Park where you can enjoy a free yoga class and snacks.
Ride north to Char-Mar Ridge Park for a forested scavenger hunt or hike, then hop back on your bike and explore the charm of Galena, Sunbury, and beyond.
TRY IT: ELECTRIC BIKES
Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
McNamara Park
Bikes provided by Jeff ’s Bicycle Repair
LITTLE ADVENTURERS: FALL
Wednesday, Oct. 2 & Saturday, Oct. 19 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 0-5
Drop in to enjoy informal self-guided stations during fall-themed, hands-on activities and crafts. Children must be accompanied by a guardian and the whole family is welcome.
LEARN TO CROCHET SERIES
Wednesdays, Oct. 2, 9, 16, and 23 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 12+
Register by Sept. 25, $20 per person
Learn to crochet in this four week series. Each week will focus on a different step in the crocheting process and participants can take their work home to practice!
Participants receive a ball of yarn and crochet hook to keep at the end of the series.
Little Adventurers
Sandel Legacy Trail
SCOUT BADGE DAY
Sunday, Oct. 6, 1 - 3 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 7 - 13
Attention all Scouts! Come to the Visitor Center to participate in activities that will help complete the requirements for a bug badge. Not a scout? That’s okay! Come anyway to join in the fun.
SCHOOL’S OUT BIRD ADVENTURE
Friday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 5+
Register by Oct. 16
Craft your very own bird feeder and learn about local bird species in this hands-on workshop. Then watch and identify birds at the bird feeding station. Children must be accompanied by a guardian and the whole family is welcome
TREK YOUR TRAILS
10:30 a.m., All Ages
Discover your parks on a guided hike led by a naturalist! Learn about local flora, fauna, and natural history. Trekking poles and binoculars are available, first come first serve. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Oct. 26
Blues Creek Park
Nov. 24
McCammon Creek Park - North Section
CHILLIN’ WITH MAMMALS
Saturday, Nov. 9, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages
Celebrate mammals through fun activities and crafts, then try a bowl of vegan or venison chili. Meet live mammals with special guest Ohio Nature Education.
Ohio Nature Education is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides a home for non-releasable wild animals and offers engaging nature programs featuring these remarkable birds and animals. Visit ohionature.org to learn more.
Red-eyed vireo
Photo by Jerry Guy
Nuthatch
Photo by Clayton Conley
White tailed deer
Photo by Luke Garrison
HOMESCHOOL ADVENTURES: PLUNGE INTO PLANTS
Thursday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 7 - 12
Classify fruits and vegetables, identify plant parts, complete a craft, and discover different plants that call Ohio home by rotating through different self-guided stations.
HONEYSUCKLE HACKFEST
Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. - 4 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 particpate in family-friendly activities. Visit https://naturedads.com/ honeysuckle-hack-fest-2024/ to learn more.
INTRO TO MEDICINAL PLANTS
Thursday, Nov. 21, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 15+
Register by Nov. 20
Explore the fascinating world of medicinal plants with pharmacist and naturalist, Lisa Choy. Learn about the healing properties and traditional uses of Ohio’s native plants.
MAKE IT, TAKE IT: NATURAL WREATH
$10 per wreath
Make a wreath out of natural items that you can take home to display for the winter season. Pick the date that works best for you and sign up today! Classes fill up quickly.
Friday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, Ages 18+ Register by Nov. 18
Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.
Shale Hollow Park, Ages 18+ Register by Nov. 18
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, Ages 18+ Register by Nov. 18
Sunday, Nov. 24, 1 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Register by Nov. 18
Monday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m.
Shale Hollow Park, Ages 18+ Register by Nov. 18 Volunteer honeysuckle removal
Make It, Take It: Natural Wreath
GALLANT FARM
The 1930s-era Gallant Farm offers programs for all ages, plus a book club that will get you thinking ... and discussing!
You are invited to visit Gallant Farm this season and make yourself at home!
STORYTIME AT THE FARM
Saturday, Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m.
Gallant Farm, Ages 0-5 with Adult
Come listen to a cozy fall story on the farm! Enjoy tales of harvest adventures, friendly animals, and the charm of autumn amid the colorful surroundings.
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, Sept. 29, 2 p.m.
Killers of the Flower Moon: Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m. Gap Creek by Robert Morgan
Sunday, Dec. 1, 2 p.m.
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
ALL ABOUT APPLES
Sunday, Oct. 13, 12 - 4 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages
Apples were a vital dietary staple during winter months in the past. Come to Gallant Farm to try different apple varieties and sample various apple dishes.
KNIT FOR VICTORY
Sunday, Nov. 10, 1 - 3 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages
On the home-front during WWII, American homemakers kept busy by knitting. Try your hand at knitting for the first time or bring a project you’ve already begun.
Gallant Farm
Gallant Farm
SCARECROW BUILDING CONTEST
Friday, Oct. 18, 5:30 p.m.
Gallant Woods Park, All Ages Register by Oct. 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 Trick or Treat Trail on Oct. 20.
TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL
Sunday, Oct. 20, 1 - 4 p.m.
Gallant Woods Park, All Ages
Bring the kids in costume to gather treats from characters along the enchanted nature trail. Decorate pumpkins, enjoy a hayride, meet some creepy critters, vote for your favorite scarecrow, and visit Gallant Farm across the road. It’s all free!
Sponsored by
PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE PHOTO CONTEST
Entry Deadline is 11:59 p.m., Nov. 3, 2024. The 2024 contest is open for submissions! Visit our website to view all contest rules and to see last year’s winners.
Trick or Treat Trail Gallant Woods Park
Gallant Farm
2023 Best of Show
Photo by Cyndi Shepherd
Gallant Woods Park
