Spring 2024 Program Guide

PRESERVATION PARKS OF DELAWARE COUNTY PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SPRING 2024

What’s Inside • Total Solar Eclipse • Earth Day Concert • Wool Festival

Join us in 2024 to celebrate our 50th anniversary all year long!

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)

Bloodroot Shale Hollow Park

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.

The Preservation Parks Foundation raises funds and awareness to support a variety of projects throughout the park district, including interactive displays and artists’ exhibits as well as annual feed, care items, and veterinary services for ambassador animals and birds of prey at the Deer Haven Park aviary.

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

SEPTEMBER - APRIL Mon.-Wed., Closed Thu-Sun, 12 - 5 p.m.

Follow us on social media!

Cover: Deer fawn Emily Traphagen Park

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

The organization’s tax identification number is 83-2234653. All donations to PPF will directly support the programs, projects and services of Preservation Parks of Delaware County.

PPDC Park PPDC Future Park 203

257

ASHLEY

Ohio to Erie Trail

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* The McCammon Creek Park trail north of Orange Road is currently open. More sections will open over several years.

GALLANT FARM

RIVER RUN

42 71

GALLANT WOODS 37

HOGBACK RIDGE

521

FUTURE PARK

36

DELAWARE

BLUES CREEK 36

HICKORY WOODS

257

OSTRANDER

42

FUTURE PARK

23 315

NORTH

SYCAMORE RUN EMILY TRAPHAGEN

FUTURE PARK

61 37

FUTURE PARK

DEER HAVEN 257

36

SHALE HOLLOW McCAMMON CREEK*

36

OHIO

SUNBURY

HOOVER SCENIC TRAILHEAD GALENA 71 3

RIE

E TO

SANDEL LEGACY TRAILHEAD

IL TRA

37

CHAR-MAR RIDGE

POWELL DUBLIN COLUMBUS

WESTERVILLE

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 section open Parking at Orange Friends Church 3467 E. Orange Rd, Lewis Center

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 | SPRING 2024

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REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND SPRING PROGRAM LIST 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.

Registration for spring programs opens at noon, Thursday, Feb. 15.

Preservation Parks turns 50 years old in 2024. Look for this icon: which indicates birthday celebration activities will be part of the program.

Scan QR code for all program dates and descriptions or to register.

https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

SELF- GUIDED WILDFLOWER TRAIL April - May, p 4

MARCH

1 Dance of the Woodcock, p 6 2 Yoga & Hike, p 4 2 Welcome Back Bats, p 6 4 Viewing the Eclipse Safely, p 3 9 Budding Beginnings, p 9 13 Little Adventurers, p 8 16 Little Adventurers, p 8 16 Model Railroad, p 7 17 Model Railroad, p 7 17 Junior Adventurers, p 8 23 Backpacking 101, p 5 24 Gallant Farm Literary Society, p 9 25 Bird Club, p 4 25 Golden Marathon, p 4 28 Homeschool Adventures, p 8

APRIL

2 Beyond Beginner Crochet Series, p 7 6 Yoga & Hike, p 4 6 Wildflower Hike, p 4 8 Solar Eclipse, p 3 12 Wildflower Hike, p 4 18 Wildflower Hike, p 4 19 Wildflower Hike, p 4 20 Model Railroad, p 7 20 Storytime at the Farm, p 9 20 Fix a Flat, p 5 20 Ohio to Erie Trail Bike Ride, p 5 21 Model Railroad, p 7 21 Earth Day Concert, p 6 22 Bird Club, p 4 22 Golden Marathon, p 4 24 Gallant Farm Literary Society, p 9 26 What are Moon Trees?, p 6 28 Sheep Shearing & Wool Festival, p 9

MAY

4 Yoga & Hike, p 4 11 Hike to the Ospreys, p 6 13 Golden Marathon, p 4 16 Make It, Take it: Macrame, p 7 18 Model Railroad, p 7 18 Farmhouse Follies, p 9 19 Model Railroad, p 7 21 Preservation Parks’ 50th Birthday!

29 Gallant Farm Literary Society, p 9

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE THE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE & HOW TO SAFELY VIEW IT

Monday, Mar. 4, 7 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages Join Perkins Observatory’s Director, Don Stevens, to discover what to expect and how to safely view the April 8 total solar eclipse. See more on the online program calendar.

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

Monday, Apr. 8 All Park Locations, All Ages A total solar eclipse will cross Ohio and Delaware County is in the path of totality.

Parks will open at 8 a.m. with totality at 3:11 p.m. Plan to come early and stay late to avoid traffic. Parks are expected to fill up quickly.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2024

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SPRING SERIES TRY IT YOGA & HIKE SERIES

Saturdays, Mar. 2, Apr. 6, May 4, 9 a.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 15+ Register by each previous Wednesday Get a great start to your weekend with yoga followed by a spring hike! For beginners and anyone who practices yoga. Yoga takes place indoors. Mats available.

GOLDEN MARATHON

SELF-GUIDED WILDFLOWER TRAIL

Apr. - May Emily Traphagen Park, All Ages Celebrate Ohio Native Plant Month with Preservation Parks and the Delaware County Master Gardeners! Enjoy a selfguided trail spotlighting the variety of spring ephemerals. Bloom dates are weather dependent so the trail opening will be announced on social media and our program calendar.

Presented by SourcePoint Ages 55+ Get moving this spring with SourcePoint’s Golden Marathon outdoor hikers. We walk rain, snow, or sun except for extreme weather.

Register at MySourcePoint.org/ec. Meet at locations listed, bring your own water, and be prepared for the weather and terrain.

Monday, 1:30 p.m.

Mar. 25 Gallant Woods Park Mondays, 9:30 a.m.

Apr. 22 Emily Traphagen Park May 13 Deer Haven Park

DELAWARE COUNTY BIRD CLUB

Mondays, Mar. 25 & Apr. 22 Doors open at 6:30 p.m., Program starts at 7 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages See Preservation Parks’ online program calendar for meeting details, special guests, and topics closer to the meeting dates.

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White trillium

WILDFLOWER HIKES

Saturday, Apr. 6, Thursday, Apr. 18, & Fridays, Apr. 12 & 19 1:30 p.m.

Emily Traphagen Park, All Ages Join the Delaware County Master Gardeners on four hikes showcasing the natural beauty of spring ephemerals.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2024

ADVENTURE FLY FISHING FILM TOUR

FIX A FLAT

Wednesday, Mar. 20, 7 p.m.

The Strand Theater, Ages 18+ Register by Mar. 19 Central Ohio Fly Fishers, Destination Delaware, and Preservation Parks invite you to one of the most celebrated events in fly fishing. Join us for a free showing of the Fly Fishing Film Tour, a traveling roadshow of the best fly fishing films in the world.

Saturday, Apr. 20, 9 a.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 18+ Register by Apr. 13 Staff from Public Lands will be demonstrating how to fix a flat on a bicycle tire. Bring your own flat to fix or take notes and learn this inconvenient but invaluable lesson.

OHIO TO ERIE TRAIL BIKE RIDE

Saturday, Apr. 20, 11 a.m.

JR Smith Park, All Ages 20 S. Morning St., Sunbury Register by Apr. 19 Join a naturalist for a leisurely bike ride along part of the Ohio to Erie Trail owned and maintained by Preservation Parks. Bring your own bike and safety equipment.

Hickory Woods Park

BACKPACKING 101: PICK YOUR PACK

Saturday, Mar. 23, 10:30 a.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages Register by Mar. 15 Pack in the fun! Join Public Lands as they provide guidance on finding the perfect fitting backpack for trail ready comfort.

Then try out a pack on a short hike.

Hoover Scenic Trail PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2024

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NATURE DANCE OF THE WOODCOCK

WHAT ARE MOON TREES?

Friday, Mar. 1, 6 p.m.

Gallant Woods Park, All Ages Catch a glimpse of the male American woodcock during mating season. At twilight we will listen for his mating calls and look for him spiraling in flight, showing off his “sky dance.” We’ll also be learning about the history of Gallant Woods Park.

Friday, Apr. 26, 5:30 p.m.

Char-Mar Ridge Park, All Ages Branch out on a stellar adventure on Arbor Day! Learn about the trees sent to the moon in 1971. Test your native tree knowledge as we hike the Glacier Ridge Trail and learn the history of the park.

WELCOME BACK BATS

Saturday, May 11, 1 p.m.

Hogback Ridge Park, Ages 7+ Register by Apr. 29 Join staff for a rugged hike along Alum Creek’s primitive equestrian trail. Use the eBird app to identify birds as we scale steep hillsides and cross creeks to the osprey overlook and learn the history of Hogback Ridge Park. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring binoculars.

Saturday, Mar. 2, 1 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 12+ Register by Feb. 21, $25 per bat house Discover the world of bats! Join us to learn about these fascinating creatures and build your very own bat house.

Materials and guidance provided. Children must be with an adult.

HIKE TO THE OSPREYS & WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

EARTH DAY PLANT SALE & BANANA SLUG STRING BAND CONCERT

Sunday, Apr. 21, 1 - 5 p.m.

Gallant Woods Park, All Ages Bring the whole family to this Earth Day celebration. Purchase native garden plants offered by local nurseries including Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Riverside Native Trees and Nursery.

At 3 pm, enjoy a free Banana Slug String Band concert, a nationally renowned children’s band coming from California to share original earth loving lyrics geared for kids and parents alike. Plus, savor food truck cuisine, and partake in other Earth Day activities.

Natives In Harmony

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2024

ARTS 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.

Mar. 16, Apr. 20, May 18 Sundays, 12 - 4 p.m.

Mar. 17, Apr. 21, May 19

BEYOND BEGINNER CROCHET SERIES

Tuesdays, Apr. 2, 9, 16, & 23, 6:30 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 14+ Register by Mar. 26, $20 per person Explore crochet’s next level! Join this series to master new techniques, from changing colors to magic circle, unlocking creativity in every loop and stitch. All equipment provided.

MAKE IT, TAKE IT: MACRAME

Sandel Legacy Trail Depot

PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE PHOTO CONTEST

The 2024 contest is open for submissions!

Visit our website to view all contest rules and to see last year’s winners.

Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 14+ Register by May 9, $10 per person Help us celebrate our 50th anniversary with a 70s inspired craft! After learning the basic knots of macrame, you will complete your own take home plant hanger project as a class, step by step. All materials provided.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2024

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FOR THE KIDS HOMESCHOOL ADVENTURES: VERNAL POOLS

Thursday, Mar. 28, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 7-12 Discover vernal pools and learn the unique characteristics of this habitat by rotating through different self-guided stations.

Bluejay

LITTLE ADVENTURERS: SPRING

Wednesday, Mar. 13 & Saturday, Mar. 16 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 5 & Under 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.

JUNIOR ADVENTURERS: SPRING

Sunday, Mar. 17, 1 - 3 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 6-10 Enjoy self-guided activity-based stations as we celebrate what the spring season has to offer. Dress for the weather!

Children must be accompanied by a guardian but the whole family is welcome.

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2024

Salamander nymph

SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS

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

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 spring and make yourself at home!

BUDDING BEGINNINGS: A SEED STARTING WORKSHOP

Saturday, Mar. 9, 10 a.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Join our seed starting workshop for expert tips, hands-on guidance, and everything you need to kickstart your gardening journey. Come and cultivate your green thumb.

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 from or about the Great Depression or WWII years.

STORYTIME AT THE FARM

Presented by Beanbag Books Saturday, Apr. 20, 10:30 a.m.

Gallant Farm, Ages 5 & Under Spring is springing up everywhere on the farm! Come explore the farm and hear three springtime stories.

SHEEP SHEARING & WOOL FESTIVAL

Sunday, Apr. 28, 12 - 4 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Step back in time to witness the “shear” magic of the 1930s. Witness skilled shearers, explore wool crafts, and spin a yarn of a bygone era.

Sunday, Mar. 24, 2 p.m.

The Truth According to Us

by Annie Barrows Wednesday, Apr. 24, 6:30 p.m.

The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story

by Diane Ackerman Wednesday, May 29, 6:30 p.m.

Franklin & Winston: A Portrait of a Friendship

by Jon Meacham

Gallant Farm

FARMHOUSE FOLLIES

Saturday, May 18, 6 p.m.

Gallant Farm, Ages 12+ Immerse yourself in Prohibition-era charm, where rustic allure meets secret revelry. Join us for an enchanting Speakeasy Soiree filled with jazz, crafted mocktails, and hidden delights.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2024

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

Special exhibit coming to Shale Hollow Park Memorial Day - Labor Day.

Look for special programs and activities all year.

FAR OUT

Join us in 2024 for our theme . . .

2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074 preservationparks.com