SpringProgramGuide2026_PreservationParks

PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SPRING 2026

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.

Viburnum

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)

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/

VISITOR CENTER AT DEER HAVEN PARK

4183 Liberty Road Delaware, Ohio 43015 740-362-0283

Wed-Mon, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Tues, Closed

GALLANT FARM

2150 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, Ohio 43015 740-595-3020 Tues-Sun, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Mon, Closed

Cover photo: blue jay

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.

SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 25, 2026 Join the Preservation Parks Foundation for an evening of fun and fundraising. Details coming soon!

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 open 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 | SPRING 2026

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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

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2026

Gray tree frog

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

https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

Registration for spring programs opens at noon, Wednesday, February 18.

MARCH 1 Try It: Trekking Poles, p 4 2 Golden Marathon, p 4 7 Yoga & Hike, p 4 8 The Bees Knees Stitching Circle, p 8 15 FrogWatch USA Training, p 4 18 Little Adventurers, p 4 20 Woodcock Courtship Spectacle, p 5 21 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5 21 Spring Garden Workshop, p 8 22 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5 23 Delaware County Bird Club, p 5 27 Froggy Fridays, p 5 28 Geo Quest, p 6 29 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8 30 Golden Marathon, p 4

APRIL

2 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6 4 Yoga & Hike, p 4 6 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6 10 Froggy Fridays, p 5 11 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6 12 The Bees Knees Stitching Circle, p 8 13 Golden Marathon, p 4 13 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6 17 Froggy Fridays, p 5 17 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6 18 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5 18 Earth Day Adventures, p 6 19 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5 20 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6 22 Little Adventurers, p 4 24 Froggy Fridays, p 5 24 Guided Wildflower Hike, p 6 26 Sheep Shearing, p 8 27 Golden Marathon, p 4

APRIL CONTINUED

27 Delaware County Bird Club, p 5 29 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8 29 Homeschool Adventures, p 7

MAY

2 Yoga & Hike, p 4 8 Froggy Fridays, p 5 9 Try It: Wetland Dip Netting, p 7 13 Little Adventurers, p 4 13 Try It: Fly Casting, p 7 15 Froggy Fridays, p 5 16 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5 17 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5 18 Golden Marathon, p 4 23 Secret Lives of Salamanders, p 9 24 Movie Under the Stars, p 9 25 Hidden Animal Connections, p 9 25 Off Trail Geology Hike, p 9 25 Golden Marathon, p 4 27 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8 29 Froggy Fridays, p 5 31 Pre WWII Classic Car Exhibition, p 8

WILDFLOWER EXPERIENCE, p 6 April - May AMPHIBIAN WEEK, p 7 May 6 - 10 WHAT LIES BELOW EXHIBIT, p 9 May 23 - September 7

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2026

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PARK PROGRAMS TRY IT: TREKKING POLES

Sunday, March 1, 1 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages March into March with a trekking pole adventure. Meet at Gallant Farm for a quick how to and then trek together to Gallant Woods to hike the primitive trail.

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.

March 2 Char-Mar Ridge Park March 30 Gallant Woods Park Mondays, 9:30 a.m.

April 13 Hickory Woods Park April 27 Emily Traphagen Park May 18 Deer Haven Park May 25 McCammon Creek Park

LITTLE ADVENTURERS: SPRING

Wednesdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 5 & Under Explore and get comfortable in nature with your little ones! Drop in to enjoy self-guided stations all about spring.

March 18 April 22 May 13

Bunnies Fruits & Flowers Curious Canines

FROGWATCH USA TRAINING

Sunday, March 15, 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 14+ Register by March 11 Become a FrogWatch USA citizen scientist! Learn to identify, monitor, and record the distinct calls of Ohio’s frogs.

Then you may visit a local wetland to collect and report the data. FrogWatch USA is a national organization helping stop the decline of these important animals.

YOGA & HIKE

Saturdays, 10 a.m., Ages 15+ Never tried yoga? Want to experience yoga in a beautiful park? First come first serve for space and equipment.

A naturalist led hike is open to all.

March 7 April 4 May 2

Deer Haven Park Deer Haven Park Gallant Farm

Wood frog 4

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2026

SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS

Did you know we offer field trips for third grade classrooms to help meet Ohio’s third grade science and social studies standards?

We can offer deep, impactful experiences to serve students throughout the county.

Parents, share this information with your child’s teacher. Teachers, look for available field trip dates on our website program calendar. To claim a field trip date, one teacher must register for the available date on our RecDesk registration site. Be sure to create your RecDesk account before registration opens. Registration for spring field trips will open on March 1, 2026 at 6 p.m.

DELAWARE COUNTY BIRD CLUB

Gallant Woods Park

WOODCOCK COURTSHIP SPECTACLE

Friday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.

Hickory Woods Park, Ages 7+ Join us as we spy on the unique courtship ritual of the secretive American Woodcock. This annual spring occurrence is always a treat to witness.

Binoculars are recommended; loaners will be available.

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.

Mondays, 7 p.m.

March 23 & April 27 Deer Haven Park, All Ages See Preservation Parks’ online program calendar for meeting details, special guests, and topics closer to the meeting dates.

FROGGY FRIDAYS WITH FROGWATCH USA

Fridays, 10 minutes after sunset March 27; April 10, 17, & 24; May 8, 15, & 29 Gallant Woods Park, Ages 8+ Accompany FrogWatch USA expert Amy Torrey-Rinehart to listen for frogs calling in the wetlands. Learn to identify various species and how to record them in the FrogWatch database as a citizen scientist.

Meet at the shelter house.

Weather Dependent

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

March 21, April 18, May 16 Sundays, 12 - 4 p.m.

March 22, April 19, May 17

Blue flag iris PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2026

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GEO QUEST

Saturday, March 28, 12 p.m.

Hickory Woods Park, Ages 8+ Learn how to go geocaching! This hands-on program teaches the basics of using GPS, decoding clues, and exploring the outdoors to find hidden treasures.

You will need access to a smartphone.

SELF-GUIDED WILDFLOWER EXPERIENCE

April - May Hogback Ridge 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 Hogback Ridge Park.

Virginia bluebells

GUIDED WILDFLOWER HIKES

Hogback Ridge Park Delaware County Master Gardeners will lead guided hikes showcasing Ohio’s seasonal woodland wildflowers.

Thursday, April 2, 3 p.m.

All Ages Monday, April 6, 3 p.m.

All Ages Saturday, April 11, 1 p.m.

All Ages Monday, April 13, 3 p.m.

Ages 55+ Friday, April 17, 10 a.m.

All Ages Monday, April 20, 2 p.m.

All Ages Friday, April 24, 10 a.m.

All Ages

EARTH DAY ADVENTURES

White trout lily 6

Saturday, April 18, 1 - 4 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages Celebrate Earth Day by planting trees, investigating critters by microscope, creating a unique cyanotype art craft, hiking the primitive trail, and more.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2026

HOMESCHOOL ADVENTURES: WETLAND WONDERS

Wednesday, April 29, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 6 - 12 Dive into our wetland and learn the unique characteristics of this habitat by rotating through different self-guided stations.

AMPHIBIAN WEEK

Wednesday, May 6 - Sunday, May 10 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, All Ages Hop by the Visitor Center to discover the cool traits of amphibians and celebrate National Amphibian Week! Enjoy a display, see our ambassador amphibians, and a craft!

Deer Haven Park

TRY IT: WETLAND DIP NETTING

Saturday, May 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Deer Haven Park, Ages 5+ This drop-in exploration program encourages you to celebrate National Amphibian Week by finding amphibians in their native habitat. Meet at the wetland on the Tree Swallow Trail behind the Visitor Center.

TRY IT: FLY CASTING

Yellow-spotted salamander

Wednesday, May 13, 6 p.m.

Emily Traphagen Park, Ages 18+ Register by May 6 Learn basic fly casting with Central Ohio Fly Fishers and Destination Delaware County Fishing Trail! Explore equipment, fly patterns, and techniques, then practice one-handed casting on the lawn with provided gear.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2026

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GALLANT FARM 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: Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Closed Monday

THE BEES KNEES STITCHING CIRCLE

Sunday, March 8, 1 - 3 p.m.

Sunday, April 12, 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.

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 29, 2 p.m.

Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation

by Cokie Roberts Wednesday, April 29, 6:30 p.m.

The Enchanted April

by Elizabeth Von Arnim Wednesday, May 27, 6:30 p.m.

Travels With Charlie: In Search of America

by John Steinbeck

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SPRING GARDEN WORKSHOP

Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Grow your skills this spring with handson stations led by Master Gardeners and park staff. Explore herb and seed starting, medicinal herbs, square-foot gardening, and more in this interactive program.

SHEEP SHEARING & WOOL FESTIVAL

Sunday, April 26, 12 - 3 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. Sheep will be shorn every half hour.

PRE-WORLD WAR 2 CLASSIC CAR EXHIBITION

Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Enjoy a “trip” down memory lane as a local group of old car enthusiasts make their annual visit to Gallant Farm in vintage automobiles from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s. Weather dependent

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2026

SHALE HOLLOW PARK EXHIBIT

May 23 – August 21 Wednesday - Monday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. CLOSED TUESDAYS August 22 - September 7 Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Nature hides its wonders underground and underwater. Peek beneath the soil to uncover twisting roots, secret tunnels, and the creatures that call them home. Then dip below the water’s surface to explore a bustling world of tiny life—where aquatic insects, larvae, and microscopic organisms reveal the health and history of our streams and ponds. From decomposers in the dirt to invertebrates in the shallows, What Lies Below uncovers the unseen ecosystems that support all life above.

OPENING WEEKEND SECRET LIVES OF SALAMANDERS

Saturday, May 23, 1 - 4 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Explore the hidden world of salamanders at our exhibit! Meet live salamanders and a special guest to learn how these secretive animals live underground and why they’re important to healthy ecosystems.

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH

Sunday, May 24, 8 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Movie rated PG A scientist journeys beneath the Earth to find his missing brother in this 2008 Jules Verne adaptation starring Brendan Fraser.

Enjoy the What Lies Below exhibit and free popcorn before the movie starts at 9 p.m. Bring the family, lawn chairs, and blankets.

HIDDEN ANIMAL CONNECTIONS

Monday, May 25, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Visit our new exhibit, What Lies Below, and explore animals’ connections to the underground world with live animals from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

OFF-TRAIL GEOLOGY HIKE

Monday, May 25, 1 p.m.

Shale Hollow Park, Ages 8+ Meet in the shelter house to begin a journey that started millions of years ago.

Be ready to jump in the creek and learn about geology along the way. Hike takes place through the creek and over rough terrain.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SPRING 2026

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

Photo: juvenile white-tailed deer

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2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074 preservationparks.com