PROGRAMS & EVENTS • SUMMER 2025
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
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.
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 832234653. All donations directly support the programs, projects, and services of Preservation Parks of Delaware County.
Brown Thrasher
Photo by Robyn Strickland
Cover Photo: Deer Haven 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
Hoover Scenic Trailhead 8405 Plumb Road Galena, 43021
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:
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.
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.
Shale Hollow Park
Registration for summer programs opens at noon, Wednesday, May 14.
SUMMER LETTERBOX ADVENTURE, p 5
May 24 - September 1
LIFE ON A LEAF SUMMER EXHIBIT, p 11
May 24 - September 1
CREATIVELY COLLABORATING WITH NATURE, p 6
May 17 - September 1
SNAKE WEEK, p 9
July 13 - 19
JUNE
1 Try It: Wetland Dip Netting, p 6
2 Golden Marathon, p 6
4 Little Adventurers: Bugs & Birds, p 6
7 Wilderness First Aid, p 7
9 Life on a Tree, p 7
9 Golden Marathon, p 6
13 Summer Night Hike, p 7
14 Antique Tractor Show, p 12
14 Little Adventurers: Camouflage & Colors, p 6
20 Bats & Ice Cream, p 7
21 Model Railroad Open House, p 8
21 What’s That Plant?, p 8
22 Model Railroad Open House, p 8
22 Birds & Bees Hike, p 8
23 Golden Marathon, p 6
25 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 12
26 “Area 51” Gala Fundraiser, p 4
28 Bird Fest, p 8
28 Summer Bird Box Build, p 8
JULY
2 Little Adventurers: Farm Life, p 6
3 Summer Concert, p 13
5 Shelter House Yoga, p 8
7 Golden Marathon, p 6
9 Life on a Tree, p 7
10 Summer Concert, p 13
JULY CONT.
11 Summer Night Hike, p 7
12 Adventure Run, p 9
17 Summer Concert, p 13
17 Children’s Chore Day on the Farm, p 12
18 Make It, Take It: Sparks & S’Mores, p 9
19 Model Railroad Open House, p 8
19 Little Adventurers: Snakes, p 6
19 Try It: Fly Casting, p 9
20 Model Railroad Open House, p 8
20 Try It: Archery, p 9
24 Summer Concert, p 13
25 Under the Stars, p 10
26 Try It: Electric Bikes, p 10
28 Golden Marathon, p 6
30 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 12
31 Summer Concert, p 13
AUGUST
2 Shelter House Yoga, p 8
2 Rain Gardens: What, Why, & How?, p 10
3 Paper Making During the Depression, p 12
4 Golden Marathon, p 6
7 Summer Concert, p 13
8 Perseid Meteor Campout, p 10
9 Life on a Tree, p 7
9 Try It: Paddle with Preservation Parks, p 10
14 Geocaching Adventure 101, p 10
15 Summer Night Hike, p 7
16 Model Railroad Open House, p 8
16 Little Adventurers: Fish, p 6
16 Fun Under a Paper Moon, p 12
17 Model Railroad Open House, p 8
18 Golden Marathon, p 6
23 Monarchs & More, p 10
27 Little Adventurers: Leaves, p 6
27 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 12
30 Animals & Leaves Display, p 11
30 Tie-Dye Fun, p 11
31 Tie-Dye Fun, p 11
“area 51” Gala Fundraiser
Declassifying the hidden gems of Preservation Parks
June 26, 2025
6:30 P.M. - 9:30 P.M. Gala
Heart of Africa Event Center
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Single Ticket: $125
Couple Ticket: $225
VIP Ticket: $200
VIP Couple Ticket: $375
Buy Tickets Here:
Don’t miss an out-of-this-world celebration for a great cause!
Savor a night of cocktails, food, and “Area 51” fun while supporting Preservation Parks and Delaware County’s treasured natural resources.
- Welcome from Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Fun, space-themed presentation with Tom Burns, former Director of the Perkins Observatory
Dress in stellar cocktail attire with optional sci-fi flair.
“Nanu Nanu!”
PARK PROGRAMS
CREATIVELY COLLABORATING WITH NATURE
A Partnership with SourcePoint
May 17 - September 1
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
Enjoy our nature-themed art exhibit in partnership with SourcePoint! Featuring rotating works showcasing the beauty and inspiration found in nature through various artistic mediums.
TRY IT: WETLAND DIP NETTING
Sunday, June 1, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 5+
This drop-in exploration program invites you to search for and identify organisms in wetland ecosystems. Meet at the wetland on the Tree Swallow Trail behind the Visitor Center.
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, 9:30 a.m.
June 2
June 9
June 23
July 7
July 28
Aug. 4
Aug. 18
McCammon Creek Park
Shale Hollow Park
Char-Mar Ridge Park
Gallant Woods Park
Emily Traphagen Park
Blues Creek Park
Hickory Woods Park
LITTLE ADVENTURERS: SUMMER
10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Ages 0-5
Explore nature with your little ones! Drop in to enjoy informal self-guided stations featuring hands-on activities and crafts! Children must be accompanied by a guardian. Please dress for the weather.
Wednesday, June 4
Deer Haven Park Bugs & Birds
Saturday, June 14
Blues Creek Park Fish
Wednesday, July 2
Gallant Farm Farm Life
Saturday, July 19
Deer Haven Park Snakes
Saturday, August 16
Gallant Woods Park Camouflage & Colors
Wednesday, August 27
Char-Mar Ridge Park Leaves
Little Adventurers
WILDERNESS FIRST AID
Saturday, June 7, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 8, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 14+
Register by May 31, $125 per person
Our Wilderness First Aid class equips you with essential skills to handle medical emergencies in remote settings. Learn how to assess injuries, provide critical care, and make smart decisions when help is far away. Perfect for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to stay prepared and confident in the wild. Under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Must attend both days.
LIFE ON A TREE
Monday, June 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.
Wednesday, July 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages
Join Master Gardeners on the 9th of each month this summer in the Shale Hollow Park Shelter for tree themed activities.
Deer
SUMMER NIGHT HIKE
Ages 8+
Discover how animals use their senses at night as we walk without flashlights along the trail. Listen for owls, watch for lightning bugs, smell the night air, and stargaze on this flashlight-free adventure.
Friday, June 13, 8:30 p.m.
McCammon Creek Park
Friday, July 11, 9 p.m.
Char-Mar Ridge Park
Friday, August 15, 9 p.m.
Emily Traphagen Park
BATS & ICE CREAM
Friday, June 20, 6 p.m.
Sticky Fingers Kilbourne, All Ages
Join us and our partner, Ohio Nature Education, at Sticky Fingers’ Kilbourne location to explore the fascinating world of bats. Discover bat species not only in Ohio, but worldwide and how they help to bring us some of the ingredients served. Live bats included.
Haven Park
Barn Owl
MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE
Sandel Legacy Trailhead, All Ages Stop by model railroad open houses during these summer weekends. Members of the model railway group will share the history of railroads in America.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
June 21, July 19, August 16
Sundays, 12 - 4 p.m.
June 22, July 20, August 17
WHAT’S THAT PLANT?
Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 8+
Join Master Gardeners for a presentation and a hike to discover the plants that create the foundation for biodiversity!
BIRDS & BEES HIKE
Sunday, June 22, 1 p.m.
Emily Traphagen Park, Ages 8+
Join Volunteer Carl for a hike around the park to discover the different avian and Apoidea specimens you can find. Meet at the information kiosk.
BIRD FEST
Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
Grab a bird friendly coffee and enjoy a guided hike at 10 a.m., meet live birds from Ohio Nature Education, and help create a prairie paper sculpture with paper artist Sarah Strong as we celebrate birds with crafts and other fun activities.
SUMMER BIRD BOX BUILD
Saturday, June 28, 10 a.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages Register by June 22, $15 per nest box
Want to befriend native birds like the Carolina wren? All ages are invited to learn how to build a nest box and maintain it for generations of happy birds to come!
SHELTER HOUSE YOGA
Saturdays, 10 a.m., Ages 15+
Bend and stretch outside at a shelter house or on the grass with summer breezes quieting your mind. Come as you are, all abilities and bodies welcome.
July 5
Gallant Woods Park
Aug. 2 Shale Hollow Park
Green Heron
Photo by Karen Scott
Red-winged black bird & white-tailed deer
Photo by Lynne Sutton
Shelter House Yoga
ADVENTURE RUN
Sponsored by the Preservation Parks Foundation
Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Gallant Woods Park, Ages 7+
Register by July 6
Get in to nature-literally! Tackle mud pits, obstacles, and a slip-and-slide on this family friendly, two-mile adventure run on the Gallant Woods primitive trail. No strollers or pets. Be ready to get wet and muddy!
SNAKE WEEK
July 13 - 19, 12 - 5 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
It’s time to ssssselebrate! Slither by the Visitor Center this week to discover the cool traits of snakes! Enjoy a display, meet our ambassador snakes, and participate in a craft!
MAKE IT, TAKE IT: SPARKS & S’MORES
Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.
Emily Traphagen Park, Ages 5+
Learn how to craft homemade fire starters and enjoy roasting marshmallows for delicious s’mores! This hands-on program is perfect for campfire lovers 5 years old and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
TRY IT: FLY CASTING
Saturday, July 19, 6 p.m.
Emily Traphagen Park, Ages 18+
Register by July 12
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 land with provided gear.
TRY IT: ARCHERY
Sunday, July 20
Deer Haven Park, Ages 8+
Register for one session only by July 14 $15 per person
This 90-minute class will introduce you to the basics of archery. Learn how to stand, hold, aim, and shoot. All equipment provided. Program will take place outdoors. Weather dependent.
Session 1: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Session 2: 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Session 3: 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Adventure Run
Hickory Woods Park
Try It: Archery
UNDER THE STARS
Friday, July 25, 9 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
Discover constellations, planets, and deep-space wonders. Enjoy a presentation about what you see in the night sky! Bring a blanket to lay on for stargazing after the presentation.
TRY IT: ELECTRIC BIKES
Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Sandel Legacy Trailhead, Ages 18+
Drop in and try out one of 12 different styles of electric bicycles from Jeff’s Bicycle Repair of Prospect, Ohio. One Lectric XP adaptive bike will be available.
RAIN GARDENS: WHAT, WHY, & HOW?
Saturday, August 2, 12 - 2 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 14+ Register by July 25
Learn how you can improve water quality by installing a rain garden led by staff and our partners from Delaware SWCD! Presentations will be followed by a guided wildflower hike.
PERSEID METEOR SHOWER CAMPOUT
Friday, August 8, 7 p.m. - August 9, 9 a.m.
Blues Creek Park, All Ages Register by July 26
Watch for meteors streaking across the sky as you tent camp overnight beyond the city lights. Bring snacks and overnight camping gear. Enjoy a guided night hike and star gazing through a telescope. Space is limited so sign up early.
TRY IT: PADDLE WITH PRESERVATION PARKS
Saturday, August 9, 9 a.m.
Alum Creek Reservoir
Howard Road Boat Launch, Ages 18+ Register by August 2,
$37.45 per kayak rental
Try kayaking or paddle boarding while observing birds, turtles, dragonflies and more as you quietly kayak the shoreline of Alum Creek. Bring your own human powered boat or rent from Hughes Outdoors for a fee. See online calendar for more details.
GEOCACHING ADVENTURE 101
Thursday, August 14, 6 p.m.
Gallant Woods Park, Ages 12+
Learn how to go geocaching! This handson program teaches the basics of using GPS, decoding clues, and exploring the outdoors to find hidden treasures. Perfect for teens and adults.
MONARCHS & MORE
Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
This festival will showcase the flora and fauna of Ohio with activities, crafts, and presentations throughout the day. See online calendar for a full list of activities.
Try It: Electric Bikes
Paddle with Preservation Parks
Shrink to insect size in Life on a Leaf! Climb, crawl, and explore a native plant world from a bug’s-eye view. Kids become insects, playing among giant leaves while discovering how native plants power biodiversity. It’s an immersive plant adventure that’s buzzing with fun and full of discovery!
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 quirky 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.
A Partnership with Sarah Strong
Sarah Strong works in handmade paper and natural materials to remind us of the importance of the natural world. She hopes to inspire others to plant native gardens, and to preserve the land and waterways!
CLOSING WEEKEND
ANIMALS
& LEAVES DISPLAY
Saturday, August 30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages
Join our partners from Ohio Nature Education for a display of various live animals and how leaves fit into their everyday lives.
TIE-DYE FUN
August 30 and 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages
Stop by Shale Hollow Park to tie-dye a bandana or bring your letterbox prize to dye!
