Summer Program Guide 2025

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.

Brown Thrasher Photo by Robyn Strickland

NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY Daily, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074 740-524-8600

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.

Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(Office)

You can make your secure, online contribution today or anytime here:

Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

(Nature Center)

https://preservationparks.com/foundation/

District Office and Mary McCoy 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.

Cover Photo: Deer Haven Park

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.

"AREA 51" GALA FUNDRAISER June 26, 2025 Event information on page 4

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 | SUMMER 2025

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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.

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

Shale Hollow Park

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2025

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

https://preservationparks.recdesk.com

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 PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2025

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“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

VIP Ticket: $200

Couple Ticket: $225

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!”

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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2025

Summer Letterbox Adventure

Sponsored by

May 24 - September 1

Enjoy an adventure in the parks this summer exploring color and native plants.

This part geocache, part scavenger hunt journey will guide you through the parks to find the hidden letterboxes. Discover 4 or more boxes to receive a prize.

Register at a Delaware area library or learn more and register at: https://preservationparks.com/programs/letterbox-adventure.

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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.

Little Adventurers

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 McCammon Creek Park June 9 Shale Hollow Park June 23 Char-Mar Ridge Park July 7 Gallant Woods Park July 28 Emily Traphagen Park Aug. 4 Blues Creek Park Aug. 18 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

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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.

Barn Owl

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

Deer Haven Park

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.

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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!

Green Heron Photo by Karen Scott

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 Aug. 2

Gallant Woods Park Shale Hollow Park

Red-winged black bird & white-tailed deer Photo by Lynne Sutton

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.

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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!

Hickory Woods Park

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

Adventure Run

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!

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.

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: Archery

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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.

Paddle with Preservation Parks

TRY IT: PADDLE WITH PRESERVATION PARKS

Try It: Electric Bikes

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.

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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.

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | SUMMER 2025

SHALE HOLLOW PARK EXHIBIT

May 24 – September 1 Wednesday - Monday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

CLOSED TUESDAYS

OPENING WEEKEND 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 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.

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!

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!

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GALLANT FARM As the days grow longer, the farm fills with fun. 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!

ANTIQUE TRACTOR SHOW

Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Step into the past and witness a stunning display of history on wheels. Marvel at meticulously restored tractors and relive the agricultural heritage that shaped our landscape.

CHILDREN’S CHORE DAY ON THE FARM

Thursday, July 17, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Come out and visit different work stations around the farm. See what kids were expected to do on the family farm in the past.

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.

Wednesday, June 25, 6:30 p.m.

Cold Comfort Farm

by Stella Gibbons Wednesday, July 30, 6:30 p.m.

Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen Wednesday, August 27, 6:30 p.m.

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

by Carson McCullers

PAPER MAKING DURING THE DEPRESSION

With artist Sarah Strong Sunday, August 3, 12 - 2 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Embrace the "waste not, want not" spirit of the 1930s. Bring cotton textile scraps and watch them be transformed into paper pulp with paper artist Sarah Strong.

Participants can create one sheet of unique, usable handmade paper.

FUN UNDER A PAPER MOON

Saturday, August 16, 12 - 6 p.m.

Gallant Farm, All Ages Traveling carnivals and the circus were popular entertainment during the Great Depression. Come to the farm and play traditional games for prizes. Then pose with your loved ones on our “Paper Moon” for a unique keepsake of the day.

Chore Day at the Farm

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SUMMER CONCERTS Thursdays, 7 p.m.

Gallant Woods Park, All Ages

Steve Madewell

The Sweet Beats

OSU Alumni Marching Band

Bill Purk and the Muleskinner Band

Victorious KayBirds

Sensational Soul Brothers

July 24 Beatles Tribute

July 3 Americana

July 10 Big Band

July 17 Classic Rock n' Roll

July 31 Bluegrass & Country

August 7 Blues Brothers Tribute

Sponsored by

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

Photo by Joan Pearse

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2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074 preservationparks.com