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 Robyn Strickland Red-bellied woodpecker
Cardinal
Photo by Allen Baldwin
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
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.
In 2025, come together with Preservation Parks for “Life on a Leaf” to celebrate the wonders of Ohio’s native plants and the incredible biodiversity they support.
Discover a variety of engaging programs throughout the year, designed to educate and inspire—from interactive workshops to guided nature walks.
Immerse yourself in the summer exhibit in the McKay Lodge at Shale Hollow Park, showcasing the beauty and rich biodiversity of Ohio’s native plant habitats and their vital role in supporting local wildlife. Whether you join us for one of our fascinating programs or explore the summer exhibit, we look forward to sharing the beauty and importance of native plants with you.
SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest park district updates and fun outdoor adventures.
Blues Creek Park
Registration for winter programs opens at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 20.
WINTER LETTERBOX ADVENTURE, p 4
Dec. 14 - Mar. 15
WINTER 100, p 5
Jan. 1 - Mar. 31
PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE
PHOTO CONTEST, p 9
Entry Deadline is Nov. 3, 2025
DECEMBER
2 Golden Marathon, p 4
2 School’s Out: Wintering Animals, p 5
7 Yoga & More, p 4
7 A Winter Evening on the Farm, p 8
8 Living Green: Gift Wrapping, p 5
9 Golden Marathon, p 4
15 Spooky Moon Night Hike, p 5
21 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5
22 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5
23 Golden Marathon, p 4
JANUARY
1 New Year’s Day Hike, p 5
4 Yoga & More, p 4
6 Golden Marathon, p 4
11 Winter Wildlife Tracks, p 6
12 Nature’s Bookshelf, p 4
13 Golden Marathon, p 4
18 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5
19 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5
20 Golden Marathon, p 4
22 Fly Tying 101, p 6
25 Little Adventurers: Winter, p 6
26 Scout Badge Day, p 6
26 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8
29 Little Adventurers: Winter, p 6
30 Homeschool Adventures, p 6
https://preservationparks.recdesk.com For
FEBRUARY
1 Yoga & More, p 4
2 Groundhog Day, p 6
3 Golden Marathon, p 4
8 Storytime at the Farm, p 8
8 Colorful Quilts, p 8
8 Try It: Trekking Poles, p 7
9 Colorful Quilts, p 8
9 Nature’s Bookshelf, p 4
10 Golden Marathon, p 4
14 Love, Lanterns, & Luminaries, p 9
15 Owl Prowl, p 7
15 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5
16 Model Railroaders Open House, p 5
17 Golden Marathon, p 4
19 Fly Tying 101, p 6
22 How’d That Path Get There?, p 7
23 Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society, p 8
Scan QR code for all program dates and descriptions or to register.
PARK PROGRAMS
GOLDEN MARATHON
Presented by SourcePoint
Mondays, 1:30 p.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.
Dec. 2
Dec. 9
Dec. 23
Jan. 6
Jan. 13
Jan. 20
Feb. 3
Feb. 10
Feb. 17
Blues Creek Park
Char-Mar Ridge Park
Deer Haven Park
McCammon Creek Park
Hickory Woods Park
Shale Hollow Park
Deer Haven Park
Hogback Ridge Park
Blues Creek Park
WINTER LETTERBOX ADVENTURE
Dec. 14 - Mar. 15, All Ages
Various Parks
Follow the clues for a winter exploration of five parks. Collect each parks’ secret words and unscramble them to reveal a quote and number code. Use the code to open the prize bin!
YOGA & MORE
Ages 15+
9 a.m. Yoga, 10:15 a.m. Hike
Get a great start to your weekend with yoga followed by a winter hike! For beginners and anyone who practices yoga. Come to yoga and stay for the hike, or join us for either program.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Register by Dec. 4
Shale Hollow Park
Saturday, Jan. 4
Register by Jan. 1
Deer Haven Park
Saturday, Feb. 1
Register by Jan. 29
Deer Haven Park
NATURE’S BOOKSHELF
Deer Haven Park, Ages 13+
Cozy up at Deer Haven by a fire and hot beverage as we discuss books that are inspired by nature.
Sunday, Jan. 12, 2 p.m.
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
POP UP PROGRAM
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Watch our social media for cross-country skiing opportunities if there is enough snowfall.
Hickory Woods Park
SCHOOL’S OUT: WINTERING ANIMALS
Monday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 5+
Learn about the adaptations and behaviors of local animals braving the cold and get creative with a winterthemed craft.
LIVING GREEN: GIFT WRAPPING
Sunday, Dec. 8, 12 - 3 p.m.
Deer Haven Park
Ages 18+
Stop by the Visitor Center for examples of how to beautifully wrap gifts without creating waste. Bring one gift to wrap.
SPOOKY MOON NIGHT HIKE
Sunday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m.
Hickory Woods Park, All Ages
Bundle the family and brave the cold as we hike under the light of the full moon. We’ll dispel spooky legends as we explore the limits of our human senses in darkness.
MODEL RAILROADERS OPEN HOUSE
Sandel Legacy Trail Depot, All Ages Stop by model railroad open houses during these winter weekends. Members of the model railway group will share the history of railroads in America.
Anywhere, All Ages Walk 100 miles or 100 kilometers (62 miles) from January 1 - March 31, 2025. Register, log your distance, and be connected to a community of walkers this winter.
NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 10 a.m.
Char-Mar Ridge Park, All Ages Kick off a happy new year by joining our annual first hike of the year. Hike a 1.5 mile gravel trail, then celebrate with hot refreshments. Glacier Ridge Trail includes moderate elevation changes.
New Year’s Day Hike Deer Haven Park
White-tailed deer
Photo by Jesse Ross
WINTER WILDLIFE TRACKS
Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Winter is a great time for spotting animal tracks in the snow and mud. Look for signs of deer, fox, rabbits, and birds as you explore the one-mile loop trail, then warm up with a hot beverage by a cozy fire.
FLY TYING 101
Deer Haven Park, Ages 18+
Join the Central Ohio Fly Fishers and Destination Delaware County Fishing Trail for an intro to fly tying. All materials are provided for tying your own fly.
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 6 p.m.
Register by Jan. 17
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6 p.m.
Register by Feb. 14
LITTLE ADVENTURERS: WINTER
Saturday, Jan. 25 & Wednesday, Jan. 29
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 0-5
Bundle up and drop in anytime between 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. to enjoy informal selfguided stations featuring hands-on activities and crafts as we discover what the winter season has to offer!
SCOUT BADGE DAY
Sunday, Jan. 26, 1 - 3 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 7 - 13
Attention Scouting America and Girl Scout members! Join us for a chance to complete portions of the animal badge and the reptile and amphibian study badge through self-guided stations.
HOMESCHOOL ADVENTURES: TURTLE TABLES
Thursday, Jan. 30, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 6 - 12
Learn about Ohio native turtles by rotating through different self-guided stations featuring STEM activities.
GROUNDHOG DAY: RODENT ROUND-UP!
Monday, Feb. 2 - Saturday, Feb. 8 12 - 5 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
Will the wily woodchuck see its shadow on Groundhog Day? Drop in between 12 – 5 p.m. during this week to learn more about groundhogs and their Rodentia cousins as you explore self-guided stations at your own pace.
Deer Haven Park
Hickory Woods Park
TRY IT: TREKKING POLES
Saturday, Feb. 8, 12 - 4 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 18+
Register by Jan. 28
Attend a short lesson to get acquainted with trekking poles followed by a hike on the Deer Haven Park Primitive Trail. The trail is 1 mile in length with unimproved surfaces, stairs, and slight elevation changes.
OWL PROWL
Saturday, Feb. 15, 5 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, Ages 7+
Add to your nocturnal bird list for the 2025 Great Backyard Bird Count with an evening hike as we call owls and learn about their natural history.
HOW’D THAT PATH GET THERE? TRAILS BY DESIGN
Saturday, Feb. 22, 1 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages Hike with Preservation Parks’ planning department on the new primitive trail. Learn the process of trail making – from land acquisition, design, construction, to opening the trail. Meet inside for a brief overview.
Barred Owl
Photo by Stephen Covert
Blues Creek Park
Photo by Anna Miller
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!
A WINTER EVENING ON THE FARM
Saturday, Dec. 7, 3 - 7 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages
Things slow down on the farm in winter allowing more time for simple pleasures. Come to Gallant Farm for an evening of music and activities that farm families enjoyed 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.
Sunday, Jan. 26, 2 p.m.
Book Club 10th Anniversary! Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
The Town by Conrad Richter
STORYTIME AT THE FARM
A Partnership with Beanbag Books
Saturday, Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m.
Gallant Farm, Ages 0-5
Come listen to a winter tale on the farm! Enjoy a story and a craft and visit the animals who call the farm home.
COLORFUL QUILTS
Saturday, Feb. 8 & Sunday, Feb. 9
12 - 4 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages
Gather among vintage quilts from the late 19th and early 20th-centuries. Learn some of the history of patchwork and try hand quilting. Take home a project of your own.
Come explore Gallant Farm by lantern light and see what life was like before the Rural Electrification Act lit up the countryside, then hike a luminary trail into Gallant Woods.
PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE PHOTO CONTEST
Entry Deadline is 11:59 p.m., Nov. 3, 2025. The 2025 contest is open for submissions! Visit our website to view all contest rules and to see the 2024 winners.
