PRESERVATION PARKS OF DELAWARE COUNTY PROGRAMS & EVENTS • WINTER 2023-2024 Join us in 2024 to celebrate our 50th anniversary all year long!
What’s Inside Big Trees Ohio • A Winter Day on the Farm • Snow Moon Luminary Hike
Park Hours PPDC Park
MARCH - OCTOBER 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily
PPDC Future Park 203
257
NOVEMBER - FEBRUARY 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily
ASHLEY
Ohio to Erie Trail
23
GALLANT FARM
District Office and Mary McCoy Nature Center
RIVER RUN
42 71
GALLANT WOODS
2656 Hogback Road Sunbury, Ohio 43074 740-524-8600
37
HOGBACK RIDGE
521
FUTURE PARK
36
DELAWARE
BLUES CREEK 36
Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Office)
257
HICKORY WOODS
42
36
FUTURE PARK
61 37
36
OSTRANDER
Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Nature Center)
FUTURE PARK
DEER HAVEN
HOOVER SCENIC TRAILHEAD
23 315
Visitor Center at Deer Haven Park
257
NORTH
4183 Liberty Road Delaware, Ohio 43015 740-362-0283 Daily, 12 - 5 p.m.
SYCAMORE RUN EMILY TRAPHAGEN
OHIO
SUNBURY
SHALE HOLLOW
GALENA 71
FUTURE PARK
3
RIE
E TO
SANDEL LEGACY TRAILHEAD
IL TRA
37
CHAR-MAR RIDGE
POWELL DUBLIN COLUMBUS
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.
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
River Run Park 168 Main Road Delaware, 43015
Emily Traphagen Park 5094 Seldom Seen Road Powell, 43065
Sandel Legacy Trailhead 168 S. Vernon St. Sunbury, 43074
Gallant Farm 2150 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, 43015
Shale Hollow Park 6320 Artesian Run Lewis Center, 43035
Gallant Woods Park 2151 Buttermilk Hill Road Delaware, 43015
Sycamore Run Park 7341 Olentangy River Road Delaware, OH 43015
Hickory Woods Park 1271 Pollock Road Delaware, 43015 Cover: Gallant Woods Park Photo by Jesse Ross
Racoon prints
PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | WINTER 2023-2024
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WINTER LETTERBOX
REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND WINTER 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 winter programs opens at noon, Tuesday, Nov. 14. WINTER LETTERBOX ADVENTURE, p 3 Dec. 16 - Mar. 17 WINTER 100, p 3 Jan. 1 - Mar. 31
JANUARY
1 New Year’s Day Hike, p 5 6 Yoga & Hike, p 4 8 Golden Marathon, p 4 12 Chilly Trek, p 5 15 Golden Marathon, p 4 19 Chilly Trek, p 5 20 Model Railroad Open House, p 8 20 Lantern Tour of the Farm, p 9 21 Model Railroad Open House, p 8 22 Delaware County Bird Club, p 6 22 Golden Marathon, p 4 24 Fly Tying 101, p 8 24 Chilly Trek, p 5 24 Little Adventurers: Winter, p 7 27 Little Adventurers: Winter, p 7 27 National Seed Swap Day, p 9 28 Gallant Farm Literary Society, p 9 28 Junior Adventurers, p 7 29 Golden Marathon, p 4
FEBRUARY
DECEMBER
2 Yoga & Hike, p 4 2 Big Trees Ohio, p 6 3 Gallant Farm Literary Society, p 9 4 Golden Marathon, p 4 5 Make It, Take It: Macrame, p 8 9 A Winter’s Day on the Farm, p 9 11 Delaware County Bird Club, p 6 11 Golden Marathon, p 4 16 Model Railroad Open House, p 8 17 Model Railroad Open House, p 8 17 Solstice Yoga, p 4 Scan QR code for all program dates and descriptions or to register. https://preservationparks.recdesk.com 2
Preservation Parks turns 50 years old in 2024. Look for this icon: which indicates birthday celebration activities will be part of the program.
2 Groundhog Day Yoga, p 5 2 Wonderful Woodchucks, p 6 3 Yoga & Hike, p 4 4 Try It: Trekking Poles, p 8 5 Golden Marathon, p 4 8 Homeschool Adventures, p 7 10 Storytime at the Farm, p 9 10 Colorful Quilts, p 9 11 Colorful Quilts, p 9 12 Golden Marathon, p 4 17 Model Railroad Open House, p 8 17 Birds & Brews, p 6 17 Owl Prowl, p 6 18 Model Railroad Open House, p 8 24 Snow Moon Luminary Hike, p 5 25 Gallant Farm Literary Society, p 9 26 Delaware County Bird Club, p 6 26 Golden Marathon, p 4 28 Fly Tying 101, p 8
PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | WINTER 2023-2024
Winter
Dec. 16 - Mar. 17 Various Park, All Ages 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!
Letterbox Photo by Gabrielle Johnson
WINTER 100
Jan. 1 - Mar. 31 Anywhere, All Ages Walk 100 miles or 100 kilometers (62 miles) from January 1 - March 31, 2024. Register, log your distance, and be connected to a community of walkers this winter.
Photo by Cyndi Griffith
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FROSTY FITNESS YOGA & HIKE SERIES
Saturdays, Dec. 2, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, 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 winter hike! For beginners and anyone who practices yoga. Enjoy a 40 min hike led by a naturalist.
Visit https://preservationparks.recdesk.com for a complete list of programs and to register.
SOLSTICE YOGA
Sunday, Dec. 17, 10 a.m. Shale Hollow Park, Ages 18+ Register by Dec. 15 As the longest night of the year draws closer, come to this fireside yoga class and let your stress ease away. Perfect for beginners or anyone who already practices yoga.
POP UP PROGRAM: CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
GROUNDHOG DAY YOGA
Watch our social media for cross-country skiing opportunities if there is enough snowfall.
NEW YEAR’S DAY HIKE
Monday, January 1, 10 a.m. Deer Haven 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 in the Visitor Center.
CHILLY TREK
Fridays, 9 a.m. All Ages Join a naturalist for a refreshing winter walk. Explore the serene beauty of the park while learning about its cold weather inhabitants.
Photo by Bernice Marshall
Presented by SourcePoint Mondays, 9:30 a.m. Ages 55+ Get moving this winter 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.
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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | WINTER 2023-2024
SNOW MOON LUMINARY HIKE
Saturday, Feb. 24, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Shale Hollow Park, All Ages Bundle up for a luminary lit, self-guided winter stroll under the glow of the February Snow Moon. Then warm up with cocoa and cookies by the fire.
Jan. 12 Blues Creek Park Jan. 19 Gallant Woods Park Jan. 26 Char-Mar Ridge Park
GOLDEN MARATHON
Dec. 4 Blues Creek Park Jan. 8 Hickory Woods Park Jan. 15 Char-Mar Ridge Park Jan. 22 To Be Announced Jan. 29 Deer Haven Park Feb. 5 Hogback Ridge Park Feb. 12 Blues Creek Park Feb. 26 Shale Hollow Park
Friday, Feb. 2, 11 a.m. Deer Haven Park, All Ages Register by Jan. 31 Bring out your inner groundhog as we have fun imitating animals in this 40-minute yoga practice. Great for all ages to stretch, smile and celebrate Groundhog Day! Bring your own mat or blanket.
Emily Traphagen Park Photo by Gabrielle Johnson
Blues Creek Park Photo by Jen Myers
Hogback Ridge Park Photo by Jesse Ross
Gallant Woods Park Photo by Debbie Reed
PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | WINTER 2023-2024
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WINTER WONDERS
JUST FOR KIDS LITTLE ADVENTURERS: WINTER
BIG TREES OHIO
Wednesday, Jan. 24 & Saturday, Jan. 27 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Deer Haven Park, Ages 5 & Under Explore and get comfortable in nature with your little ones! Bundle up and drop in anytime between 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. to enjoy self-guided stations all about winter.
Saturday, Dec. 2, 11:30 a.m. Deer Haven Park, All Ages Register by Nov. 24 Join Big Trees Ohio’s Joshua Smith for an engaging presentation on hunting and documenting Ohio’s majestic big trees, uncovering their natural wonders, and conservation efforts.
JUNIOR ADVENTURERS: WINTER
HOMESCHOOL ADVENTURES: RECYCLE RIGHT
Thursday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. Deer Haven Park, Ages 7-12 Register by Feb. 1 Let’s look at what should and what shouldn’t go into your recycling bin, as we try to reduce the number of things heading to the landfill.
Sunday, Jan. 28, 1 - 3 p.m. Deer Haven Park, Ages 6-10 Enjoy self-guided, activity-based stations as we celebrate what the winter season has to offer. Dress for the weather! Children must be accompanied by a guardian but the whole family is welcome.
WONDERFUL WOODCHUCKS & RODENTS OF UNUSUAL SIZE
Friday, Feb. 2, 12 - 5 p.m. Deer Haven Park, All Ages Will the wily woodchuck see its shadow today? Drop in any time to learn more about the groundhog and its Rodentia cousins as you explore self-guided stations at your own pace.
BIRDS & BREWS
Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Deer Haven Park, All Ages Drop in to celebrate the Great Backyard Bird Count with complimentary coffee, crafts, and fun activities! Ohio Nature Education will lead a bird hike at 9 a.m.
Barred Owl Photo by Luke Garrison
OWL PROWL
Saturday, Feb. 17, 5 p.m. Deer Haven Park, Ages 7+ End your day with a nocturnal adventure into the woods and fields as we call for owls and learn about their natural history.
DELAWARE COUNTY BIRD CLUB
White -throated Sparrow Photo by Pat Rokos Henneforth
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Mondays, Dec. 11, Jan. 22, & Feb. 26 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.
PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | WINTER 2023-2024
Blues Creek Park
SOCIAL MEDIA MOMENTS
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest park district updates.
PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | WINTER 2023-2024
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FROZEN FARM FUN
SNOW DAY DISCOVERY MAKE IT, TAKE IT: MACRAME HOLIDAY TREE
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 5:30 p.m. Deer Haven Park, Ages 14+ Register by Nov. 28, $10 per tree Create a festive macrame tree wall hanging project for the holidays with step-by-step instructions. Basic knowledge of macrame knots is essential.
FLY TYING 101
TRY IT: TREKKING POLES
Sunday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m. Deer Haven Park, Ages 18+ Register by Jan. 28 A representative from Public Lands will show us how to use different styles of trekking poles. Try a pair out on a park trail. Poles for adults only.
DELAWARE COUNTY MODEL RAILROADERS OPEN HOUSE
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 provided for you to try tying your own fly.
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.
Wednesday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m. Register by Jan. 17
Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dec. 16, Jan. 20, Feb. 17
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m. Register by Feb. 21
Sundays, 12 - 4 p.m. Dec. 17, Jan. 21, Feb. 18
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 winter and make yourself at home!
A WINTER’S DAY ON THE FARM
Saturday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Gallant Farm, All Ages Come out to the farm and watch costumed interpreters go about their day. Help them prepare for guests, try simple crafts, and taste some traditional recipes.
LANTERN TOUR OF THE FARM
Saturday, Jan. 20, 6 - 8 p.m. Gallant Farm, All Ages Come see what farm life was like in the days before the Rural Electrification Act (REA) brought lights to the countryside. Tour the barn and farmhouse by lantern, lamp, and candle.
GALLANT FARM LITERARY & COWPIE SOCIETY
Sundays, 2 p.m. 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. Dec. 3 The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn Jan. 28 The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
Northern Cardinal Photo by Ken Shenefield
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PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | WINTER 2023-2024
Feb. 25 The Fields by Conrad Richter
Gallant Farm
NATIONAL SEED SWAP DAY
Saturday, Jan. 27, 1 - 3 p.m. Gallant Farm, All Ages Delaware County Master Gardeners will celebrate National Seed Swap Day. Seeds and materials about heirloom plants will be available for visitors as takeaways.
STORYTIME AT THE FARM
Presented by Beanbag Books Saturday, Feb. 10, 10:30 a.m. Gallant Farm, Ages 5 & Under Discover winter on the farm and see what farmers do to keep their animals warm and fed. Come explore the farm and hear three winter-themed stories.
COLORFUL QUILTS
Saturday, Feb. 10 & Sunday Feb. 11 12 - 4 p.m. Gallant Farm, All Ages Gather among vintage quilts from the late 19th and early 20th-centuries displayed within the farmhouse. Learn some of the history of quilting patterns and try your hand at quilting.
PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | WINTER 2023-2024
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Printed on post-consumer recycled paper, using soy-based inks
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