2024 Winter Program Guide

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

PRESERVATIONPARKS.COM | WINTER 2023-2024

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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.

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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