SPRING 2019 - Metro Parks
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SPRING 2019
summer camps
from the
executive
director
S pring is a great time to get out and explore your Metro Parks and enjoy the best
of what nature has to offer. The early emerging spring peepers with their sleigh
bell-like sounds are my personal favorite harbinger of the season.
Pick a park and head out on a woodland or meadow trail and spend an hour
or so taking in all the sights and sounds that surround you as nature springs back. REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 1
Animals are awakening, birds are migrating back, woodland wildflowers are
blooming and your Metro Parks are bursting with adventures. Check metroparks.net for a fantastic range of week-long camps available for your kids this
Speaking of adventure, be sure and check out Metro Parks’ newest venture to summer. We have Traditional Day Camps for Grades 1-3 and 4-6, plus age-appropriate
Nature Adventure Camps for PreSchool and Grades 1–3, 4–6 and 7–9.
get folks to discover, learn, enjoy and grow in the outdoors. We’ve put together a
team of individuals who will focus on creating experiential recreation programs
and opportunities where individuals can discover strengths they didn’t know they
had or learn new outdoor pursuits. connect with us contents
About Us_ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 4
Check out this issue of the ParkScope or look on our website or Facebook
tiny.cc/mp-fb We have the place for you _ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ _ 5
Events for Outdoor Adventure offerings this spring and take a walk on the wild
side. Map _ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 6
tiny.cc/mp-inst
We’re going to have multi-night backpacking trips at Clear Creek and Battelle Parks _ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 8
Darby Creek, stand-up paddle boarding throughout the park district, kayaking on Programs_ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 28
tiny.cc/mp-tw
the Scioto River and Big Darby Creek and a Metro Five-0 Outdoor Adventure for
Front cover photo: Mindi McConnell
folks over 50 to name just a few.
tiny.cc/mp-ytube
While there are always adventures for everybody at a Metro Park, this year the
choices are endless. This spring, our naturalists and education staff are offering tiny.cc/mp-blog
about 500 free interpretive programs, as they have for more than 60 years. Many
of these programs will give you the chance to see wildlife up close, walk the woods tiny.cc/mp-news
with your dog when the moon is full or discover amphibians in a vernal pool.
So get up, get outside and find that adventure you have been dreaming of in Web metroparks.net
E-mail info@metroparks.net
one of your Metro Parks. Information 614.891.0700
Reservations 614.508.8111
Fax 614.895.6208
Tim Moloney, Executive Director InfoLine 614.508.8000
Annette Boose
2 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 3
about us WE HAVE THE PLACE FOR YOU
Your Metro Parks offer a wide range of fun opportunities to get out and explore nature,
Metro Parks are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our Central but what you might not know is that we also offer great options for hosting your family
Ohio community, ensuring the health of families and youth and contributing to the economic reunion, wedding reception, class reunion, birthday party, baby shower and more!
and environmental well-being of a community and a region.
Metro Parks offers 24 rental facilities ranging from small (50 people) to large (250
Metro Parks attract nearly 11 million people per year and offer exceptional settings for renewal people) for any kind of get-together you can imagine. Our outdoor shelter houses
of the human spirit. Visitors can enjoy healthy, fun-filled interaction with the natural world every
are available to rent April 1 – October 31 and our indoor lodges are available to rent
day of the year. Each year, Metro Parks naturalists offer over 4,000 free programs for individuals of
all ages and abilities. year-round.
Established in 1945, Metro Parks operates 19 natural area parks in seven Central Ohio counties, OUTDOOR SHELTERS
and provides more than 230 miles of trails. The park system protects more than 27,500 acres of THE GROVE
We have outdoor shelters available
land and water and offers year-round recreational and educational opportunities for youth and
adults. Facilities and programs are available to the public free-of-charge—made possible by
by reservation at Blacklick Woods,
voter support of the 2009 Metro Parks levy. Blendon Woods, Battelle Darby
Creek, Highbanks and Homestead.
The Mission of Metro Parks is to conserve open spaces, while providing places and opportunities
Our indoor lodges and banquet
that encourage people to discover and experience nature.
rooms are located in Blacklick
In accordance with its mission, Metro Parks works to conserve and enhance habitat for the more Woods, Blacklick Woods Golf
than 2,400 species of animals and plants that thrive within the parks. Course, Battelle Darby Creek, High-
Funding for Metro Parks comes from Franklin County property tax, local government funds, banks, Sharon Woods and Scioto
earned income, grants and partnerships. NEW LODGES
Grove Metro Parks. Each facility is
In the last year we have opened two
Metro Parks is a separate political subdivision of the state of Ohio organized under Ohio Revised unique, with a variety of amenities
new indoor lodge facilities, Eagleview
Code, Section 1545. Metro Parks’ Board of Park Commissioners, composed of three citizens who so you can find the perfect fit for
at Blacklick Woods Golf Course and The
serve three-year terms without compensation, governs the Park District. Board members are the gathering you’re planning.
appointed by the Judge of the Probate Court of Franklin County. Grove at Scioto Grove Metro Park. These
facilities are some of the largest in the
Metro Parks’ Board of Park Commissioners meets monthly. Meetings are open to the public.
Visit metroparks.net for meeting time, dates and location.
district and are well-suited for any event! HOW TO MAKE A RESERVATION
Reservations are accepted 1-year
THE GROVE in advance online, over the
Board of Park Commissioners Executive Director
JB Hadden Tim Moloney The Grove’s main room has three walls of phone, or in person. We also offer
Greg S Lashutka floor-to-ceiling windows that truly give discounts to Franklin County
Jim McGregor you the feeling of being outside while Residents for all of our facilities.
enjoying the warmth of the indoors. It Come out, enjoy our beautiful
opportunities
also includes Wi-Fi and a full-wall projec- facilities and make some incred-
tor so you can enjoy the convenience of ible memories with your family,
technology for your event in the park! friends and community!
Metro Parks is committed to conserving natural resources and providing places and oppor- EAGLEVIEW
tunities that encourage people to discover and experience nature. To accomplish this goal, a Eagleview, our newest facility, EAGLEVIEW
well-trained, dedicated and talented staff is necessary. Job opportunities are very diverse and opened October 2018 and is
encompass a wide variety of positions ranging from park technician to naturalist and park our largest facility in the district.
ranger, as well as seasonal and internship opportunities.
It offers a large meeting room,
Check frequently on the web at tiny.cc/mp-jobs. The online application system makes the entrance foyer, and kitchenette
application process faster, easier, and more eco-friendly. with a fridge, microwave and
ice maker.
4 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 5
Columbus & Franklin County METRO PARKS
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62 Seven miles
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US 33 Lancaster
Greenway Trails 33
BATTELLE DARBY CREEK Mac Albin BLACKLICK WOODS Diana Morse
Battelle Darby Creek Park details Blacklick Woods was the first Park details
is the largest Metro Park ADDRESS
Metro Park and features a ADDRESS:
1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway OH 43119
6975 E Livingston Ave
Battelle Darby Creek boasts more than 7,000
ACRES 7,103
54-acre state nature preserve Reynoldsburg OH 43068
acres of forests, prairies, bluffs, wetlands and
streams. TRAILS Blacklick Woods opened in 1948 and boasts ACRES: 643
Ancient (1.9 miles), Camp Chase (12.5 miles) one of the best beech-maple forests in Franklin
Big and Little Darby creeks harbor about 100
Cobshell (0.8 miles), Darby Creek County, along with a swamp forest and button- TRAILS:
species of fish and more than 40 species of
Greenway (5 miles), Dyer Mill (3.2 miles) bush swamp. Beech (0.5 miles)
mussels, including the federally endangered
clubshell and northern riffleshell. A remarkable Edgewood, Lake & Prairie Way (2.3 miles) A walk along the trails provides healthy exercise Blacklick Creek Greenway (16 miles)
diversity of species of birds, butterflies and Harrier Loop, Rail Way & Teal (3 miles) as well as an excellent opportunity to view Buttonbush (0.5 miles)
other wildlife are also found in the forests and Hawthorn (0.8 miles), Indian Ridge (0.6 miles) white-tailed deer, coyotes, mink and other Maple Loop (0.9 miles)
remaining prairies that line the creek banks. Riffle Run (0.2 miles), Terrace (2 miles) wildlife in a purely natural setting. Multipurpose (4.1 miles)
Turkey Foot (0.5 miles), Wagtail (1.6 miles) Walter A Tucker (0.1 miles)
The park has numerous excellent vantage
The park boasts more than 600 acres of lush
ACTIVITIES points for birding. Barred owls are a prominent ACTIVITIES:
prairies and 1,000 acres of restored wetlands
Biking, Canoeing & Kayaking, Cross-Country Ski- attraction for birders in spring. Biking, Cross-Country Skiing, Golf Courses
and wet prairies. Bison have been reintroduced
to the Darby Plains in one of the prairie areas ing, Fishing, Hunting, Ice Skating, Natural Play The nature center’s observation windows allow Nature Center, Pets, Picnicking, Sledding
intersected by the Darby Creek Greenway Trail. Area, Nature Center, Pets, Picnicking, Sledding visitors to view birds and other wildlife at the
feeders. DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB:
A 14,000 sq-foot nature center features a DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB tiny.cc/mp-blk
53-foot living stream, stocked with creatures tiny.cc/mp-bdc The Walter A Tucker State Nature Preserve is
found in Big Darby Creek, plus interactive exhib- a heavily wooded 54-acre area featuring a HOURS & INFO:
its that highlight the natural and cultural history
HOURS & INFO buttonbush swamp. The seasonal swamp pools 6:30am to 10pm April to September
Cedar Ridge area: 6:30am to 10pm April–Sept are prime locations for breeding salamanders
of the area. 6:30am to 8pm October to March
6:30am to 8pm October–March and frogs. Cell phone: 614.208.4247
For information on the park’s rental facilities go All other park areas 6:30am to dark year-round
Nature Center: 614.861.8759
to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111. Cell phone 614.370.6254 For information on the park’s rental facilities go Golf Course: 614.861.3193
Nature Center 614.878.7106 to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111.
8 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 9
BLACKLICK WOODS GOLF COURSES Virginia Gordon BLENDON WOODS Gil Sears
Blacklick Woods Golf Course is carts allow you to play from tee to green Blendon Woods features the Park details
without ever having to leave the cart.
spread over 235 acres of beautiful As home to First Tee of Central Ohio, Metro
118-acre Waldon Waterfowl Refuge ADDRESS 4265 E Dublin-Granville Rd,
Westerville OH 43081
park land Parks has turned a 10-week summer program
Blendon Woods features 653 acres of gently
at Blacklick Woods Golf Course into a year-
rolling woods and open fields. More than 230 ACRES 653
Blacklick Woods Golf Course feature an 18-hole round outreach program.
species of birds have been seen at the park.
regulation course (par 72), a 9-hole executive
course (par 30), a full-service driving range with a First Tee is an amazing program that teaches At the heart of the Waldon Waterfowl Refuge, TRAILS
short game area, and three practice holes. life skills and leadership through the game the 11-acre Thoreau Lake is a magnet for migrat- Brookside (0.8 miles), Goldenrod (1.3 miles)
of golf to youth age 7 to 17. Last year more ing waterfowl and shore birds. It includes two Hickory Ridge (0.3 miles), Lake (0.3 miles)
For tee times, golf outings or banquets, call than 1,000 youth participated with us in this elevated observation shelters with spotting Overlook (0.6 miles), Ripple Rock (0.4 miles)
614.861.3193. Tee times can also be booked nationally recognized program. scopes that allow for a close-up view of water- Sugarbush (2 miles)
online. fowl without disturbing them.
For more on First Tee of Central Ohio visit ACTIVITIES
Forty acres of the course’s 235 acres are natural their website: thefirstteecentralohio.org Birds frequently seen at Thoreau Lake include Cross-Country Skiing
area—a place where birds and birdies peace- pied-billed grebes, great blue and green heron, Day Camp
fully coexist. Golf Course details wood duck, lesser scaup, American black duck, Disc Golf, Ice Skating
mallard, northern pintail, northern shoveler, Natural Play Area
Audubon International has certified the golf American wigeon and hooded merganser.
ADDRESS Nature Center
courses as a Cooperative Sanctuary for their
7309 E Livingston Avenue, The nature center’s wildlife observation window Pets, Picnicking
comprehensive environmental management
Reynoldsburg OH 43068 offers a view of The Creek, a 100-foot-long con-
and protection of wildlife habitats. Metro Parks
has developed the courses with a long-range struction mirroring natural creeks in the park. DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
vision of protection and enhancement of the DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB tiny.cc/mp-bln
tiny.cc/mp-blkg Ice skating enthusiasts can enjoy a safe
natural environment.
0.4-acre skating pond, only 18 to 24 inches
deep. The park also features an 18-hole disc golf HOURS & INFO
In addition to regular golf cart rentals, Metro HOURS & INFO 6:30am to 10pm April to September
Parks has two solo adaptive carts for rental by 6:30am to dark course. Loaner discs are available.
6:30am to 8pm October to March
golfers who are physically challenged and can Golf shop phone 614.861.3193 For information on the park’s rental facilities go Cell phone 614.620.1861
no longer play golf the conventional way. These to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111. Nature Center 614.895.6221
10 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 11
CHESTNUT RIDGE Robert Shunk CLEAR CREEK David Dover
Chestnut Ridge is the first ridge Park details Clear Creek is home to Ohio’s Park details
in the foothills of the Appalachian ADDRESS largest state nature preserve ADDRESS
8445 Winchester Rd NW 23833 Clear Creek Rd
Mountains Carroll OH 43112 Clear Creek Metro Park features over 5,300 acres Rockbridge OH 43149
of woodland interspersed with blackhand sand-
The park is situated on a narrow outcropping of stone cliffs, ravines and creeks and is home to ACRES 5,390
Blackhand sandstone, deposited more than 300 ACRES 486 more than 2,200 species of plants and animals.
million years ago when Ohio’s ancient ocean Forested areas range from Canadian hemlocks TRAILS
drained from the land. The high hills that make TRAILS and ferns, to oak and hickory, to Ohio’s last Cemetery Ridge (2.5 miles)
up the ridge span about 4,500 feet and rise to Homesite (0.4 miles) remaining colonies of rhododendron. Chestnut (2.5 miles)
1,116 feet at the highest point. Meadows (1 mile) Creekside Meadows (1.7 miles)
Ohio Audubon has recognized Clear Creek as an
Milkweed (0.6 miles) Fern (1.7 miles)
Black oak, shagbark hickory and northern red Important Bird Area. It is one of the few places
Ridge (1 mile) Good Prairie (0.3 miles)
oak trees along the upper slopes and ridge in Ohio to observe 20 species of breeding war-
Mountain Bike (9 miles) Hemlock (1.5 miles)
enhance the woodland beauty of the 486-acre blers. The valley is home to nearly 100 species of
Metro Park. Sugar maples and American beech breeding birds, including black vultures, scarlet Lake (0.9 miles)
trees are plentiful along the lower slopes. ACTIVITIES tanager, veeries, wood thrush, hermit thrush Prairie Warbler (0.6 miles)
Fishing and wild turkey. Tulip Tree (0.6 miles)
MOUNTAIN BIKING Mountain Biking
Picnicking About 40 species of plants and animals listed ACTIVITIES
The 9-mile Mountain Bike Trail through the
on Ohio’s rare and endangered species list have Fishing
woods provides a terrific workout for moun-
been found within the park. State threatened Pets
tain bike enthusiasts of all abilities. The 12- to DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB great rhododendron and a large variety of ferns Picnicking
18-inch-wide trail is on an all-natural surface tiny.cc/mp-chr can be seen in the ravines.
and features a 230-foot change in elevation. The DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
trail was designed and built by volunteers with The topography of the park is extremely tiny.cc/mp-clc
HOURS & INFO
the Central Ohio Mountain Bike Organization rugged. Centuries of glacial flooding have cut
6:30am to dark
(COMBO). There is also a Pump Track, a loop of the present valley through the Black-hand HOURS & INFO:
Cell phone 614.208.4298
dirt berms and rollers, great for cyclists of all sandstone leaving an array of spectacular cliffs, 6:30am to dark
ages and abilities. steep ravines and scenic outcroppings of rock Office phone 740.969.8210
overlooking the creek.
12 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 13
GLACIER RIDGE Adam Brandemihl GREENWAYS Bill McCracken
Glacier Ridge is named for the Park details Greenway trails connect scenic CAMP CHASE (12.5 miles)
Part of the Ohio to Erie Trail, weaves through
ridge or end moraine left when ADDRESS rivers with the diverse neighbor- Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
9801 Hyland Croy Rd
glaciers retreated 14,000 years ago Plain City OH 43064 hoods of Central Ohio DARBY CREEK (8.5 miles)
Crushed gravel trail with separate sections
More than 50 species of birds have been seen ACRES 1,036 that run through Battelle Darby Creek and
Metro Parks works with several agencies and
at Glacier Ridge Metro Park’s restored wetlands Prairie Oaks Metro parks
communities to create and maintain parts or all
in the Honda Wetland Education Area. The TRAILS
of the Greenway trails shown on this page for
wetlands include a boardwalk and a 22-foot Ironweed (2.8 miles) HERITAGE (6.5 miles)
the citizens of Central Ohio.
observation tower to see waterfowl and other Marsh Hawk (3 miles) Runs from Old Hilliard to Plain City, through
animals. Mink have been seen frequently in the Red Oak (0.8 miles) the Heritage Trail Park and along Homestead
The Central Ohio Greenways are multi-use trails
area. Savannah (5 miles) Metro Park
used for recreation and alternative transporta-
The park has a bridle trail, the Savannah Trail, ACTIVITIES tion. They connect people to the places they
with a staging area for horse trailer parking. live, work and play as well as preserve open DOWNTOWN CONNECTOR (5 miles)
Biking
space to promote air and water quality. Metro Parks manages a 0.8-mile section
There is also a free 18-hole disc golf course, Cross-Country Skiing
of the trail, also known as the I-670 Trail
open year-round (bring your own discs). Disc Golf (More information at tiny.cc/mp-gtr or from
Horseback Riding MORPC at: www.centralohiogreenways.com).
A natural play area features cedar structures OLENTANGY (15 miles)
Natural Play Area
with towers, ramps, ropes, ladders and a zipline. Scenic trail runs south from Worthington
Obstacle Course
A 3-acre obstacle course features 12 challenging Hills Park to Confluence Park in downtown
stations surrounded by a half-mile paved trail.
Pets (including Dog Park)
Picnicking
Greenway Trails Columbus
Visitors can crawl through tunnels, climb poles ALUM CREEK (24.5 miles)
and ropes and go over logs and more. DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB Runs south from Westerville to Three Creeks
SCIOTO (10 miles)
tiny.cc/mp-glr Stretches through the heart of Columbus
The 2.5-acre dog park features an open field, and through Scioto Audubon Metro Park
BLACKLICK CREEK (16 miles)
drinking fountains, paved path and a wooded HOURS & INFO Connects Pickerington Ponds, Blacklick Woods
area for dogs to explore and is open to dogs of 6:30am to dark and Three Creeks Metro parks
all sizes. Cell phone 614.216.8859
14 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 15
HIGHBANKS Terry Peck HOMESTEAD / HERITAGE TRAIL Leslie Dybiec
Highbanks was named for the Park details Homestead features two large Heritage Trail is great for
110-foot shale bluffs on the ADDRESS: playgrounds for kids biking and horse riding
9466 US23 N, Lewis Center OH 43035
Olentangy River Homestead Metro Park offers a quiet, coun- The 87-acre Heritage Trail Park is adjacent to
ACRES: 1,200 try atmosphere with a covered bridge, train the Heritage Rail Trail, a 6.1-mile multi-pur-
Highbanks Metro Park encompasses 1,200 acres
station replica and two barns. Other features pose trail converted from abandoned
of woodlands, fields and wetlands. Three miles TRAILS: include shelters, a 2.5-acre fishing pond, play right-of-way. The paved trail starts in Old
of the Olentangy State Scenic River run along Big Meadows Path (1 mile) equipment and courts for sand volleyball and Hilliard off Main Street and continues toward
the park’s western boundary. Coyote Run (3.5 miles) basketball. A 0.8-mile paved trail, great for Plain City.
An observation deck sits atop a towering 110- Dripping Rock (2.5 miles), Eagle View (0.3 miles) hiking, biking, running, or walking your leashed
Multi-Use (2.3 miles), Oak Coves Path (0.4 miles) A bridle trail runs parallel to the main trail for
foot shale bluff overlooking the river.Several pet, winds through the park and connects to
Overlook (2.3 miles), Scenic River (0.6 miles) 3.6 miles.
prehistoric cultures used the bluffs as a lookout, the 6.1-mile Heritage Trail.
including the Cole Culture who built the nearby Sycamore (0.4 miles), Wetland Spur (0.4 miles)
1,500-foot horseshoe-shaped earthwork about
ACTIVITIES:
Park details Park details
800-1200 years ago.
Biking, Canoeing & Kayaking, Cross-Country ADDRESS ADDRESS
Eagles have nested at the park and eaglets have Skiing, Day Camps, Fishing, Natural Play Area, 4675 Cosgray Rd,Hilliard OH 43026 7262 Hayden Run Rd, Hilliard OH 43026
fledged here since 2010. The nest can be seen Nature Center, Pets, Picnicking, Sledding
from this same observation deck, or from the ACRES 44 ACRES 87
River Bluff Area west of the Olentangy. DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB: TRAILS TRAILS
tiny.cc/mp-hbk Outer Loop (0.8 miles) Multipurpose (6.1 miles), Bridle (3.6 miles)
Concretions are a noteworthy feature of the
park’s geology. These round rocks developed HOURS & INFO:
around decaying animals on the ocean floor. ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES
6:30am to 10pm April to September Fishing, Play Areas, Pets, Picnicking Biking, Horse Riding
The fossilized jawbone of a prehistoric fish, 6:30am to 8pm October to March
dinichthys, was found in one. See a life-size Cell phone: 614.906.3149
replica of this fish in the nature center. DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
Nature Center: 614.846.9962 tiny.cc/mp-hom tiny.cc/mp-htr
For information on the park’s rental facilities go (Nature Center hours 9am to 8pm April to
to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111. September, 9am to 6pm October to March) HOURS & INFO HOURS & INFO
6:30am to dark, Cell phone 614.216.8859 6:30am to dark, Cell phone 614.216.8859
16 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 17
INNISWOOD Bryan Knowles PICKERINGTON PONDS Scott Zimmermann
Inniswood boasts more than Garden details Pickerington Ponds is home to Park details
2,000 species of plants and ADDRESS: one of Franklin County’s largest ADDRESS
940 S Hempstead Rd 7680 Wright Rd
several feature gardens Westerville OH 43081 remaining natural wetlands Canal Winchester OH 43110
The 123-acre Inniswood Metro Gardens is a con- ACRES: 123 Pickerington Ponds is a premier spot for bird- ACRES 1,608
tinual source of inspiration for Central Ohioans. watching, with more than 260 species seen.
Streams and woodlands filled with wildflowers The combination of seasonal ponds and rich ACTIVITIES
TRAILS:
and wildlife provide a majestic backdrop to the wetland vegetation, with bordering woodlands, Biking
Boardwalk (0.5 miles)
beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns. serve as a magnet for migrating waterfowl, Nature Preserve
Brookwood (0.5 miles)
shore birds and land birds. Pets
There are 10 feature gardens, and more than Chipmunk Chatter (0.6 miles)
2,000 species of plants, which include specialty Frog Talk Walk (0.1 miles) Picnicking
Deer, beaver, fox and other wildlife can be seen
collections of hostas, daffodils, daylilies and Sisters’ Garden Loop (0.3 miles)
near the ponds and adjoining woods and fields
conifers. Spring Run (0.3 miles)
of this 1,608-acre park. More than 400 acres
TRAILS
Arrowhead (1.7 miles)
Inniswood was once the 37-acre estate of sisters have been designated a state nature preserve.
ACTIVITIES: Blacklick Creek Greenway
Grace and Mary Innis, who donated their home (16 miles - connects with Three Creeks
Biking/Pets (outside gardens on Since 2000, Metro Parks has restored more than
and property to Metro Parks in 1972. and Blacklick Woods)
Chipmunk Chatter Trail) 750 acres of wetland and surrounding upland
Over 250 members strong, our fun, energetic habitat, such as grassland and woodland, to Killdeer (1.1 miles)
and dedicated volunteers provide hundreds of DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB: reestablish the native wetland and plant com- Meadowlark (1 mile)
hours of service each month and are crucial to tiny.cc/mp-inn munities that existed on the sites prior to their Yellowlegs (0.5 miles)
the success of Inniswood Metro Gardens. For conversion for agriculture.
more information about volunteer service and HOURS & INFO: DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
to find out about the next volunteer training 7am to dark The park has been designated as one of Ohio’s tiny.cc/mp-pkp
class, call 614.895.6226. Innis House: 614.895.6216 Important Birding Areas by Audubon Ohio.
You can support Inniswood by becoming a Cell phone: 614.208.4301 Sandhill cranes are seen frequently flying over HOURS & INFO
member of the Inniswood Garden Society. Visit the ponds. Great blue heron and osprey nest 6:30am to dark
inniswood.org to learn about membership. here. Cell phone 614.208.4329
18 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 19PRAIRIE OAKS Kim Graham ROCKY FORK Dan Bissonette
Prairie Oaks features nearly Park details Rocky Fork includes an off-leash Park details
500 acres of lush flowering ADDRESS
trail for dogs and a dog park ADDRESS
3225 Plain City-Georgesville Rd,
prairies and grasslands West Jefferson OH 43162 Rocky Fork Metro Park features more than three
7180 Walnut St
Westerville OH 43081
Big Darby Creek flows through the 2,203-acre ACRES 2,203 miles of walking trails that wind through woods
park and provides a beautiful backdrop for and fields. ACRES 1,003
outdoor adventure. The Darby Watershed is TRAILS
nationally recognized for its ecological diver- The park features an off-leash dog trail, the first TRAILS
Alder (0.6 miles)
sity, and is home to nearly 100 species of fish in the park system, plus a 2-acre dog park with Beech Woodland (1.3 miles)
Beaver Lake (0.9 miles)
and 44 species of mussels. splash pads. Bridle (2.5 miles)
Bridle (5.7 miles)
Dog (0.3 miles)
Coneflower (2.5 miles)
Darby Bend Lakes is a water recreational The 2.5-mile bridle trail includes a separate park Millstone Connector (0.5 miles)
Darby Creek Greenway (3.5 miles)
area, featuring three beautiful lakes. Visitors entrance on Bevelhymer Road for horse trailer North Meadow (1 mile)
Lakeview (0.9 miles)
can enjoy trails, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, parking.
River Rock (0.7 miles)
non-motorized boating and picnicking. There ACTIVITIES
Sycamore Plains (2.2 miles)
is even a doggie beach and dog-swimming There are two picnic areas plus a grill pad in the Biking
area for your pet. The park features a natural woods. The Millstone Picnic Area has a large Horseback Riding
play area around Beaver Lake. ACTIVITIES
Biking, Boating, Canoeing/Kayaking shelter for family picnics and a play area for kids, Pets
Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing featuring three large climbing boulders, with an Picnicking
Ashy sunflower, royal catchfly and other
Horse Riding. Natural Play Area elevated boardwalk to provide ADA access to Swings
prairie flowers can be seen against a backdrop
of big and little bluestem grasses. Northern Pets, Picnicking the top of one boulder.
harriers, meadowlarks, coyote, jumping mice DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
and Henslow’s sparrow can be seen through- DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB Enjoy sitting in the big wooden chairs behind tiny.cc/mp-rky
out the changing seasons. Metro Parks has tiny.cc/mp-pok the Millstone picnic shelter as you look for
restored 800 acres of prairies at the park, wildlife in the open fields. HOURS & INFO
using only seed representing the native plant HOURS & INFO 6:30am to dark
species of the Darby Plains. 6:30am to dark Cell phone 614.595.9979
Cell phone 614.208.4321
20 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 21SCIOTO AUDUBON Bob Zahller SCIOTO GROVE Virginia Gordon
Scioto Audubon is the only Park details Scioto Grove features mature Park details
downtown Metro Park and ADDRESS forests and scenic bluffs ADDRESS
400 W Whittier St 5172 Jackson Pike
features a 35-foot climbing wall Columbus OH 43215 The 620-acre park has more than seven miles Grove City OH 43123
of trails, two picnic areas with shelters, tables
An old industrial site on the Scioto River has ACRES 120 and grills, a kids play area and several overlook ACRES 620
been transformed into a 120-acre park that decks. The park is located on a scenic bend of
serves as a haven for wildlife and a place for ACTIVITIES the Scioto River and is a great destination for TRAILS
the young at heart and urban professionals Biking canoeists, kayakers, anglers and people wanting Arrowhead (1.3 miles), Hickory (0.6 miles)
interested in active recreation. Boating to see waterfowl and other wildlife. Dogs on Mingo (2.5 miles), Overlook (1.7 miles)
Canoeing/Kayaking leashes are welcome throughout the park, REI River (1.2 miles)
The climbing wall covers 7,000 square feet and Fishing which also features a sledding hill.
features bouldering, top rope and lead climbing. Obstacle Course ACTIVITIES
There are four auto belays, but climbers must Pets A 3D archery course (and a separate static or Archery
bring their own climbing harness. Picnicking traditional archery course) makes the park the Backpacking
Rock Climbing place to go for archery enthusiasts. Canoeing/Kayaking
There is also a 9-station obstacle course that
With support from outdoor retailer REI, we Drone Field
features nine challenging stations, including a TRAILS
constructed a backpack trail along the river for Fishing
tire run and flip, an eight-foot wall, tunnel crawl, Scioto Greenway (2 miles)
those just getting into the sport, as well as those Pets
balance beams and monkey bars, cargo climb, Hermit Thrush (0.1 miles)
seasoned backpackers who want a quick over- Sledding
over/under, log run and belly crawl. Wetland (0.4 miles)
Connector Trails (2.5 miles) night without having to journey several hours.
The area has been designated as an Important DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
Bird Area (IBA) by Audubon and Birdlife Interna- Backpacking is free and reservations can be tiny.cc/mp-sgr
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB made by calling 614.539.3339. Backpacking
tional. More than 200 species of birds have been tiny.cc/mp-sio
sighted within the IBA. available for reservation every other weekend HOURS & INFO
from mid-April to the end of Ocober. 6:30am to 10pm April to September
HOURS & INFO 6:30am to 8pm October to March
Fishing and boating are available on the river
6:30am to 10pm April to September For information on the park’s rental facilities go
and the park also features a 2.5-acre dog park Cell phone 614.949.1078
6:30am to 8pm October to March to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111.
and a quarter-acre butterfly garden.
Cell phone 614.202.5197
22 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 23SHARON WOODS Allison Shaw SLATE RUN FARM & PARK Danielle Robbins
Sharon Woods features oak- Park details Slate Run Wetlands are the site Park details
hickory, beech-maple and swamp ADDRESS of nesting sandhill cranes ADDRESS:
6911 Cleveland Ave 1375 SR674 North
forests in its 761 acres Westerville OH 43081 A 156-acre wetland wildlife refuge features Canal Winchester OH 43110
Spring Hollow Lodge Lodge: a mosaic of restored marshes, meadows and
The park includes seven miles of trails, with two ponds. More than 150 species of birds have ACRES: 1,705
1069 W Main St, Westerville OH 43081
miles winding through the 320-acre Edward S been recorded here, including northern harriers,
Thomas State Nature Preserve, named in honor sandhill cranes, green herons and nesting TRAILS:
ACRES 761
of a renowned Ohio naturalist and one of Metro blue-winged teal. Bobolink (1.5 miles)
Parks’ founding park board members. ACTIVITIES Camp Starview (2 miles)
Biking, Fishing, Natural Play Area The park’s grassland area includes prairie Covered Bridge (0.5 miles)
The park has eight species of oaks, some more grasses, cool-season grasses, hardwood forest
Nature Preserve, Pets, Picnicking Five Oaks (1.5 miles), Kokomo (1.5 miles)
than 250 years old, plus large hickory, maple and and remnant wooded fence rows and is one of
Sledding Lake (0.4 miles)
beech trees. the premier butterfly and birding sites in Central Sassafras (2.5 miles - horseriding only)
The 11-acre Schrock Lake provides a scenic TRAILS Ohio. It is also home to savannah, grasshopper Shagbark (0.5 miles), Sugar Maple (1.4 miles)
backdrop where you can enjoy the splashing of Edward S Thomas (1.1 miles) and Henslow’s sparrows, bobolinks, eastern
waterfowl, glimpse a painted turtle sunning on Lake (0.4 miles) meadowlarks and other wildlife. The 14-acre ACTIVITIES:
a rock or see a spectacular sunset. Catch and re- Oak Openings (0.2 miles) Buzzard’s Roost Lake is also a magnet for birds. Day Camps, Fishing, Horseback Riding
lease fishing is allowed from the lake’s four docks. Spring Creek (1.8 miles) Natural Play Area, Pets, Picnicking
Multipurpose (3.8 miles) Slate Run Living Historical Farm
The park boasts a 7.5-acre natural play area Connector (0.3 miles) DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB:
where you can wander off-trail, climb trees, The historical farm provides opportunities for tiny.cc/mp-slr
dig in the mud and experience unstructured visitors to compare farm work and family life of OR
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
play in nature. There are two sledding hills for the 1880s with their lives today. tiny.cc/mp-srf
tiny.cc/mp-shn
winter fun. As you stroll through the gardens, barns and
HOURS & INFO farmhouse, you will see the farm’s costumed HOURS & INFO:
For information on the park’s rental facilities go 6:30am to dark
6:30am to 10pm April to September staff and volunteers going about their daily
to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111. Cell phone: 614.329.1392
6:30am to 8pm October to March chores. Pigs, geese, turkeys, sheep, Percheron
Cell phone 614.315.5520 horses and other heirloom animals can be seen. Farm phone: 614.833.1880
24 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 25THREE CREEKS Carey Sherrill WALNUT WOODS Mindi McConnell
Three Creeks is named for the Park details Walnut Woods is bordered by Park details
confluence of Alum, Blacklick ADDRESS Walnut Creek and features ADDRESS
3860 Bixby Road 6716 Lithopolis Rd
and Big Walnut creeks Groveport OH 43125 dramatic stands of pine trees Groveport OH 43125
Three Creeks is made up of five distinct areas ACRES 1,100 Walnut Woods includes restored wetlands that ACRES 1,098
connected through the Alum Creek Greenway provide habitat for waterfowl such as geese,
Trail. Metro Parks operates the Confluence Trails TRAILS swans, mallards, wood ducks, mergansers TRAILS
and Heron Pond areas and the City of Columbus Alum Creek (24.5 miles) and teals. Some of the wetlands dry out in Buckeye (2 miles)
Recreation and Parks Department operates the Blacklick Creek (16 miles) summer and create a muddy habitat ideal Kestrel (1.3 miles)
Madison Mills, Smith Farms and Sycamore Fields Bluebell (1 mile) for shorebirds and wading birds, such as Monarch (1.4 miles)
areas. This most creek-centric of Ohio’s parks is Confluence (1mile) killdeer, Wilson’s snipe, greater and lesser Sweetgum (2.6 miles)
the major hub in the Franklin County Green- Evergreen (0.5 miles) yellowlegs, bitterns, rails and various species
ways program, an interconnected system of Heron Pond (0.6 miles) of sandpipers. ACTIVITIES:
trails along the major streams in Central Ohio. Madison Mills (0.2 miles) Biking
Sycamore Fields & Several vernal pools attract breeding amphib- Canoeing/Kayaking
You can fish for bluegill, largemouth bass, Smith Farm trails (1.2 miles) ians in spring. There are numerous buckeye Fishing
catfish and crappie in Heron and Turtle ponds, Turtle Pond (0.4 miles) trees alongside the creek, and long rows of old Pets
and also fish in Alum, Big Walnut and Blacklick nursery trees, such as serviceberry, crab apple Picnicking
creeks, home to over 25 species of fish. ACTIVITIES and red maples. The Tall Pines Area is noted Sledding
More than 100 species of birds have been Biking, Canoeing/Kayaking, Fishing for pine and sweetgum trees.
sighted in the park. The ponds on the west side Natural Play Area, Pets, Picnicking DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
of the park along the Alum Creek Greenway Trail There are two dog parks in the Buckeye Area, tiny.cc/mp-wal
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB one for large dogs (20 pounds and over), and
provide seasonal wetlands for waterfowl and
tiny.cc/mp-thc another for small dogs. The 3-acre large dog HOURS & INFO
shore birds.
park includes a separate fenced doggie swim- 6:30am to dark
The Bluebell and Confluence trails feature HOURS & INFO ming pond, and a small shade shelter with a Cell phone 614.357.9375
enormous cottonwoods and sycamores and 6:30am to 10pm April to September picnic table. The 1-acre small dog park also
produce one of the best displays of woodland 6:30am to 8pm October to March includes a shade shelter and picnic table.
wildflowers in spring. Cell phone 614.208.2874
26 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 27Battelle Darby Creek programs
metro parks programs APRIL
PRESCHOOLERS: WATER BABIES
Learn about amphibians, animals that
spend their days as babies in the water!
Nature Center COMPOSTING DISPLAY
MAR 12 TUE 9:30 OR 11AM Stop by and view an interactive display
March, April, May 2019 (advanced registration opens Feb 20) and learn how you can help the environ-
ment by composting at home!
FULL MOON HIKE Nature Center
Take a brisk moonlit 4-mile hike through
fields and forests. Ranger Station APR 6-20 SAT-SAT 9AM–7PM
METRO FIVE-0 programs for ages 50 and older are color-coded by degree of difficulty:
LEVEL 1 (easy, fully accessible) LEVEL 2 (slow pace, less than 1-mile hike) MAR 20 WED 7PM
LEVEL 3 (up to 2-mile hike, moderate pace) LEVEL 4 (hike over two miles at strenuous pace) BISON
Not a cow, not a buffalo, it’s a bison! Join
PRESCHOOLERS: WATER BABIES us for a 1-mile hike as we learn about this
Learn about amphibians, animals that 2,000-pound mammal. Nature Center
spend their days as babies in the water!
VERNAL POOL CELEBRATION Nature Center APR 6 SAT 6PM
BATTELLE DARBY CREEK
Celebrate some of our strangest and most
important wetlands and the creatures that MAR 22 FRI 11AM OR 1PM
PRESCHOOLERS: TRASH TO TREASURE
live there. Displays from local organiza-
MARCH tions and animals will be on exhibit. Take
a hike with a naturalist to see an active
WOODCOCK WATCH
Learn how you can use composting to
turn everyday scraps into gardening gold!
Check out the woodcock’s aerial Nature Center
vernal pool and discover what we catch in courtship dance. Ages 10 and older
VERNAL POOL DISPLAY our traps. Nature Center Nature Center APR 9 TUE 9:30 OR 11AM
See animals found in vernal pools and
learn why they are important. Nature Center MAR 9 SAT 11AM–4PM MAR 24 SUN 7:30PM
PHOTO GROUP: ENHANCED COLOR-
MAR 2-10 SAT-SUN 9AM–5PM TO-BLACK & WHITE CONVERSION
YOGA IN THE PARK TRIVIA NIGHT Learn new techniques that produce
Learn movements in an outdoor setting Kick off your weekend with some Friday exceptionally high-quality, high-impact
TYKE HIKE to help rejuvenate your mind and body. night trivia! Theme and team registration
Bring your infants and toddlers out for black and white images. Nature Center
Ranger Station info can be found on the Battelle Darby
some nature themed developmental Creek Facebook page. Nature Center APR 13 SAT 10AM
activities followed by a short walk! MAR 9 SAT 11:30AM
Ages 4 and younger Ranger Station MAR 29 FRI 7–9PM
YOGA IN THE PARK
MAR 6 WED 10AM METRO FIVE-0: Level 2 BISON Learn movements in an outdoor setting
Not a cow, not a buffalo, it’s a bison! Join WILD TEAS to help rejuvenate your mind and body.
us for a 1-mile hike as we learn about this Learn how to identify wild plants that Ranger Station
PHOTO GROUP: ENRICH YOUR 2,000-pound mammal. Ages 50 and older make great teas and try some samples.
PHOTOS USING COLOR THEORY Nature Center Nature Center APR 13 SAT 11:30AM
Learn traditional color theory to improve
your photo composition and digital color MAR 10 SUN 1PM MAR 31 SUN 1PM
theory to improve their look on hi-res
displays and photo prints. Nature Center
MAR 9 SAT 10AM
28 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 29Battelle Darby Creek programs Battelle Darby Creek & Blacklick Woods programs
COFFEE AND COMPOSTING
Join us for a cup o’ Joe while you learn MAY YOGA IN THE PARK
Learn movements in an outdoor setting
PRESCHOOLERS: FLOWER POWER
Ready, set, grow! Learn about plants and
about the process of composting and the to help rejuvenate your mind and body. how they grow. Plant one for yourself to
different ways that you can set up your MARVELOUS METABOLISMS Ranger Station take home! Nature Center
own composting system. Nature Center Come and view an interactive display MAY 11 SAT 11:30AM MAY 31 FRI 11AM OR 1PM
APR 14 SUN 1PM about natural patterns of fasting in
wildlife as well as the metabolic benefits.
Animals featured! PRESCHOOLERS: FLOWER POWER BLACKLICK WOODS
FULL MOON HIKE Nature Center Ready, set, grow! Learn about plants and
Take a brisk moonlit 4-mile hike through how they grow. Plant one for yourself to
fields and forests. Ranger Station MAY 4-10 SAT-FRI 9AM–7PM take home! Nature Center
APR 19 FRI 8PM
BISON
MAY 14 TUE 9:30 OR 11AM MARCH
Not a cow, not a buffalo, it’s a bison! Join
EARTH DAY FESTIVAL us for a 1-mile hike as we learn about this WARBLER WALK MORNING COFFEE
Celebrate our planet with a variety of 2,000-pound mammal. Nature Center Join us on a 2-mile hike as we search for AND WILDLIFE WATCH
family-friendly activities and service op- warblers. Ages 14 and older View animals through the nature center
portunities. More details can be found on MAY 4 SAT 1PM Indian Ridge windows and enjoy a cup of coffee.
the Battelle Darby Creek Facebook page. Nature Center
MAY 18 SAT 8AM
Nature Center WARBLER WALK MAR 2 SAT 8–10AM
APR 20 SAT 10AM–4PM Join us on a 2-mile hike and search
for warblers. Ages 14 and older HONEYBEE DISPLAY
Indian Ridge Learn about honeybees, their important KINDNESS ROCKS
PRESCHOOLERS: TRASH TO TREASURE role in pollination and how farmers care Help spread kindness through the world
Learn how you can use composting to MAY 11 SAT 8AM for their own hives. Nature Center by decorating rocks and hiding them for
turn everyday scraps into gardening gold! someone else to find. Nature Center
MAY 18-24 SAT-SUN 10AM–6PM
Nature Center PHOTO GROUP: IMAGE REVIEW MAR 3 SUN 3PM
APR 26 FRI 11AM OR 1PM Attendees are invited to share their pho-
tos and receive constructive feedback. FULL MOON HIKE
All skill levels. Nature Center Take a brisk moonlit 4-mile hike through NATURE BABIES
WILD EDIBLES fields and forests. Ranger Station Enjoy stories about nature and learn some
Learn how to identify wild edible plants MAY 11 SAT 10AM nature signs in American Sign Language
MAY 18 SAT 8PM
and how you can create some delicious to practice. Ages 2 and younger
dishes with them. Nature Center BABY ANIMAL DISPLAY Nature Center
Learn about baby animals found inside REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS
APR 27 SAT 11AM MAR 4 MON 10AM
the park and how they are cared for, FROM AROUND THE WORLD
plus what to do if you find an animal See and touch these cold-blooded
WILDLIFE SEARCH infant without its mother. animals, both native and exotic. METRO FIVE-0: Level 2
Use radio telemetry to find a wild animal Nature Center Nature Center TIMBERDOODLE TANGO
that we have been tracking through the Search for the male woodcock as he
MAY 11-17 SAT-FRI 10AM–6PM MAY 25-27 SAT-MON 10AM–6PM
park. Ages 6 and older Indian Ridge performs his aerial courtship display.
Ages 50 and older Nature Center
APR 28 SUN 1PM
MAR 6 WED 7PM
30 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 31Blacklick Woods programs Blacklick Woods programs
WOODCOCK WALK
Search for the male woodcock as he
SCOUT DAY:
BROWNIES WOW JOURNEY APRIL PRESCHOOLERS: HUMMINGBIRDS
Learn about the lives of these fascinating
performs his aerial courtship display. Brownies (2nd & 3rd Grade) will partici- flyers through stories, activities and crafts.
Nature Center pate in five activities that are part of the STORY TIME Beech Maple Lodge
“WOW” journey. Advanced registration Learn about nature through stories and
MAR 8 FRI 7PM APR 10 WED 10AM OR 1PM
MAR 23 SAT & 20122200 activities. Ages 2-5 Nature Center
POND LIFE DISPLAY APR 1 MON 10AM FUNGUS DISPLAY
Learn about the creatures of Ohio pond TOTS ON THE TRAILS Learn what fungus can be found in the
ecosystems and the various roles they Share a slow-paced half-mile walk with FAMILY-FRIENDLY LANTERN HIKE park, as well as history and uses for this
play. Nature Center your toddler and discover nature together. Take a 1.5-mile lantern-lit hike through the diverse group. Nature Center
Ages 1-4 Nature Center forest. Nature Center
MAR 9-10 SAT-SUN 8AM–6PM APR 13-14 SAT-SUN 8AM–8PM
MAR 29 FRI 10AM APR 5 FRI 9PM
SALAMANDER SEARCH STOP, HUMMER TIME
Explore the trails while looking for this WILDFLOWER DISPLAY MORNING COFFEE Learn about the life history of humming-
elusive amphibian. Nature Center View our display about Ohio’s beautiful AND WILDLIFE WATCH birds, as well as tips to attract them to
wildflowers. Nature Center View animals through the nature center your yard. Ages 16 and older
MAR 10 SUN 2PM
windows and enjoy a cup of coffee. Nature Center
MAR 30-31 SAT-SUN 8AM–6PM
Nature Center APR 14 SUN 2PM
PRESCHOOLERS: POND LIFE
Learn about the life inside a pond through A WALK IN THE PARK APR 6 SAT 8–10AM
stories, activities and crafts. Nature Center Celebrate Take a Walk in the Park Day AFTER SCHOOL:
with a 2-mile hike. Nature Center CUB SCOUTS: TIGERS ARCHERY & ATLATLS
MAR 13 WED 10AM OR 1PM
—MY TIGER JUNGLE Learn to shoot a compound bow and
MAR 30 SAT 1PM
Work on requirements toward earning this try something more primitive, an atlatl.
BUZZ ABOUT BUZZARDS Tiger achievement Advanced registration Ages 8-15 Sassafras
Turkey vultures are back! Learn what the GIRL SCOUTS: JUNIORS-HABITATS
APRIL 6 SAT & 20222202 APR 17 WED 3–5PM
Buzzard Day buzz is about. Nature Center Girls will participate in activities toward
earning the Habitats Badge. Advanced
MAR 15 FRI 2PM
registration NATURE SCHOOL: WILDFLOWERS EGGSPERIMENTS
Learn tips and tricks for identifying Try some eggcellent eggsperiments.
MAR 30 SAT & 20222201
ST. PATRICK’S DAY SCAVENGER HUNT different types of wildflowers. Nature Center
Search for green things hidden in the Nature Center APR 20 SAT 1–4PM
park. Nature Center YOU CAN EAT THAT
Take a short walk to explore what wild APR 7 SUN 2PM
MAR 17 SUN 12–4PM
edible plants are available in the spring NATURE TRAM
and try some samples. Nature Center METRO FIVE-0: Level 1 Take a tram ride through the park.
HOMESCHOOLERS: POND LIFE DRAW A BIRD Ash Grove Picnic Area
MAR 31 SUN 2PM
Learn about pond ecology and the life Sketch some birds on Draw a Picture APR 21 SUN 2PM
cycles of some of the organisms in the of a Bird Day. Materials provided.
pond. Ages 6-12 Nature Center Ages 50 and older Nature Center
MAR 18 MON 10AM OR 1PM APR 8 MON 6PM
32 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 33Blacklick Woods programs Blacklick Woods programs
METRO FIVE-0: Level 2
WILDFLOWER WALK MAY NATURE BABIES
Enjoy stories about nature and learn some
METRO FIVE-0: Level 3
WALK & WONDER
Take a 1-mile walk to look for spring nature signs in American Sign Language Explore Adena culture on a 2-mile walk
blooms on the trails. Ages 50 and older BE A NATURALIST! to practice. Ages 2 and younger out to the Blacklick Circle. Ages 50 and
Nature Center If you enjoy spending time outside and Nature Center older Nature Center
APR 25 THU 3PM learning about local plants and wildlife, MAY 6 MON 10AM MAY 15 WED 3PM
come and find out what it is like to Be a
Naturalist! Nature Center
TOTS ON THE TRAILS PRESCHOOLERS: TINY TRAVELER ENDANGERED OHIOANS DISPLAY
Share a slow-paced half-mile walk MAY 1 WED 7PM SERIES—TROPICAL RAINFOREST View our display to learn which plants and
with your toddler and discover Discover the unique wildlife that make up animals are endangered in Ohio and why.
nature together. Ages 1-4 METRO PARKS AND COSI’S this special area through discussion, books Nature Center
Nature Center CITYWIDE STAR PARTIES: and activities. Beech Maple Lodge
MAY 17-19 FRI-SUN 8AM–8PM
APR 26 FRI 10AM CREATURES OF THE NIGHT MAY 8 WED 10AM OR 1PM
Join Metro Parks, COSI and Ohio Wildlife
Center for an evening of stargazing, meet DOG WALK
TREE ID DISPLAY animals and learn more about creatures EVENING TRAM RIDE Bring your furry friend for a 2-mile walk.
Come out to learn about some of our of the night as we look up to the night sky Enjoy a tram ride through the park just Nature Center
common trees and how to identify them. and see what’s out there! before sunset. Ash Grove Picnic Area
MAY 18 SAT 10AM
Nature Center Nature Center MAY 10 FRI 8PM
APR 27-28 SAT-SUN 8AM–8PM MAY 3 FRI 7–10PM SUNDAY IN THE SWAMP
MIGRATION MANIA Scoop up slimy critters from a buttonbush
SPRING WILDFLOWER WALK MORNING COFFEE Take a 2-mile hike through the forest to swamp. Nature Center
Take a 1-mile walk to search the forest for AND WILDLIFE WATCH search the trails for migrating songbirds.
MAY 19 SUN 1–3PM
spring blooms. View animals through the nature center Nature Center
Nature Center windows and enjoy a cup of coffee. MAY 11 SAT 10AM–12PM
Nature Center STORY TIME
APR 28 SUN 2PM
Learn about nature through stories and
MAY 4 SAT 8–10AM MOTHER’S DAY TRAM RIDE activities. Ages 2-5 Nature Center
HOMESCHOOLERS: Enjoy a tram ride through the park.
MAY 20 MON 10AM
THE KEY TO IT ALL WARBLER WALK Ash Grove Picnic Area
Learn how plants and animals are classi- Wake up with the birds to search the MAY 12 SUN 2PM
fied through activities and a craft. trails for warblers. Nature Center TURTLE TIME
Ages 6-12 Celebrate World Turtle Day by meeting
Beech Maple Lodge MAY 5 SUN 8–10AM HOMESCHOOLERS: the nature center turtles. Ages 6-12
ENDANGERED SPECIES Nature Center
APR 29 MON 10AM OR 1PM
SUNDAY IN THE SWAMP Learn which animals are endangered in
MAY 23 THU 10AM OR 1PM
Scoop up slimy critters from a buttonbush Ohio and the reasons why, through
swamp. Nature Center activities and discussion. Ages 6-12
Beech Maple Lodge
MAY 5 SUN 1–3PM
MAY 13 MON 10AM OR 1PM
34 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 35Blacklick Woods / Blendon Woods programs Blendon Woods programs
CENTIPEDES & MILLIPEDES AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS JUST FOR KIDS: COCOA AND BIRDS KRATTS & KRAFTS
Learn how to find and identify these Join the naturalist in feeding our ambassa- Enjoy a warm cup by the nature center Enjoy an episode of Wild Kratts and make
many-legged insect relatives. Nature Center dor animals some tasty treats! Nature Center window as we provide some special a craft to take home! Ages 3 and older
treats for our hungry winter residents. Nature Center
MAY 25 SAT 2PM MAR 4 MON 4PM
Ages 4-15
MAR 25 MON 1PM
Nature Center
SUNDAY IN THE SWAMP 2/4/6 FITNESS HIKE
MAR 17 SUN 1–3PM
Scoop up slimy critters from a buttonbush Take an invigorating, fast-paced hike RELAXING YOGA
swamp. Nature Center along gravel and natural surface trails; Let the stress of the day melt away with an
choose 2, 4 or 6 miles. Pace will be under WOODCOCK WATCH hour of outdoor yoga. Bring a towel
MAY 26 SUN 1–3PM
20 minutes per mile. Ages 14 and older Learn about these fascinating birds and or mat. Follow park signs for location
Nature Center view their awesome mating flight.
MAR 25 MON 6:30PM
ART IN THE PARK: NATURE PAINTING Natural Play Area Shelter
MAR 9 SAT 9–11AM
Learn how to paint a simple scene inspired
MAR 17 SUN 7PM
by spring. Materials provided. Nature Center SPRING BREAK PUPPET SHOW
ORPHANED/INJURED Join the Blendon Woods Puppets for a
MAY 27 MON 7PM
WILDLIFE DISPLAY PRESCHOOL: springtime story. Ages 3 and older
Discover when animals need human help FIRST DAY OF SPRING FLING Nature Center
TOTS ON THE TRAILS and when to leave them alone. Come celebrate the season through
MAR 28-29 THU-FRI 10AM OR 1PM
Share a slow-paced half-mile walk with Nature Center activities, crafts, songs and a story!
your toddler and discover nature together. Nature Center
MAR 9 SAT 9AM–4PM
Ages 1-4 Nature Center BEGINNING BIRDING
MAR 20 WED 9:30AM, 11AM, 1PM
Look for early spring birds on a relaxed
MAY 31 FRI 10AM MAR 21 THU 9:30AM, 11AM, 1PM
OHIO WILDLIFE CENTER: 1-mile hike. Ages 6 and older
I FOUND A BABY. NOW WHAT? Nature Center
Learn what to do when you find wildlife 2/4/6 FITNESS HIKE MAR 31 SUN 9AM
that might need help. Animals will be visit- Take an invigorating, fast-paced hike
BLENDON WOODS
ing for the presentation! Nature Center along gravel and natural surface trails;
choose 2, 4 or 6 miles. Pace will be under
MAR 9 SAT 2PM
20 minutes per mile. APRIL
MARCH TREE MYTHS
Ages 14 and older
Nature Center
AFTER SCHOOL SNACKS
Learn about myths of old on a 2-mile hike.
FIRST FRIDAY STORYTIME MAR 23 SAT 9–11AM Join the naturalist in feeding our
Nature Center
Join us as we read books focused on ani- ambassador animals some tasty treats!
mals and nature! Ages 2-6 Nature Center MAR 16 SAT 10AM Nature Center
SPRING BIRDS: WOODPECKERS
MAR 1 FRI 10AM Enjoy a 2-mile hike on woodland trails to APR 1 MON 4PM
COFFEE AND BIRDS see and hear these beautiful birds.
Enjoy a warm cup by the nature center Nature Center
SPRING BIRDS window as we provide some special treats FIRST FRIDAY STORYTIME
Search for early spring migrants and resi- for our hungry winter residents and early MAR 23 SAT 10AM Join us as we read books focused
dent species on a 1-mile hike. Nature Center migrants. Ages 16 and older on animals and nature!
Nature Center Ages 2-6 Nature Center
MAR 3 SUN 9AM
MAR 17 SUN 9–11AM APR 5 FRI 10AM
36 To learn more, visit metroparks.net To learn more, visit metroparks.net 37You can also read
