Summer 2019 - Metro Parks
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Summer 2019
from the
executive
director
T oday, the vast majority of our community connects through the digital
world. We asked you, the voters of Franklin County, how you currently find
out about park programs and activities and what source you could count on for
information.
In response to the 2016 survey conducted by a nationally recognized opinion
pollster, more than 600 registered Franklin County voters said Metro Parks web-
site is their preferred method for park program information. Notably, three out
of four Franklin County residents prefer an online source (62 percent); few prefer
print (8 percent).
I am pleased to tell you that we listened and will be doubling down on digital
and transitioning to less print.
This will be the last issue of Parkscope as a source for programs. Visitors can
now go to the website and hit the Find Your Program Pages view and/or down-
load a printable version of all park programs or go to the Plan Your Visit web page
and search by park or date or program type. Look for fall programs (September
through November) on the website beginning mid-August.
We will also include programs in our enews and various social media sites, so
be sure to follow us on these platforms. We will not completely abandon the print
dinosaur so look for park programs on bulletin boards and in nature centers.
The transition to digital allows us to engage more quickly with visitors, interact
in real time and get your feedback. Our staff can plan spontaneous programs,
such as a late-night viewing of a meteor shower because the skies will be clear.
See you out in the parks this summer!
Tim Moloney, Executive Director
2 To learn more, visit metroparks.net
Walnut Woods Metro Park
Sat Aug 3, 10am-2pm
Discover the wide world of
insects and their relatives with
activities and displays for all ages.
Catch and release bugs, take a
tram ride, explore the creek, make
crafts, see insects up close and
Annette Boose more. Meet at Buckeye Area
connect with us contents
About Us_ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 4
tiny.cc/mp-fb Outdoor Adventure awaits you _ __ __ __ __ __ __ 5
Map _ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 6
tiny.cc/mp-inst
Parks _ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 8
Programs_ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 28
tiny.cc/mp-tw
Front cover photo: Stephanie West
tiny.cc/mp-ytube
tiny.cc/mp-blog
tiny.cc/mp-news
Web metroparks.net
E-mail info@metroparks.net
Information 614.891.0700
Reservations 614.508.8111
Fax 614.895.6208
InfoLine 614.508.8000 Ken Browne
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 3
about us Metro Parks are vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our Central Ohio community, ensuring the health of families and youth and contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of a community and a region. Metro Parks attract nearly 11 million people per year and offer exceptional settings for renewal of the human spirit. Visitors can enjoy healthy, fun-filled interaction with the natural world every day of the year. Each year, Metro Parks naturalists offer over 4,000 free programs for individuals of all ages and abilities. Established in 1945, Metro Parks operates 19 natural area parks in seven Central Ohio counties, and provides more than 230 miles of trails. The park system protects more than 27,500 acres of 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 voter support of the 2009 Metro Parks levy. The Mission of Metro Parks is to conserve open spaces, while providing places and opportunities that encourage people to discover and experience nature. In accordance with its mission, Metro Parks works to conserve and enhance habitat for the more than 2,400 species of animals and plants that thrive within the parks. Funding for Metro Parks comes from Franklin County property tax, local government funds, earned income, grants and partnerships. Metro Parks is a separate political subdivision of the state of Ohio organized under Ohio Revised Code, Section 1545. Metro Parks’ Board of Park Commissioners, composed of three citizens who serve three-year terms without compensation, governs the Park District. Board members are appointed by the Judge of the Probate Court of Franklin County. Metro Parks’ Board of Park Commissioners meets monthly. Meetings are open to the public. Visit metroparks.net for meeting time, dates and location. Board of Park Commissioners Executive Director JB Hadden Tim Moloney Greg S Lashutka Jim McGregor opportunities Metro Parks is committed to conserving natural resources and providing places and oppor- tunities that encourage people to discover and experience nature. To accomplish this goal, a well-trained, dedicated and talented staff is necessary. Job opportunities are very diverse and encompass a wide variety of positions ranging from park technician to naturalist and park ranger, as well as seasonal and internship opportunities. Check frequently on the web at tiny.cc/mp-jobs. The online application system makes the application process faster, easier, and more eco-friendly. 4 To learn more, visit metroparks.net
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
awaits you in Metro Parks this summer
Dip your paddle in the water and float
down the river or learn the basics
of stand up paddle boarding at
Prairie Oaks.
This activity is one of the many new and
exciting offerings that you can enjoy
as part of Metro Parks’ recently formed
Outdoor Adventure initiative and get
a new perspective on nature. Outdoor
Adventure offers activities and oppor-
tunities for people to have fun as they
learn new skills or hone and improve
Julie Wilkes existing skills in a Metro Park.
This summer you’ll enjoy floats down
the Scioto River while learning new kayaking skills. Soak up the sun and the views as you
paddle board around Darby Bend Lakes. In these intro classes you’ll receive personalized
instruction in small teacher to student ratios.
Outdoor Adventure is perfect for all skill levels, from the novice to the seasoned pro.
Outdoor Adventure staff will be there each step of the way to help as you experience
new adventures.
Reserve your spot at metroparks.net and check out Metro Parks’ Outdoor Adventure
Facebook page to learn more about Outdoor Adventure and upcoming programs.
We hope to see you out in the parks this summer!
PRAIRIE OAKS METRO PARK - DARBY BEND LAKES SCIOTO GROVE METRO PARK
Outdoor Adventure: Outdoor Adventure:
Intro to Stand Up Paddling Skills Scioto River Floats
Sat June 15, 1-3pm and 4-6pm Sat June 1, 1-7pm
(multiple float times available)
Sun June 23, 1-3pm
Sat June 8, 1-7pm
Thu June 27, 5-7pm
(multiple float times available)
Outdoor Adventure:
Intro to Kayaking Skills
Thu June 6, 5-7pm
All Outdoor Adventure
programs are Free
Thu June 20, 5-7pm
Sat June 22, 1-3pm
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 5
Columbus & Franklin County METRO PARKS
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BATTELLE DARBY CREEK Mac Albin
Battelle Darby Creek Park details
is the largest Metro Park ADDRESS
1775 Darby Creek Drive, Galloway OH 43119
Battelle Darby Creek boasts more than 7,000
ACRES 7,103
acres of forests, prairies, bluffs, wetlands and
streams. TRAILS
Big and Little Darby creeks harbor about 100 Ancient (1.9 miles), Camp Chase (12.5 miles)
species of fish and more than 40 species of Cobshell (0.8 miles), Darby Creek
mussels, including the federally endangered Greenway (5 miles), Dyer Mill (3.2 miles)
clubshell and northern riffleshell. A remarkable Edgewood, Lake & Prairie Way (2.3 miles)
diversity of species of birds, butterflies and Harrier Loop, Rail Way & Teal (3 miles)
other wildlife are also found in the forests and Hawthorn (0.8 miles), Indian Ridge (0.6 miles)
remaining prairies that line the creek banks. Riffle Run (0.2 miles), Terrace (2 miles)
Turkey Foot (0.5 miles), Wagtail (1.6 miles)
The park boasts more than 600 acres of lush
prairies and 1,000 acres of restored wetlands ACTIVITIES
and wet prairies. Bison have been reintroduced Biking, Canoeing & Kayaking, Cross-Country Ski-
to the Darby Plains in one of the prairie areas ing, Fishing, Hunting, Ice Skating, Natural Play
intersected by the Darby Creek Greenway Trail. Area, Nature Center, Pets, Picnicking, Sledding
A 14,000 sq-foot nature center features a DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
53-foot living stream, stocked with creatures tiny.cc/mp-bdc
found in Big Darby Creek, plus interactive exhib-
its that highlight the natural and cultural history
HOURS & INFO
Cedar Ridge area: 6:30am to 10pm April–Sept
of the area.
6:30am to 8pm October–March
For information on the park’s rental facilities go All other park areas 6:30am to dark year-round
to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111. Cell phone 614.370.6254
Nature Center 614.878.7106
8 To learn more, visit metroparks.net
BLACKLICK WOODS Diana Morse
Blacklick Woods was the first Park details
Metro Park and features a ADDRESS:
6975 E Livingston Ave
54-acre state nature preserve Reynoldsburg OH 43068
Blacklick Woods opened in 1948 and boasts ACRES: 643
one of the best beech-maple forests in Franklin
County, along with a swamp forest and button- TRAILS:
bush swamp. Beech (0.5 miles)
A walk along the trails provides healthy exercise Blacklick Creek Greenway (16 miles)
as well as an excellent opportunity to view Buttonbush (0.5 miles)
white-tailed deer, coyotes, mink and other Maple Loop (0.9 miles)
wildlife in a purely natural setting. Multipurpose (4.1 miles)
Walter A Tucker (0.1 miles)
The park has numerous excellent vantage
points for birding. Barred owls are a prominent ACTIVITIES:
attraction for birders in spring. Biking, Cross-Country Skiing, Golf Courses
The nature center’s observation windows allow Nature Center, Pets, Picnicking, Sledding
visitors to view birds and other wildlife at the
feeders. DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB:
tiny.cc/mp-blk
The Walter A Tucker State Nature Preserve is
a heavily wooded 54-acre area featuring a HOURS & INFO:
buttonbush swamp. The seasonal swamp pools 6:30am to 10pm April to September
are prime locations for breeding salamanders 6:30am to 8pm October to March
and frogs. Cell phone: 614.208.4247
Nature Center: 614.861.8759
For information on the park’s rental facilities go Golf Course: 614.861.3193
to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111.
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 9
BLACKLICK WOODS GOLF COURSES Brandon Ridgley
Blacklick Woods Golf Course is carts allow you to play from tee to green
without ever having to leave the cart.
spread over 235 acres of beautiful As home to First Tee of Central Ohio, Metro
park land Parks has turned a 10-week summer program
at Blacklick Woods Golf Course into a year-
Blacklick Woods Golf Course feature an 18-hole round outreach program.
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
short game area, and three practice holes. life skills and leadership through the game
of golf to youth age 7 to 17. Last year more
For tee times, golf outings or banquets, call than 1,000 youth participated with us in this
614.861.3193. Tee times can also be booked nationally recognized program.
online.
For more on First Tee of Central Ohio visit
Forty acres of the course’s 235 acres are natural their website: thefirstteecentralohio.org
area—a place where birds and birdies peace-
fully coexist. Golf Course details
Audubon International has certified the golf
ADDRESS
courses as a Cooperative Sanctuary for their
7309 E Livingston Avenue,
comprehensive environmental management
Reynoldsburg OH 43068
and protection of wildlife habitats. Metro Parks
has developed the courses with a long-range
vision of protection and enhancement of the DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
natural environment. tiny.cc/mp-blkg
In addition to regular golf cart rentals, Metro HOURS & INFO
Parks has two solo adaptive carts for rental by 6:30am to dark
golfers who are physically challenged and can Golf shop phone 614.861.3193
no longer play golf the conventional way. These
10 To learn more, visit metroparks.netBLENDON WOODS Gil Sears
Blendon Woods features the Park details
118-acre Waldon Waterfowl Refuge ADDRESS 4265 E Dublin-Granville Rd,
Westerville OH 43081
Blendon Woods features 653 acres of gently
rolling woods and open fields. More than 230 ACRES 653
species of birds have been seen at the park.
At the heart of the Waldon Waterfowl Refuge, TRAILS
the 11-acre Thoreau Lake is a magnet for migrat- Brookside (0.8 miles), Goldenrod (1.3 miles)
ing waterfowl and shore birds. It includes two Hickory Ridge (0.3 miles), Lake (0.3 miles)
elevated observation shelters with spotting Overlook (0.6 miles), Ripple Rock (0.4 miles)
scopes that allow for a close-up view of water- Sugarbush (2 miles)
fowl without disturbing them.
ACTIVITIES
Birds frequently seen at Thoreau Lake include Cross-Country Skiing
pied-billed grebes, great blue and green heron, Day Camp
wood duck, lesser scaup, American black duck, Disc Golf, Ice Skating
mallard, northern pintail, northern shoveler, Natural Play Area
American wigeon and hooded merganser. Nature Center
The nature center’s wildlife observation window Pets, Picnicking
offers a view of The Creek, a 100-foot-long con-
struction mirroring natural creeks in the park. DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
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Ice skating enthusiasts can enjoy a safe
0.4-acre skating pond, only 18 to 24 inches
deep. The park also features an 18-hole disc golf HOURS & INFO
course. Loaner discs are available. 6:30am to 10pm April to September
6:30am to 8pm October to March
For information on the park’s rental facilities go Cell phone 614.620.1861
to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111. Nature Center 614.895.6221
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 11CHESTNUT RIDGE David Jolley
Chestnut Ridge is the first ridge Park details
in the foothills of the Appalachian ADDRESS
8445 Winchester Rd NW
Mountains Carroll OH 43112
The park is situated on a narrow outcropping of
Blackhand sandstone, deposited more than 300 ACRES 486
million years ago when Ohio’s ancient ocean
drained from the land. The high hills that make TRAILS
up the ridge span about 4,500 feet and rise to Homesite (0.4 miles)
1,116 feet at the highest point. Meadows (1 mile)
Milkweed (0.6 miles)
Black oak, shagbark hickory and northern red
Ridge (1 mile)
oak trees along the upper slopes and ridge
Mountain Bike (9 miles)
enhance the woodland beauty of the 486-acre
Metro Park. Sugar maples and American beech
trees are plentiful along the lower slopes. ACTIVITIES
Fishing
MOUNTAIN BIKING Mountain Biking
The 9-mile Mountain Bike Trail through the Picnicking
woods provides a terrific workout for moun-
tain bike enthusiasts of all abilities. The 12- to DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
18-inch-wide trail is on an all-natural surface tiny.cc/mp-chr
and features a 230-foot change in elevation. The
trail was designed and built by volunteers with HOURS & INFO
the Central Ohio Mountain Bike Organization 6:30am to dark
(COMBO). There is also a Pump Track, a loop of Cell phone 614.208.4298
dirt berms and rollers, great for cyclists of all
ages and abilities.
12 To learn more, visit metroparks.netCLEAR CREEK Andrew Boose
Clear Creek is home to Ohio’s Park details
largest state nature preserve ADDRESS
23833 Clear Creek Rd
Clear Creek Metro Park features over 5,300 acres Rockbridge OH 43149
of woodland interspersed with blackhand sand-
stone cliffs, ravines and creeks and is home to ACRES 5,390
more than 2,200 species of plants and animals.
Forested areas range from Canadian hemlocks TRAILS
and ferns, to oak and hickory, to Ohio’s last Cemetery Ridge (2.5 miles)
remaining colonies of rhododendron. Chestnut (2.5 miles)
Ohio Audubon has recognized Clear Creek as an Creekside Meadows (1.7 miles)
Important Bird Area. It is one of the few places Fern (1.7 miles)
in Ohio to observe 20 species of breeding war- Good Prairie (0.3 miles)
blers. The valley is home to nearly 100 species of Hemlock (1.5 miles)
breeding birds, including black vultures, scarlet Lake (0.9 miles)
tanager, veeries, wood thrush, hermit thrush Prairie Warbler (0.6 miles)
and wild turkey. Tulip Tree (0.6 miles)
About 40 species of plants and animals listed ACTIVITIES
on Ohio’s rare and endangered species list have Fishing
been found within the park. State threatened Pets
great rhododendron and a large variety of ferns Picnicking
can be seen in the ravines.
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
The topography of the park is extremely tiny.cc/mp-clc
rugged. Centuries of glacial flooding have cut
the present valley through the Black-hand HOURS & INFO:
sandstone leaving an array of spectacular cliffs, 6:30am to dark
steep ravines and scenic outcroppings of rock Office phone 740.969.8210
overlooking the creek.
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 13GLACIER RIDGE Gil Sears
Glacier Ridge is named for the Park details
ridge or end moraine left when ADDRESS
9801 Hyland Croy Rd
glaciers retreated 14,000 years ago Plain City OH 43064
More than 50 species of birds have been seen ACRES 1,036
at Glacier Ridge Metro Park’s restored wetlands
in the Honda Wetland Education Area. The TRAILS
wetlands include a boardwalk and a 22-foot Ironweed (2.8 miles)
observation tower to see waterfowl and other Marsh Hawk (3 miles)
animals. Mink have been seen frequently in the Red Oak (0.8 miles)
area. Savannah (5 miles)
The park has a bridle trail, the Savannah Trail, ACTIVITIES
with a staging area for horse trailer parking. Biking
There is also a free 18-hole disc golf course, Cross-Country Skiing
open year-round (bring your own discs). Disc Golf
Horseback Riding
A natural play area features cedar structures Natural Play Area
with towers, ramps, ropes, ladders and a zipline. Obstacle Course
A 3-acre obstacle course features 12 challenging Pets (including Dog Park)
stations surrounded by a half-mile paved trail. Picnicking
Visitors can crawl through tunnels, climb poles
and ropes and go over logs and more. DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
tiny.cc/mp-glr
The 2.5-acre dog park features an open field,
drinking fountains, paved path and a wooded HOURS & INFO
area for dogs to explore and is open to dogs of 6:30am to dark
all sizes. Cell phone 614.216.8859
14 To learn more, visit metroparks.netGREENWAYS Don Danielson
Greenway trails connect scenic CAMP CHASE (12.5 miles)
Part of the Ohio to Erie Trail, weaves through
rivers with the diverse neighbor- Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
hoods of Central Ohio DARBY CREEK (8.5 miles)
Crushed gravel trail with separate sections
Metro Parks works with several agencies and that run through Battelle Darby Creek and
communities to create and maintain parts or all Prairie Oaks Metro parks
of the Greenway trails shown on this page for
the citizens of Central Ohio. HERITAGE (6.5 miles)
Runs from Old Hilliard to Plain City, through
The Central Ohio Greenways are multi-use trails the Heritage Trail Park and along Homestead
used for recreation and alternative transporta- Metro Park
tion. They connect people to the places they
live, work and play as well as preserve open DOWNTOWN CONNECTOR (5 miles)
space to promote air and water quality. Metro Parks manages a 0.8-mile section
of the trail, also known as the I-670 Trail
(More information at tiny.cc/mp-gtr or from
MORPC at: www.centralohiogreenways.com).
OLENTANGY (15 miles)
Scenic trail runs south from Worthington
Hills Park to Confluence Park in downtown
Greenway Trails Columbus
ALUM CREEK (24.5 miles)
Runs south from Westerville to Three Creeks
SCIOTO (10 miles)
Stretches through the heart of Columbus
and through Scioto Audubon Metro Park
BLACKLICK CREEK (16 miles)
Connects Pickerington Ponds, Blacklick Woods
and Three Creeks Metro parks
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 15HIGHBANKS Chris Childers
Highbanks was named for the Park details
110-foot shale bluffs on the ADDRESS:
9466 US23 N, Lewis Center OH 43035
Olentangy River
ACRES: 1,200
Highbanks Metro Park encompasses 1,200 acres
of woodlands, fields and wetlands. Three miles TRAILS:
of the Olentangy State Scenic River run along Big Meadows Path (1 mile)
the park’s western boundary. Coyote Run (3.5 miles)
An observation deck sits atop a towering 110- Dripping Rock (2.5 miles), Eagle View (0.3 miles)
foot shale bluff overlooking the river.Several Multi-Use (2.3 miles), Oak Coves Path (0.4 miles)
prehistoric cultures used the bluffs as a lookout, Overlook (2.3 miles), Scenic River (0.6 miles)
including the Cole Culture who built the nearby Sycamore (0.4 miles), Wetland Spur (0.4 miles)
1,500-foot horseshoe-shaped earthwork about
800-1200 years ago.
ACTIVITIES:
Biking, Canoeing & Kayaking, Cross-Country
Eagles have nested at the park and eaglets have Skiing, Day Camps, Fishing, Natural Play Area,
fledged here since 2010. The nest can be seen Nature Center, Pets, Picnicking, Sledding
from this same observation deck, or from the
River Bluff Area west of the Olentangy. DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB:
tiny.cc/mp-hbk
Concretions are a noteworthy feature of the
park’s geology. These round rocks developed HOURS & INFO:
around decaying animals on the ocean floor. 6:30am to 10pm April to September
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. Nature Center: 614.846.9962
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)
16 To learn more, visit metroparks.netHOMESTEAD / HERITAGE TRAIL Mike Heisey
Homestead features two large Heritage Trail is great for
playgrounds for kids biking and horse riding
Homestead Metro Park offers a quiet, coun- The 87-acre Heritage Trail Park is adjacent to
try atmosphere with a covered bridge, train the Heritage Rail Trail, a 6.1-mile multi-pur-
station replica and two barns. Other features pose trail converted from abandoned
include shelters, a 2.5-acre fishing pond, play right-of-way. The paved trail starts in Old
equipment and courts for sand volleyball and Hilliard off Main Street and continues toward
basketball. A 0.8-mile paved trail, great for Plain City.
hiking, biking, running, or walking your leashed
A bridle trail runs parallel to the main trail for
pet, winds through the park and connects to
3.6 miles.
the 6.1-mile Heritage Trail.
Park details Park details
ADDRESS ADDRESS
4675 Cosgray Rd,Hilliard OH 43026 7262 Hayden Run Rd, Hilliard OH 43026
ACRES 44 ACRES 87
TRAILS TRAILS
Outer Loop (0.8 miles) Multipurpose (6.1 miles), Bridle (3.6 miles)
ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES
Fishing, Play Areas, Pets, Picnicking Biking, Horse Riding
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
tiny.cc/mp-hom tiny.cc/mp-htr
HOURS & INFO HOURS & INFO
6:30am to dark, Cell phone 614.216.8859 6:30am to dark, Cell phone 614.216.8859
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 17INNISWOOD Bryan Knowles
Inniswood boasts more than Garden details
2,000 species of plants and ADDRESS:
940 S Hempstead Rd
several feature gardens Westerville OH 43081
The 123-acre Inniswood Metro Gardens is a con- ACRES: 123
tinual source of inspiration for Central Ohioans.
Streams and woodlands filled with wildflowers TRAILS:
and wildlife provide a majestic backdrop to the Boardwalk (0.5 miles)
beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns. Brookwood (0.5 miles)
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)
collections of hostas, daffodils, daylilies and Sisters’ Garden Loop (0.3 miles)
conifers. Spring Run (0.3 miles)
Inniswood was once the 37-acre estate of sisters
ACTIVITIES:
Grace and Mary Innis, who donated their home
Biking/Pets (outside gardens on
and property to Metro Parks in 1972.
Chipmunk Chatter Trail)
Over 250 members strong, our fun, energetic
and dedicated volunteers provide hundreds of DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB:
hours of service each month and are crucial to tiny.cc/mp-inn
the success of Inniswood Metro Gardens. For
more information about volunteer service and HOURS & INFO:
to find out about the next volunteer training 7am to dark
class, call 614.895.6226. Innis House: 614.895.6216
You can support Inniswood by becoming a Cell phone: 614.208.4301
member of the Inniswood Garden Society. Visit
inniswood.org to learn about membership.
18 To learn more, visit metroparks.netPICKERINGTON PONDS Dan Ferrin
Pickerington Ponds is home to Park details
one of Franklin County’s largest ADDRESS
7680 Wright Rd
remaining natural wetlands Canal Winchester OH 43110
Pickerington Ponds is a premier spot for bird- ACRES 1,608
watching, with more than 260 species seen.
The combination of seasonal ponds and rich ACTIVITIES
wetland vegetation, with bordering woodlands, Biking
serve as a magnet for migrating waterfowl, Nature Preserve
shore birds and land birds. Pets
Picnicking
Deer, beaver, fox and other wildlife can be seen
near the ponds and adjoining woods and fields
of this 1,608-acre park. More than 400 acres
TRAILS
Arrowhead (1.7 miles)
have been designated a state nature preserve.
Blacklick Creek Greenway
Since 2000, Metro Parks has restored more than (16 miles - connects with Three Creeks
750 acres of wetland and surrounding upland and Blacklick Woods)
habitat, such as grassland and woodland, to Killdeer (1.1 miles)
reestablish the native wetland and plant com- Meadowlark (1 mile)
munities that existed on the sites prior to their Yellowlegs (0.5 miles)
conversion for agriculture.
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
The park has been designated as one of Ohio’s tiny.cc/mp-pkp
Important Birding Areas by Audubon Ohio.
Sandhill cranes are seen frequently flying over HOURS & INFO
the ponds. Great blue heron and osprey nest 6:30am to dark
here. Cell phone 614.208.4329
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 19PRAIRIE OAKS Dan Bissonette
Prairie Oaks features nearly Park details
500 acres of lush flowering ADDRESS
3225 Plain City-Georgesville Rd,
prairies and grasslands West Jefferson OH 43162
Big Darby Creek flows through the 2,203-acre ACRES 2,203
park and provides a beautiful backdrop for
outdoor adventure. The Darby Watershed is TRAILS
nationally recognized for its ecological diver- Alder (0.6 miles)
sity, and is home to nearly 100 species of fish Beaver Lake (0.9 miles)
and 44 species of mussels. Bridle (5.7 miles)
Coneflower (2.5 miles)
Darby Bend Lakes is a water recreational
Darby Creek Greenway (3.5 miles)
area, featuring three beautiful lakes. Visitors
Lakeview (0.9 miles)
can enjoy trails, fishing, canoeing, kayaking,
River Rock (0.7 miles)
non-motorized boating and picnicking. There
Sycamore Plains (2.2 miles)
is even a doggie beach and dog-swimming
area for your pet. The park features a natural
play area around Beaver Lake. ACTIVITIES
Biking, Boating, Canoeing/Kayaking
Ashy sunflower, royal catchfly and other Cross-Country Skiing, Fishing
prairie flowers can be seen against a backdrop Horse Riding. Natural Play Area
of big and little bluestem grasses. Northern Pets, Picnicking
harriers, meadowlarks, coyote, jumping mice
and Henslow’s sparrow can be seen through- DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
out the changing seasons. Metro Parks has tiny.cc/mp-pok
restored 800 acres of prairies at the park,
using only seed representing the native plant HOURS & INFO
species of the Darby Plains. 6:30am to dark
Cell phone 614.208.4321
20 To learn more, visit metroparks.netROCKY FORK Angela Latham
Rocky Fork includes an off-leash Park details
trail for dogs and a dog park ADDRESS
7180 Walnut St
Rocky Fork Metro Park features more than three Westerville OH 43081
miles of walking trails that wind through woods
and fields. ACRES 1,003
The park features an off-leash dog trail, the first TRAILS
in the park system, plus a 2-acre dog park with Beech Woodland (1.3 miles)
splash pads. Bridle (2.5 miles)
Dog (0.3 miles)
The 2.5-mile bridle trail includes a separate park Millstone Connector (0.5 miles)
entrance on Bevelhymer Road for horse trailer North Meadow (1 mile)
parking.
ACTIVITIES
There are two picnic areas plus a grill pad in the Biking
woods. The Millstone Picnic Area has a large Horseback Riding
shelter for family picnics and a play area for kids, Pets
featuring three large climbing boulders, with an Picnicking
elevated boardwalk to provide ADA access to Swings
the top of one boulder.
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
Enjoy sitting in the big wooden chairs behind tiny.cc/mp-rky
the Millstone picnic shelter as you look for
wildlife in the open fields. HOURS & INFO
6:30am to dark
Cell phone 614.595.9979
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 21SCIOTO AUDUBON Dan Bissonette
Scioto Audubon is the only Park details
downtown Metro Park and ADDRESS
400 W Whittier St
features a 35-foot climbing wall Columbus OH 43215
An old industrial site on the Scioto River has ACRES 120
been transformed into a 120-acre park that
serves as a haven for wildlife and a place for ACTIVITIES
the young at heart and urban professionals Biking
interested in active recreation. Boating
Canoeing/Kayaking
The climbing wall covers 7,000 square feet and Fishing
features bouldering, top rope and lead climbing. Obstacle Course
There are four auto belays, but climbers must Pets
bring their own climbing harness. Picnicking
Rock Climbing
There is also a 9-station obstacle course that
features nine challenging stations, including a TRAILS
tire run and flip, an eight-foot wall, tunnel crawl, Scioto Greenway (2 miles)
balance beams and monkey bars, cargo climb, Hermit Thrush (0.1 miles)
over/under, log run and belly crawl. Wetland (0.4 miles)
Connector Trails (2.5 miles)
The area has been designated as an Important
Bird Area (IBA) by Audubon and Birdlife Interna- DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
tional. More than 200 species of birds have been tiny.cc/mp-sio
sighted within the IBA.
HOURS & INFO
Fishing and boating are available on the river
6:30am to 10pm April to September
and the park also features a 2.5-acre dog park
6:30am to 8pm October to March
and a quarter-acre butterfly garden.
Cell phone 614.202.5197
22 To learn more, visit metroparks.netSCIOTO GROVE Virginia Gordon
Scioto Grove features mature Park details
forests and scenic bluffs ADDRESS
5172 Jackson Pike
The 620-acre park has more than seven miles Grove City OH 43123
of trails, two picnic areas with shelters, tables
and grills, a kids play area and several overlook ACRES 620
decks. The park is located on a scenic bend of
the Scioto River and is a great destination for TRAILS
canoeists, kayakers, anglers and people wanting Arrowhead (1.3 miles), Hickory (0.6 miles)
to see waterfowl and other wildlife. Dogs on Mingo (2.5 miles), Overlook (1.7 miles)
leashes are welcome throughout the park, REI River (1.2 miles)
which also features a sledding hill.
ACTIVITIES
A 3D archery course (and a separate static or Archery
traditional archery course) makes the park the Backpacking
place to go for archery enthusiasts. Canoeing/Kayaking
With support from outdoor retailer REI, we Drone Field
constructed a backpack trail along the river for Fishing
those just getting into the sport, as well as those Pets
seasoned backpackers who want a quick over- Sledding
night without having to journey several hours.
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
Backpacking is free and reservations can be tiny.cc/mp-sgr
made by calling 614.539.3339. Backpacking
available for reservation every other weekend HOURS & INFO
from mid-April to the end of Ocober. 6:30am to 10pm April to September
6:30am to 8pm October to March
For information on the park’s rental facilities go
Cell phone 614.949.1078
to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111.
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 23SHARON WOODS Allison Shaw
Sharon Woods features oak- Park details
hickory, beech-maple and swamp ADDRESS
6911 Cleveland Ave
forests in its 761 acres Westerville OH 43081
Spring Hollow Lodge Lodge:
The park includes seven miles of trails, with two
1069 W Main St, Westerville OH 43081
miles winding through the 320-acre Edward S
Thomas State Nature Preserve, named in honor
ACRES 761
of a renowned Ohio naturalist and one of Metro
Parks’ founding park board members. ACTIVITIES
The park has eight species of oaks, some more Biking, Fishing, Natural Play Area
than 250 years old, plus large hickory, maple and Nature Preserve, Pets, Picnicking
beech trees. Sledding
The 11-acre Schrock Lake provides a scenic TRAILS
backdrop where you can enjoy the splashing of Edward S Thomas (1.1 miles)
waterfowl, glimpse a painted turtle sunning on Lake (0.4 miles)
a rock or see a spectacular sunset. Catch and re- Oak Openings (0.2 miles)
lease fishing is allowed from the lake’s four docks. Spring Creek (1.8 miles)
Multipurpose (3.8 miles)
The park boasts a 7.5-acre natural play area Connector (0.3 miles)
where you can wander off-trail, climb trees,
dig in the mud and experience unstructured DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
play in nature. There are two sledding hills for tiny.cc/mp-shn
winter fun.
HOURS & INFO
For information on the park’s rental facilities go
6:30am to 10pm April to September
to metroparks.net or phone 614.508.8111.
6:30am to 8pm October to March
Cell phone 614.315.5520
24 To learn more, visit metroparks.netSLATE RUN FARM & PARK Danielle Robbins
Slate Run Wetlands are the site Park details
of nesting sandhill cranes ADDRESS:
1375 SR674 North
A 156-acre wetland wildlife refuge features Canal Winchester OH 43110
a mosaic of restored marshes, meadows and
ponds. More than 150 species of birds have ACRES: 1,705
been recorded here, including northern harriers,
sandhill cranes, green herons and nesting TRAILS:
blue-winged teal. Bobolink (1.5 miles)
Camp Starview (2 miles)
The park’s grassland area includes prairie Covered Bridge (0.5 miles)
grasses, cool-season grasses, hardwood forest Five Oaks (1.5 miles), Kokomo (1.5 miles)
and remnant wooded fence rows and is one of Lake (0.4 miles)
the premier butterfly and birding sites in Central Sassafras (2.5 miles - horseriding only)
Ohio. It is also home to savannah, grasshopper Shagbark (0.5 miles), Sugar Maple (1.4 miles)
and Henslow’s sparrows, bobolinks, eastern
meadowlarks and other wildlife. The 14-acre ACTIVITIES:
Buzzard’s Roost Lake is also a magnet for birds. Day Camps, Fishing, Horseback Riding
Natural Play Area, Pets, Picnicking
Slate Run Living Historical Farm
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB:
The historical farm provides opportunities for tiny.cc/mp-slr
visitors to compare farm work and family life of OR
the 1880s with their lives today. tiny.cc/mp-srf
As you stroll through the gardens, barns and
farmhouse, you will see the farm’s costumed HOURS & INFO:
staff and volunteers going about their daily 6:30am to dark
chores. Pigs, geese, turkeys, sheep, Percheron Cell phone: 614.329.1392
horses and other heirloom animals can be seen. Farm phone: 614.833.1880
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 25THREE CREEKS John Bonnett
Three Creeks is named for the Park details
confluence of Alum, Blacklick ADDRESS
3860 Bixby Road
and Big Walnut creeks Groveport OH 43125
Three Creeks is made up of five distinct areas ACRES 1,100
connected through the Alum Creek Greenway
Trail. Metro Parks operates the Confluence Trails TRAILS
and Heron Pond areas and the City of Columbus Alum Creek (24.5 miles)
Recreation and Parks Department operates the Blacklick Creek (16 miles)
Madison Mills, Smith Farms and Sycamore Fields Bluebell (1 mile)
areas. This most creek-centric of Ohio’s parks is Confluence (1mile)
the major hub in the Franklin County Green- Evergreen (0.5 miles)
ways program, an interconnected system of Heron Pond (0.6 miles)
trails along the major streams in Central Ohio. Madison Mills (0.2 miles)
Sycamore Fields &
You can fish for bluegill, largemouth bass, Smith Farm trails (1.2 miles)
catfish and crappie in Heron and Turtle ponds, Turtle Pond (0.4 miles)
and also fish in Alum, Big Walnut and Blacklick
creeks, home to over 25 species of fish. ACTIVITIES
More than 100 species of birds have been Biking, Canoeing/Kayaking, Fishing
sighted in the park. The ponds on the west side Natural Play Area, Pets, Picnicking
of the park along the Alum Creek Greenway Trail
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
provide seasonal wetlands for waterfowl and
tiny.cc/mp-thc
shore birds.
The Bluebell and Confluence trails feature HOURS & INFO
enormous cottonwoods and sycamores and 6:30am to 10pm April to September
produce one of the best displays of woodland 6:30am to 8pm October to March
wildflowers in spring. Cell phone 614.208.2874
26 To learn more, visit metroparks.netWALNUT WOODS Mindi
Mindi
McConnell
McConnell
Walnut Woods is bordered by Park details
Walnut Creek and features ADDRESS
6716 Lithopolis Rd
dramatic stands of pine trees Groveport OH 43125
Walnut Woods includes restored wetlands that ACRES 1,098
provide habitat for waterfowl such as geese,
swans, mallards, wood ducks, mergansers TRAILS
and teals. Some of the wetlands dry out in Buckeye (2 miles)
summer and create a muddy habitat ideal Kestrel (1.3 miles)
for shorebirds and wading birds, such as Monarch (1.4 miles)
killdeer, Wilson’s snipe, greater and lesser Sweetgum (2.6 miles)
yellowlegs, bitterns, rails and various species
of sandpipers. ACTIVITIES:
Biking
Several vernal pools attract breeding amphib- Canoeing/Kayaking
ians in spring. There are numerous buckeye Fishing
trees alongside the creek, and long rows of old Pets
nursery trees, such as serviceberry, crab apple Picnicking
and red maples. The Tall Pines Area is noted Sledding
for pine and sweetgum trees.
DETAILS & DIRECTIONS ON WEB
There are two dog parks in the Buckeye Area, tiny.cc/mp-wal
one for large dogs (20 pounds and over), and
another for small dogs. The 3-acre large dog HOURS & INFO
park includes a separate fenced doggie swim- 6:30am to dark
ming pond, and a small shade shelter with a Cell phone 614.357.9375
picnic table. The 1-acre small dog park also
includes a shade shelter and picnic table.
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 27metro parks programs
June, July, August 2019 (advanced registration opens May 22)
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)
LEVEL 3 (up to 2-mile hike, moderate pace) LEVEL 4 (hike over two miles at strenuous pace)
YOGA IN THE PARK
BATTELLE DARBY CREEK
Learn movements in an outdoor setting
to help rejuvenate your mind and body.
Ranger Station
JUNE JUNE 8 SAT 11:30AM
EVENING CAMPFIRE FAMILY CREEKING ADVENTURE
Come enjoy an evening campfire near the Get wet as we catch fish, bugs and
bison paddock. We will provide s’mores. crawdads in Big Darby Creek.
Please bring your own chairs. Nature Center Ranger Station
JUNE 5 WED 8PM JUNE 9 SUN 3PM
FIREFLIES PRESCHOOLERS: GOING BATTY
Watch the fireflies talk to each other as we Learn about the world's only flying
learn about their glow. Indian Ridge mammal! Nature Center
JUNE 7 FRI 9:30PM JUNE 11 TUE 9:30 OR 11AM
PHOTO GROUP: WORKSHOP METRO FIVE-0: Level 3
- BRING A CAMERA WITH FLASH! WALK OF THE MONTH
Hands-on workshop to teach you how to Take a 2-mile walk to discover the
photograph in low-light, freeze motion sights and sounds of the season.
and to improve your photos with simple Ages 50 and older Indian Ridge
light-modifiers. Beginner level.
JUNE 11 TUE 11AM–12:30PM
Nature Center
JUNE 8 SAT 10AM
28 To learn more, visit metroparks.netBattelle Darby Creek programs
WILDLIFE HIKE FIREFLIES
Come and search for wildlife with a natural- Watch the fireflies talk to each other as we
ist on a 1-mile hike along the Cobshell Trail. learn about their glow. Indian Ridge
Ranger Station
JUNE 21 FRI 9:30PM
JUNE 13 THU 10AM
OFF-TRAIL HIKE
DISNEYNATURE: OCEANS Explore the forest and learn some local
Come join us and watch Disneynature’s history on a 3-mile off-trail hike.
“Oceans.” Explore the depths of the ocean Ages 8 and older Indian Ridge
and learn about marine life. Nature Center
JUNE 22 SAT 9AM
JUNE 14 FRI 7PM
BISON
GAME NIGHT See the bison herd on a 1-mile hike and
Hang out in the nature center and play learn all about our national mammal.
games! We will have a selection of board Nature Center
games and active games, but feel free to
JUNE 22 SAT 6PM
bring your favorite!
Nature Center
FAMILY CREEKING ADVENTURE
JUNE 15 SAT 6–9PM Get wet as we catch fish, bugs and craw-
dads in the creek. Get wet as we catch fish,
FEED THE STREAM bugs and crawdads in Big Darby Creek.
Enjoy the fish feeding frenzy as you help Ranger Station
feed them worms, crickets and minnows.
JUNE 23 SUN 1PM
Nature Center
JUNE 16 SUN 1PM PRESCHOOLERS: GOING BATTY
Learn about the world's only flying
FULL MOON HIKE mammal! Nature Center
Take a brisk 4-mile hike through fields
JUNE 28 FRI 11AM OR 1PM
and forest. Ranger Station
JUNE 17 MON 9PM PRIMITIVE STYLE FAMILY CAMPOUT
Bring your tent and sleeping bag and join
BROWN BAG SPECIAL: INSECTS a park naturalist for an overnight campout.
Pack a lunch and join us in learning Enjoy hiking, fishing, night activities, creek-
about and meeting these busy bugs. ing and campfire food with fellow campers.
Ranger Station Ages 5 and older Advance registration
JUNE 19 WED 11:30AM JUNE 28 FRI TO SAT & 30351401
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 29Battelle Darby Creek programs
FEED THE STREAM WILDLIFE HIKE
Enjoy the fish feeding frenzy as you help Come and search for wildlife with a natural-
feed them worms, crickets and minnows. ist on a 2-mile hike along the Terrace Trail.
Nature Center Indian Ridge
JUNE 29 SAT 1PM JULY 10 WED 10AM
DISNEYNATURE: BORN IN CHINA
JULY Watch Disneynature’s “Born in China.”
Follow the lives of three animal families -
snow leopards, giant pandas and golden
SPIDERS AND SNAKES DISPLAY
snub-nosed monkeys. Nature Center
Come discover more about these
misunderstood creatures. Nature Center JULY 12 FRI 7PM
JULY 4 THU 1–4PM
PHOTO GROUP: PHOTO STORAGE/
RECOVERY OF LOST PHOTOS
STREAM QUALITY MONITORING
Learn the latest strategies and processes for
Wade into the river to explore stream life
the quickest access to your photos during
and determine stream health. Option to
editing, long term storage and recovering
become a Stream Quality Monitoring vol-
lost photos. Nature Center
unteer for ODNR‘s Scenic Rivers Program.
Indian Ridge JULY 13 SAT 10AM
JULY 6 SAT 10AM
ALL ABOUT SLIME
Help us in creating and decorating ooey
FEED THE STREAM
gooey slime! Please dress for a mess!
Enjoy the fish feeding frenzy as you help
Nature Center
feed them worms, crickets and minnows.
Nature Center JULY 13 SAT 11AM
JULY 6 SAT 1PM
YOGA IN THE PARK
Learn movements in an outdoor setting
FAMILY CREEKING ADVENTURE
to help rejuvenate your mind and body.
Get wet as we catch fish, bugs and craw-
Ranger Station
dads in Big Darby Creek. Ranger Station
JULY 13 SAT 11:30AM
JULY 7 SUN 3PM
DISCOVER FALCONRY
PRESCHOOLERS: CREEKING
Meet and learn about some amazing birds
Wade in the creek and discover what
of prey from the Ohio School of Falconry.
critters live there. Ranger Station
Learn about the ancient sport of falconry as
JULY 9 TUE 9:30 OR 11AM you watch these raptors take flight.
Indian Ridge
JULY 14 SUN 4:30PM
30 To learn more, visit metroparks.netBattelle Darby Creek programs
FULL MOON HIKE GAME NIGHT
Take a brisk 4-mile hike through fields Hang out in the nature center and play
and forest. Ranger Station games! We will have a selection of board
games and active games, but feel free to
JULY 16 TUE 9PM
bring your favorite!
Nature Center
FAMILY CREEKING ADVENTURE
Get wet as we catch fish, bugs and JULY 26 FRI 6–9PM
crawdads in Big Darby Creek. Ranger Station
PRAIRIE WALK
JULY 18 THU 1PM
Take a 2-mile walk and discover native
prairie wildflowers. Nature Center
EVENING CAMPFIRE
Come enjoy an evening campfire near the JULY 27 SAT 8AM
bison paddock. We will provide s’mores.
Please bring your own chairs. Nature Center BISON
See the bison herd on a 1-mile hike and
JULY 18 THU 8PM
learn all about our national mammal.
Nature Center
MOTH MANIA
Check out all the cool creatures that come JULY 27 SAT 6PM
to our light traps. Nature Center
ULTRAVIOLET NIGHT WALK
JULY 20 SAT 9:30PM–12AM
Use a blacklight to see the hidden
colors of the night. Ranger Station
NATIONAL MOTH WEEK
Celebrate National Moth Week and see a JULY 31 WED 9PM
beautiful display of moths collected by one
of our park volunteers. Nature Center
JULY 20-28 SAT-SUN 9AM–8PM AUGUST
FEED THE STREAM ULTRAVIOLET NIGHT WALK
Enjoy the fish feeding frenzy as you help Use a blacklight to see the hidden
feed them worms, crickets and minnows. colors of the night. Indian Ridge
Nature Center AUG 2 FRI 9PM
JULY 21 SUN 1PM
FAMILY CREEKING ADVENTURE
PRESCHOOLERS: CREEKING Get wet as we catch fish, bugs and
Wade in the creek and discover what crawdads in Big Darby Creek.
critters live there. Ranger Station Ranger Station
JULY 26 FRI 11AM OR 1PM AUG 3 SAT 11AM
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 31Battelle Darby Creek programs
GAME NIGHT PRESCHOOLERS: BUTTERFLIES
Hang out in the nature center and play Discover the different life stages of a
games! We will have a selection of board butterfly through story, song and craft.
games and active games, but feel free to Nature Center
bring your favorite!
AUG 13 TUE 9:30 OR 11AM
Nature Center
AUG 3 SAT 6–9PM FULL MOON HIKE
Take a brisk 4-mile hike through fields and
BROWN BAG SPECIAL: COLD BLOODS forest. Ranger Station
Pack a lunch and join us in learning about
AUG 15 THU 8:30PM
and meeting some reptiles and amphibians.
Ranger Station
DISNEYNATURE: AFRICAN CATS
AUG 7 WED 11:30AM Join us in watching Disneynature’s “African
Cats.” Follow in the footsteps of two feline
PHOTO GROUP: IMAGE REVIEW families - lions and cheetahs.
Attendees are invited to share their photos Nature Center
and receive constructive feedback. All skill
AUG 16 FRI 7PM
levels. Nature Center
AUG 10 SAT 10AM FAMILY CREEKING ADVENTURE
Get wet as we catch fish, bugs and
YOGA IN THE PARK crawdads in Big Darby Creek.
Learn movements in an outdoor setting Ranger Station
to help rejuvenate your mind and body.
AUG 17 SAT 1PM
Ranger Station
AUG 10 SAT 11:30AM FEED THE STREAM
Enjoy the fish feeding frenzy as you help
POP NATURE SERIES: feed them worms, crickets and minnows.
POKEMON INSPIRATIONS Nature Center
Learn how real animals inspired the
AUG 18 SUN 1PM
creation of your favorite pocket monsters.
Nature Center
WILDLIFE HIKE
AUG 10 SAT 2PM Come and search for wildlife with a natural-
ist on a 2-mile hike along the Dyer Mill Trail.
FAMILY CREEKING ADVENTURE Little Darby Picnic Area
Get wet as we catch fish, bugs and
AUG 21 WED 10AM
crawdads in Big Darby Creek.
Ranger Station
AUG 11 SUN 1PM
32 To learn more, visit metroparks.netBattelle Darby Creek / Blacklick Woods programs
PRAIRIE WALK
BLACKLICK WOODS
Ramble through the tall grass prairie
to see colorful flowers and wildlife.
Nature Center
AUG 24 SAT 9AM JUNE
BISON HIKE ALL THE TRAILS
See the bison herd on a 1-mile hike and Join a naturalist for a fast-paced hike on the
learn all about our national mammal. park’s 6 miles of trails. Nature Center
Nature Center
JUNE 1 SAT 9AM
AUG 25 SUN 10AM
YOU CAN EAT THAT
STREAM QUALITY MONITORING Take a 1-mile walk to discover what wild
Wade into the river to explore stream edible plants are available in the summer.
life and determine stream health. Try some samples. Nature Center
Option to become a Stream Quality
JUNE 2 SUN 2PM
Monitoring volunteer for ODNR's Scenic
Rivers Program.
Indian Ridge STORY TIME
Learn about nature through stories and
AUG 29 THU 6:30PM activities. Ages 2-6 Nature Center
JUNE 3 MON 10AM
PRESCHOOLERS: BUTTERFLIES
Discover the different life stages of a
butterfly through story, song and craft. DOG WALK
Nature Center Bring your furry friend on a 2-mile walk.
Nature Center
AUG 30 FRI 11AM OR 1PM
JUNE 8 SAT 10AM
FEED THE STREAM
Enjoy the fish feeding frenzy as you help SUMMER FUNGI
feed them worms, crickets and minnows. Learn about the role of fungi in a forest
Nature Center and look for mushrooms on a 1.5-mile hike.
Nature Center
AUG 31 SAT 1PM
JUNE 9 SUN 3PM
NATIVE BEE WORKSHOP
Learn about these valuable native pollina-
tors and make a bee house to attract them
to your yard. Advance registration
JUNE 10 MON & 30150403
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 33Blacklick Woods programs
PRESCHOOLERS — TINY TRAVELER FISHING BASICS
SERIES: DESERTS Kids will learn the basics of casting, knot
Discover the unique wildlife that makes up tying and fish identification. We’ll also get
this special area through discussions, books a chance to catch goldfish at Ashton Pond.
and activities. Beech Maple Lodge Ages 6-16 Advance registration
JUNE 12 WED 10AM OR 1PM JUNE 18 TUE & 30121401 (2 sessions)
RANGER BIKE RIDE METRO FIVE-0: Level 3
Join a park ranger on a 6-mile bike ride POLLINATOR WALK
along the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail. Take a 2-mile walk to search the fields for
Nature Center pollinators. Ages 50 and older Nature Center
JUNE 15 SAT 7PM JUNE 19 WED 2PM
POLLINATOR DISPLAY COYOTE CAMPFIRE
View our display to learn about pollination Enjoy a campfire as we learn about these
and the critters that do the job. fascinating canines. Ash Grove Picnic Area
Nature Center
JUNE 21 FRI 8PM
JUNE 15-16 SAT-SUN 8AM–8PM
NATURAL PLAY AREA:
TREE ID: LEAVES BUILD A FAIRY HOUSE
Learn to identify trees by viewing their Construct a toad abode or a miniature fairy
leaves on a half-mile hike. house, using natural items, to leave in the
Nature Center park on International Fairy Day.
Ages 5-14 Nature Center
JUNE 16 SUN 2PM
JUNE 25 TUE 6PM
NATURE KIDS: INSECT HUNT
Explore the grasses and flowers to catch TOTS ON THE TRAILS
and release butterflies, bees and beetles. Share a slow-paced half-mile walk with your
Ages 6-12 Nature Center toddler and discover nature together.
Ages 1-4 Nature Center
JUNE 17 MON 10AM OR 1PM
JUNE 28 FRI 10AM
SO YOU WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER
Learn about the variety of volunteer oppor- NATURE SCHOOL: SQM
tunities at Metro Parks. Enjoy a guided hike, Learn about the importance of water in an
light refreshments and meet like-minded ecosystem while we catch critters and test
people. Volunteer applications will be avail- water quality at Blacklick Creek.
able after the program. Ages 16 and older Ages 10 and older Nature Center
Advance registration
JUNE 29 SAT 10AM–12PM
JUNE 17 MON & 30131400
34 To learn more, visit metroparks.netBlacklick Woods programs
LIFE IN A CREEK DISPLAY PRESCHOOLERS: BUGGIN’ OUT
View our display about the different Discover our six-legged friends through
sections of a creek and the animals that a craft and story. Take a short walk to find
live in each. Nature Center some. Nature Center
JUNE 29-30 SAT-SUN 8AM–8PM JULY 10 WED 10AM OR 1PM
SUMMER CRAFTS FISHING BASICS
Stop by the nature center to make some Kids will learn the basics of casting, knot
frog-themed crafts. Ages 4-14 Nature Center tying and fish identification. We’ll also get
a chance to catch goldfish at Ashton Pond.
JUNE 30 SUN 12–4PM
Ages 6-16 Advance registration
JULY 11 THU & 30121401 (2 sessions)
JULY
DOG WALK
STORY TIME Bring your furry friend on a
Learn about nature through stories and 2-mile walk. Nature Center
activities. Ages 2-6 Nature Center
JULY 13 SAT 10AM
JULY 1 MON 10AM
NATURE SCHOOL: INSECTS
NATURE KIDS: CRAZY CRAYFISH Learn how to identify members of this
Come learn about crayfish and take a 2-mile diverse group and take a short walk to
walk to the creek to catch them. Ages 6-12 find some. Nature Center
Nature Center
JULY 14 SUN 3PM
JULY 2 TUE 10AM–12PM OR 1-3PM
NATURE BABIES
ALL-AMERICAN SCAVENGER HUNT Enjoy stories about nature and learn some
Search for patriotic plants and animals in signs in American Sign Language to
the park. Nature Center practice. Ages 2 and younger Nature Center
JULY 4 THU 12–4PM JULY 15 MON 10AM
HIKE ALL THE TRAILS METRO FIVE-0: Level 2
Join a naturalist for a fast-paced hike on the MORNING WALK
park’s 6 miles of trails. Nature Center Join a naturalist on an early morning
1-mile walk through the woods.
JULY 6 SAT 9AM
Ages 50 and older
Nature Center
GOING BATTY
Watch for bats flying and catching insects. JULY 17 WED 8AM
Ash Grove Picnic Area
JULY 6 SAT 8:30PM
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 35Blacklick Woods programs
FIREFLIES NATURE KIDS: SENSES AND DEFENSES
Learn about these incredible insects as we Could you escape a spider’s web, outfox
take a 2-mile walk to look for them. a fox or blindly find a cricket in a cave?
Nature Center Find out as we put our senses and defenses
to nature’s test. Excellent eyesight, creative
JULY 20 SAT 8:30PM
camouflage, tongues that smell and stinky
sprays are some of the animal adaptations
MOTH DISPLAY we’ll explore. Ages 6-12
View our display to learn about these Nature Center
nocturnal winged wonders.
Nature Center JULY 31 WED 10AM OR 1PM
JULY 20-21 SAT-SUN 8AM–8PM
RANGER BIKE RIDE
AUGUST
Join a park ranger on a 6-mile bike ride
along the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail. BUGS AND BLOOMS DISPLAY
Nature Center View our display to learn about summer
flowers and the insects that visit them.
JULY 21 SUN 3PM Nature Center
AUG 3-4 SAT-SUN 8AM–8PM
TOTS ON THE TRAILS
Share a slow-paced half-mile walk with your
toddler and discover nature together. HIKE ALL THE TRAILS
Ages 1-4 Nature Center Join a naturalist for a fast-paced hike
on the park’s 6 miles of trails.
JULY 26 FRI 10AM Nature Center
AUG 3 SAT 9AM
MOTHS AND MAMMALS NIGHT
Look for nocturnal mammals through the
viewing windows and check a moth sheet FISHING BASICS
for night-flying insects. Nature Center Kids will learn the basics of casting, knot
tying and fish identification. We’ll also get
JULY 27 SAT 10PM a chance to catch goldfish at Ashton Pond.
Ages 6-16 Advance registration
SUMMER CRAFTS
AUG 5 MON & 30121401 (2 sessions)
Stop by the nature center to make some
moth-themed crafts. Ages 4-14
Nature Center STORY TIME
Learn about nature through stories and
JULY 28 SUN 12–4PM activities. Ages 2-6 Nature Center
AUG 5 MON 10AM
36 To learn more, visit metroparks.netBlacklick Woods programs
METRO FIVE-0: Level 3 CATERPILLAR CRAWL
BUGS AND BLOOMS Take a half-mile walk to search trees and
Take a 2-mile walk to see summer flowers shrubs for caterpillars. Nature Center
and the insects that visit them.
AUG 17 SAT 9PM
Ages 50 and older Nature Center
AUG 7 WED 3PM SUMMER CRAFTS
Stop by the nature center to make some
CAMPFIRE COOKOUT duck-themed crafts. Ages 4-14
Learn some basics about cooking over a Nature Center
campfire and how it can make your next
AUG 18 SUN 12–4PM
camping trip something special.
Ash Grove Picnic Area
NATURE KIDS: SEED DISPERSAL
AUG 9 FRI 6–8PM Discover how seeds move and how forests
and prairies begin. Ages 6-12
INSECT CHORUS WALK Nature Center
Learn what insects can be heard singing
AUG 19 MON 10AM OR 1PM
either during the day or at night, then take
a half-mile walk to listen for them.
Nature Center MUD & MADNESS
Negotiate several muddy obstacles on a
AUG 10 SAT 1PM OR 9PM 1.5-mile, fun family adventure. Obstacles
are a little challenging and a little muddy…
DOG WALK a whole lot more FUN than RUN. Perfect for
Bring your furry friend on a 2-mile walk. mud-loving children, adults and families.
Nature Center Sorry, no strollers or pets. Bring towels; we’ll
help hose you off afterwards. Nature Center
AUG 11 SUN 7PM
AUG 24 SAT 10AM
PRESCHOOLERS: STARRY NIGHT
Come explore the night sky with us during MEET THE BEETLES DISPLAY
the day! We will learn about constellations Come to the nature center to check out
and stars through activities, stories and our display about the world’s largest insect
a craft. Beech Maple Lodge group. Nature Center
AUG 14 WED 10AM OR 1PM AUG 24-25 SAT-SUN 8AM–8PM
RANGER BIKE RIDE FUN IN THE MUD
Join a park ranger on a 6-mile bike ride The mud run may be over, but the fun
along the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail. doesn’t have to be. Enjoy splashing around
Nature Center in the mud and exploring the obstacles
of our Mud & Madness course. Ages 3-12
AUG 17 SAT 10AM
Nature Center
AUG 25 SUN 3PM
To learn more, visit metroparks.net 37You can also read
