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Spring 2016
Your Metro Parks
New this year
OUTDOOR CAMPS
K through Grade 6
Spend one week or up to eight weeks in camp,
at BLACKLICK WOODS, HIGHBANKS or
HOMESTEAD METRO PARKS
Registration begins March 10, 8am
Plus Traditional 1-week
NATURE ADVENTURE CAMPS
Preschool through Grade 9
BLENDON WOODS, HIGHBANKS, SCIOTO GROVE
or SHARON WOODS METRO PARKS
Registration begins March 17, 8am
SUMMER CAMPS booklet
available at any park,
or details at metroparks.net
2 Parkscope
Spring 2016
Parkscope
Cover Photo: A young boy walks by one of the tulip beds
at Inniswood Metro Gardens, by Susan Cross
Sharon Woods
Experience wild Ohio and nature’s beauty right
in the heart of Westerville at this hidden gem
of a park.
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Spring is a magical time in the parks
An overview of 10 parks where you and your family and friends can enjoy the tantalizing sights and
sounds of the season as Mother Nature awakens.
16
Homestead
The 18th Metro Park is a great place to go for
family celebrations and fun programs.
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Metro Parks Guide
Your complete guide to the Metro Parks system
with map, directions to parks and park hours.
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Metro Parks Spring Programs
A comprehensive, park-by-park listing of Metro Parks
programs for all ages in March, April and May.
Back
cover
Metro Parks Album
A quarterly gallery of images from some of the
area’s best photographers.
Group at Frog Talk Walk pond in Inniswood, Bryan Knowles
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Hummingbirds
About 340 species of hummingbirds are
recorded in the world, but the beautiful
ruby-throated is the one that delights us here
in Central Ohio.
Mallard at Battelle Darby Creek, Jace Delgado
7
Established in 1945, Metro Parks operates
19 parks in seven Central Ohio counties.
Metro Parks protects more than 27,000
acres of land and water and offers yearround recreational and educational oppor
tunities 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.
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 Commission
ers meets monthly. Meetings are open
to the public. Visit metroparks.net for
meeting time, dates and location.
Board of Park Commissioners
Greg S. Lashutka
Jim McGregor
J. Jeffrey McNealey
Executive Director
Tim Moloney
www.metroparks.net 3
A
day almost never passes where somebody doesn’t say to me
“how lucky are you to get to spend so much time outside.”
Well, they are right. In my position I am so lucky to be able to get
outside and see countless amazing places, interact with nature,
and most importantly get to talk with our park visitors.
You see, I am one of those people that really enjoys hearing
about all of the great (some not so great) things that happen in
our parks. Whether it is someone who is training to get in better
shape, a mom who just wants to get outside, or someone who
really can’t believe we have a herd of bison.
Each person I interact with has their own story and it never
gets old hearing one. In fact, those stories help me with my job
and also help plan what we might be doing as a parks district.
Our undertaking of a comprehensive strategic plan is doing
just that. Over the past several months we have hosted meetings,
met with focus groups, conducted surveys of park visitors, and
even conducted a county-wide survey to see what we can do for
you.
With most endeavors such as this you hear: the interesting –
“Scuba Diving at Prairie Oaks,” the expected – “no vault toilets,”
or even the surprising – “don’t change a thing, because I like to
be alone.” Now I can’t make any promises but… look for more
adventurous activities in our future and less vault toilets.
However, the promise I can make is we will continue to have
more and more people visit our parks. With over a million people
in Central Ohio, and a further half a million expected, our parks are going to be utilized more and more. Don’t worry, Scioto Grove
will be open this May and we will continue to make access and opportunities to experience nature our top priority. If you are interested
in hearing about what we are doing as a district, take some time to look at our strategic plan coming out this May.
Speaking of May, I am hoping to have everyone mark their calendars to come down to Scioto Grove, which will become the 19th
Metro Park sometime early in the month. Scioto Grove is over 600 acres of Scioto River frontage. Look for hiking, fishing, picnicking,
and our largest playground structure.
The highlight of the park is the access and availability of the Scioto River. Just steps from one of our parking lots are several overlooks standing tall above the river below. After leaving these scenic vistas, you will then be immersed deep within the floodways of one
of Ohio’s largest rivers. Another signature piece of this park will be our first overnight backpacking option. The REI Urban Backpacking Trail will open with the park, giving convenient access to everyone in Central Ohio for an introductory backpacking experience.
So my last comment to you is… why are you still reading this? Put down the Parkscope and get outside. I promise it will make all
of your friends jealous. n
Tim Moloney, Executive Director
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Dan Bissonette
Our 19th Metro Park opens in May
Photos by park staff & volunteer photographers
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1. Andrew Boose
2. Dan Bissonette
3. Andrea Krava
4. Bill McCracken
5. Bryan Knowles
6. Gil Sears
7. Don Danielson
8. Tanya Taylor
9. Scott Felker
10. Karen Ricker
11. Mindi McConnell
of
r ks
For the
Met r o Pa
Become A Friend.
JoinToday!
Friends of Metro Parks is a non-profit, membership-based organization
focused on supporting our Metro Parks through interactive activities,
advocacy and fundraising. We LOVE our Metro Parks…and we work
to make sure these beautiful, natural spaces are loved and enjoyed for
generations to come!
Why should YOU become a Friend of Metro Parks?
By joining the Friends of Metro Parks you’re showing your LOVE for
this important, natural side of Central Ohio. Financial support from
citizens like you helps us continue to provide programming for all
park-goers. Plus, you’ll be able to participate in special events open
only to our members.
6 Parkscope
Become a Friend today.
Visit MetroParks.net/Friends
HUMMINGBIRDS
Scott Zimmermann
fly circles around any bird on the planet
T
he world of birds is one of great
diversity. Over 10,000 species are
recognized worldwide, and they
come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
The disparity between the largest species and the smallest is extreme. The Kori
bustard of Africa is the largest bird capable
of flight. A big male might stand three feet
tall, stretch four feet from bill to tail, and
have a nine-foot wingspan. Such a bruiser
could weigh 44 pounds, and it’s a miracle
that it can get airborne.
Contrast the bustard with the world’s
smallest bird, the bee hummingbird of
Cuba. This sprite barely exceeds two inches
in length, and weighs about two grams. It
would take nearly 10,000 bee hummingbirds to equal the mass of a big bustard!
What hummingbirds lack in mass is
more than compensated for by incredible
aerial ability. Fleet of wing and aeronautically nimble, a hummingbird can fly
circles around just about any other type
of bird, be it a falcon, swift, or swallow.
But not the aforementioned bustard, as
bustards are confined to the Old World
and hummingbirds are strictly birds of
the New World.
About 340 species of hummingbirds are
recognized currently. The greatest diversity
occurs in the equatorial regions of Brazil,
Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
Skimming the names of South and
Central American hummingbirds is enough
to give even the most casual birder tropical
wanderlust. Who would not want to see
birds with names such as festive coquette,
glowing puffleg, green-crowned brilliant, hyacinth visorbearer, or mountain
velvetbreast?
The Natino Department (state) of
southern Colombia is perhaps one-quarter
the size of the state of New York. One
hundred species of hummingbirds can be
found there. Nearby Ecuador boasts a list in
excess of 130 species. One Ecuadorian ecotourism retreat, the Tandayapa Bird Lodge,
has recorded 31 species at their feeders.
It is no coincidence that the tropical
Andes region of northern South America
harbors some 35,000 plant species—the
highest botanical diversity on the globe.
The tropical tendencies of hummingbirds make complete sense, as these birds
and flowering plants are inextricably
intertwined.
Hummingbirds and flowers are yin and
yang. Many species of plants have coevolved with hummingbirds. Plants that
are largely dependent upon birds for pollination—and in the Americas that usually
means hummingbirds—are referred to as
ornithophilous (literally, bird-flowers).
The variety of bills possessed by hummingbirds is incredible. In general, the
species with shorter straighter bills tend
to be generalists that can take nectar from
many types of flowers.
The longer or more elaborate the bill, the
more specialized the relationship between
the hummingbird and its food plants. For
instance, the sword-billed hummingbird of
the tropical Andes is the only species of bird
with a bill longer than its body. It uses this
incredible appendage to reach the nectaries
nestled deep in the base of Datura flowers.
Another tropical species, the bronzetailed plumeleteer, specializes on Heliconia
flowers, and males diligently guard favored
patches of the plant.
The fantastic bill of the white-tipped
sicklebill of southern Central America and
northern South America is bent like a fish
hook. Its curious shape allows the bird to
Jim McCormac
probe the twists of Centropogon flowers to
reach the buried nectar reward.
As one moves north (or south) from the
equator and the tropical Andes region,
hummingbird diversity rapidly drops off.
There are only 16 species of breeding hummingbirds north of Mexico; less than 5 per
cent of the total species.
In the United States, avid hummingbirdseekers travel to southeastern Arizona,
where over 13 species of hummingbirds
can be seen, at least seasonally. Moving
east, across the Mississippi River, diversity
drops to one species, the ruby-throated
hummingbird. It keeps strong tropical ties,
spending winters in southern Mexico and
Central America.
Ruby-throats appear in late April and
May, and stay well into fall. This little dynamo is common, and very familiar to the
scores of people who feed hummingbirds.
It breeds commonly in all 88 Ohio
counties, and is easily enticed to sugarwater feeders. With the proper landscape
features, it’s even possible that you will
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have nesting ruby-throated hummingbirds
nearby.
It’s small wonder that ruby-throats have
legions of fans. Their apparent fearlessness
is both admirable and awe-inspiring. The
Lilliputian birds won’t hesitate to go after
much larger organisms that offend them,
from cats to squirrels to hawks.
Many a person has had a hummingbird
get right in their face due to some perceived
slight. It is a good thing that hummingbirds are not the size of trumpeter swans.
If they were, filling the sugar-water feeder
would become a highly perilous activity.
Hummingbirds are engineering marvels;
arguably nature’s greatest flying machines.
It is said that Igor Sikorsky, who developed
the first mass-produced helicopter, took
inspiration from hummingbirds.
Few things, manmade or not, fly as
well as a hummingbird. They are capable
of moving in any direction, and make
lightning-quick directional changes.
Most native flowers favored by hummingbirds have no landing pad or built-in
Gil Sears
A rufous hummingbird, a rare bird for Central Ohio, was found and banded in Bexley. Usually they appear in Ohio after ruby-throats migrate out.
A rare leucistic hummingbird at Inniswood
perch, but this isn’t an issue—the hummers just hover in place as they refuel.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds can beat
their wings up to 80 times a second, a
Herculean feat that requires extraordinary
physiology. Flight muscles constitute 30
percent of the hummer’s 3-gram weight
(about the same as a penny). A human
being’s corresponding pectoral muscles
would have to be six times larger to be
proportionately equivalent.
Hyperactive hummingbirds require a supercharged vascular system, and the heart
is proportionately eight times larger than
that of a person. At full steam, that heart is
pumping up to 1,200 times a minute, and
the bird will draw 250 breaths in the same
period.
Jim McCormac
A ruby-throated hummingbird yawns while incubating eggs in a nest covered with lichens.
there have been dozens of records since.
Most of the wayward hummingbirds that
appear in the state show up very late in
the year, often after the ruby-throats have
departed.
Any hummingbird seen after midOctober should be scrutinized, as birds in
late fall and early winter are more likely to
be a species other than the ruby-throat.
A fabulous place to see ruby-throated
hummingbirds in their native element
is Battelle Darby Creek and Prairie Oaks
Metro parks. Visit in July or early August,
when the massive prairies are at peak
bloom.
The landscape is a riot of color; a hummingbird paradise. Seek the brilliant red
spikes of the royal catchfly, as this plant is
a hummingbird attractant extraordinaire.
You shouldn’t have to wait too long for a
hummer to appear and start plumbing
the depths of the catchfly flowers. The
tiny birds are an important cog in the epic
prairie landscape. n
Jim McCormac
Ohio Division
of Wildlife
Native Hummingbird Plants
Bee-balm / Cardinal flower
Cross-vine / Ohio buckeye
Pale jewelweed / Royal catchfly
Spotted jewelweed / Trumpet-creeper
Trumpet honeysuckle / Wild bergamot
Wild columbine
Jim McCormac
If all is well with you, your heart will
beat about 80 times in the next minute and
you’ll take maybe 18 breaths. Things happen fast in the hummingbird’s world, and a
brain equal to 4 percent of the bird’s weight
allows it to process data with extreme
rapidity.
Any yard will be enriched by the presence
of ruby-throated hummingbirds, but a few
key ingredients are necessary to host them.
While hummingbirds may not grow
on trees, they do need them. One, lichens
grow on trees. Lichens look like scaly
crusts on bark, but are actually comprised
of a fungus and an alga living together in
a symbiotic relationship. Hummingbirds
harvest lichens to shingle the exterior of
their nests.
The nest is usually placed on a horizontal branch. When it’s completed it looks just
like a lichen-encrusted tree knot.
Spiders are another essential. The hummers harvest spider silk and use it to bond
together their tiny cup nests. This is why
hummingbirds sometimes enter garages or
hover under building eaves. They’re seeking spider webs.
Native plants are also vital to supporting
hummingbirds. These elfin birds do not
live by nectar and sugar-water alone. Half
of their diet, or more, is small insects, and
native plants attract the best diversity of
six-legged hummingbird fare.
Gardening for ruby-throated hummingbirds can create a very showy yardscape.
See the inset box for a list of native plants
that are hummingbird magnets.
Sales of hummingbird feeders have gone
through the roof in recent years. Small
wonder, as the birds are easily enticed by
a tasty brew of one part sugar, four parts
water.
The feeder visitors become accustomed
to human observers and their antics can be
admired at extremely close range. If you do
feed hummingbirds, be watchful for birds
that don’t look quite right. Ever-increasing
numbers of vagrant hummingbirds are
showing up in the eastern U.S., and the vast
majority of records come from feeders.
The first of these rarities to appear in
Ohio was a rufous hummingbird, a species
of western North America.
The inaugural record dates to 1985, and
Hummingbird on royal catchfly at
Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Cheryl Blair
Experience wild Ohio in the heart
of the city at Sharon Woods
t happened again last week. Another visitor told me, “I’ve lived in Westerville for
10 years, I drive past Sharon Woods all the
time, and I’ve never been here before! This
place is amazing!”
It’s true. Sharon Woods is a hidden
gem of a park. No, we are not the biggest
(that’s Battelle Darby Creek), we don’t
have dramatic ravines (like Highbanks), or
extensive wetlands (like Slate Run.) We are
not the oldest (Blacklick Woods) nor the
newest (Scioto Grove). And it is true that
you can hear the freeways from every corner of the park; after all, we are completely
surrounded by development—I-270, I-71,
Cleveland Avenue, and a large housing
development make up the borders of our
761-acre park.
But within those borders, even because
of those borders, we are a truly special
place. We are an oasis, right in the middle
of Westerville. Step outside our picnic areas
and playgrounds for a short walk on the
nature trails, and you can experience the
wild side of Sharon Woods.
10 Parkscope
Kim Graham
I
Wild turkeys can often be seen on a group walkabout at Sharon Woods in the fields or forest.
Wildlife Treasures of Sharon Woods
Urban areas have their share of wildlife.
Raccoons, skunks, opossums, squirrels, and
birds like starlings, sparrows, cardinals,
blue jays, crows, even red-tailed hawks, all
tolerate living and raising their families
close to humans. Even deer and coyotes are
no strangers to suburban yards.
But inside our gate you can watch raccoons living in hollow trees, see opossums
and skunks somewhere other than the side
of the road, and observe how well-camouflaged a squirrel is in the forest.
You can search for bright red cardinals calling from a thicket, or follow the
screaming of blue jays or crows as they
Kim Strosnider
Schrock Lake is a popular spot for kids age 15 and under to fish, or for folks to enjoy the view.
Kim Strosnider
David Celebrezze
harass a red-tailed hawk soaring over the
fields.
However, what truly sets us apart from
the housing development next door—
which part of our park almost became
back in the early 1960s—is the diversity
of wildlife that exists here, simply because
the forests and fields were preserved from
human development.
The varied habitats at Sharon Woods
provide necessary shelter and food for so
many species that eschew suburbia.
Box turtles, reptiles that are declining in
numbers all across the eastern US, make
their home at Sharon Woods. They require
forests to find a diversity of plant and invertebrate foods, loose soil to lay eggs, and
a safe, insulated place, like under a large
rotten log, to hibernate.
Likewise, wild turkeys, having been
nearly extirpated from the state about 100
years ago, are making a comeback. They
scratch for food on the forest floor, wander
into fields looking for insects and seeds, and
roost at night in the limbs of large trees.
Sharon Woods also shelters a highly
specialized habitat within our forests—
wetlands called vernal pools. These small,
transitory ponds form in the spring, and
they are critical to the survival of some
creatures. Mole salamanders—spotted and
smallmouth—live underground in the
forest and only trek to the vernal pools in
early March.
After mating and egg-laying, they return
to their burrows for the remainder of the
year, while their larvae race against time to
metamorphose into adults before their pool
dries up in summer. This drama plays out
every year in the the park’s 16 vernal pools.
And let’s not forget the little wood frog,
another animal dependent on vernal pools
for survival. Once absent from Sharon
Woods, it was reintroduced in 2005. It has
since taken up residence in every vernal
pool, restoring hope for the health and
viability of our forests.
Because we are an oasis in a sea of
concrete and asphalt, we provide critical
habitat for birds you might never find in
your backyard. A virtual color-wheel of bird
species nest at Sharon Woods, including
woodcocks, wood thrush, brown thrashers,
yellow-billed cuckoo, common yellow-
A spotted salamander at a vernal pool.
throat, blue-gray gnatcatcher and scarlet
tanagers.
Visit in May and you will see and hear
warblers, migratory jewels who stop for
food and rest on their long journey north.
Where would all of these birds go if Sharon
Woods hadn’t been preserved as a park?
Got Wildflowers?
It’s been a long road of recovery for the
wildflowers of Sharon Woods. Utilized as
farmland for almost a hundred years, dug
into as a borrow pit to build the freeway
(did you know that’s where Schrock Lake
came from?) and developed into a park
that was then stripped bare of woodland
vegetation by deer, it has taken time and
effort to restore some of the natural balance
to our forests and fields.
Though we still battle invasive plants,
you can now walk through the forest in the
spring and revel in the beauty of woodland
wildflowers carpeting the ground. Native
Volunteers and staff monitor vernal pools to
record the species of breeding amphibians.
orchids have even popped up again. Later
in the year, our planted prairies become a
sea of color that changes almost weekly.
Whether you are a regular visitor to
Sharon Woods, or a first time discoverer,
it is always a pleasure to walk the trails
and experience this little bit of wild Ohio,
preserved for you right in the middle of
Westerville. q
Stephanie West
Sharon Woods Naturalist
Spring is a magical time of year in your Metro
Parks as Mother Nature begins to awaken
Below are just a few of the many places in Metro Parks where you and your family and friends can enjoy the tantalizing sights
and sounds of the season or just have a little fun.
SCIOTO AUDUBON
SLATE RUN LIVING HISTORICAL FARM
John Nixon
David Tipton
Scioto Audubon features a free obstacle course with nine
challenges including a tire run and flip, a tunnel crawl,
a cargo climb, a balance beam, a belly crawl, monkey
bars, an over/under, a wooden wall and a log run. The
park also has the largest free outdoor climbing wall in
the country, 35 feet high. Climbing is free, but climbers
must bring their own ropes and equipment. The climbing
wall opens at 9am and closes one hour before the park
closes. On the second and last Friday of the month, from
April through October, the climbing wall stays open till
midnight. The park is also located along a designated
Important Bird Area (IBA). Thousands of birds migrating
from Central and South America use this spot along the
Scioto River as a stopover during their long journeys.
Put on your walking shoes, roll up your sleeves, and gather
together your friends or family and experience life on a 19th
century family farm. Spring is a bustling time at Slate Run Living Historical Farm. Be sure and stop by the first weekend in
March for a trip to the sugarbush and learn about making maple
syrup in the 1880s. Baby lambs are usually born in April and
the momma sows will have a litter of piglets a few weeks later.
Explore the farm and learn something new. Watch the farm ladies
prepare lunch around the old cook stove or help the farm family
plant potatoes, beets and early spring leafy vegetables. Take a
look in the root cellar. Walk the path to the privy. Examine the
treadle sewing machine. Pump water from the old pump and
taste its freshness. Count the animals and count on having a fun
time for sure.
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CLEAR CREEK
There’s so much to see and do from the 4.7-mile Darby Creek Greenway
Trail that runs through the park. The smooth gravel trail, ADA accessible, is
great for hiking, biking, or walking your leashed pet. It dissects the two bison
pastures, affording great views of the 10 magnificent beasts that roam their
fenced prairie and grazing areas. The trail runs through prairies and woods,
with a stop off at the 14,000-sq foot nature center, which features a great
resource for kids and adults to discover fun facts about the natural world—a
53-foot living stream stocked with creatures found in nearby Big Darby Creek.
The nature center also has many interative exhibits to expand your knowledge of nature and of the ancient cultures that once lived in the area.
Susan Boggs
Prothonotary warbler
Bruce Miller
BATTELLE DARBY CREEK
Our most southerly park is a major draw
with birders in spring because of the high
numbers of warblers. Twenty nesting species
and 10 migrating species of these colorful
songbirds have been recorded here, including
the blue-winged, prothonotary, chestnutsided and magnolia warblers. The Creekside
Meadows Trail to the lower end of the Fern
Trail is one of the best places to see them.
This stretch of trail also affords access to the
creek at numerous points for anglers. The
creek is popular with fly-fishers trying to
land smallmouth bass and brown trout. Clear
Creek is also noted as the largest state nature
preserve in Ohio. It features several rugged
trails that rise high over Clear Creek valley or
drop down into the ravines.
Barbara Nye
INNISWOOD
Colorful blooms of wildflowers are bountiful throughout the spring
months on a stroll along the Boardwalk Trail at Inniswood Metro
Gardens. The half-mile ADA trail passes through a beech-maple
forest. Throughout the season, you may see more than 20 different species of wildflowers. The first bloomer is the odorous skunk
cabbage in late February. Spring beauties, jack-in-the-pulpit and
purple cress can be seen in late March and early April. Look for
Solomon’s seal and white baneberry beginning in May. Pick up a
wildflower guide near the beginning of the trail. As you walk the
trail you will notice numbered posts. The guide describes the flowers between each post. Hop on the Frog Talk Walk Trail at the end
of the Boardwalk Trail and listen to the chorus of spring peepers.
Their individual calls have been compared to the “peeping” of a
baby chick, and the chorus has been compared to the jingling of
sleigh bells. A little while later in the season, listen for the trill of
the American toads at the pond. The annual plant sale on April
30 and May 1 is a great time to get your perennials, annuals and
herbs and talk with volunteers about your garden.
Scott Felker
PICKERINGTON PONDS
THREE CREEKS
Three Creeks is named for the confluence of the
Alum, Big Walnut and Blacklick creeks, and is
also the meeting point for the Blacklick Creek and
Alum Creek Greenway trails. It makes the park a
great place for biking, inline skating, dog walking and hiking, with these trails extending east to
Blacklick Woods and north to Westerville. Along
the way you will cross a 300-foot bridge over Big
Walnut Creek and access a 12-acre natural play
area, a fantastic place for kids and their care
givers to experience old-style play in a natural
environment, climbing trees or playing in the
creek. You can also access fishing areas at Turtle
and Heron ponds.
The appropriately named Bluebell Trail is the
place to be to see fabulous displays of Virginia
bluebells in April.
14 Parkscope
Stephen Willford
If birding is your passion, you can hardly do better anywhere in Central Ohio than to head out to Pickerington Ponds. More than
four miles of grass or gravel trails lead you to and around the extensive wetlands, magnets for migrating waterfowl and shore
birds. In spring, the herons and osprey return to their long-established nests. You are also likely to see flocks of dramatically
striking sandhill cranes among the 260 species of birds recorded at the park. Pickerington Ponds also includes a 1-mile extension of the Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail, which leads north to Blacklick Woods or south to Three Creeks, an ideal trail for
bikers and a pet-friendly trail for leashed pets.
PRAIRIE OAKS
Mike Fetherolf
The Darby Bend Lakes are a great place to wander along the trails or enjoy aquatic adventures. Bring your canoe or kayak and
paddle about or cast your rod into the cold blue waters. The lakes are stocked with bluegill, crappie, bass and catfish. This park
is a must for your four-legged friend with its doggie beach. Your dog can run along the beach and swim leash-free. There is also
an open shelter if you want to plan a family picnic. Up the road from the Darby Bend Lakes entrance is a canoe/kayak launch on
Big Darby Creek. The best way to really see the creek is to paddle it and the best paddling is in spring before water gets too low.
WALNUT WOODS
Bring your binoculars and head out to the observation deck at
the end of the Overlook Trail. The deck is perched on a shale
bluff 110 feet above the Olentangy State Scenic River. Just
upstream from the deck is an eagle’s nest high up in a sycamore
tree. Spring is a great time to watch the eagles soaring above
the river in search of prey or tending to the nest. They begin
sitting on their nest in late February and usually in early April
the young are born. Stop by the nature center and check with
a volunteer or naturalist to find out more about the eagles and
explore some of the great exhibits. You can even step inside a
replica of a giant sycamore.
The fields along either side of the main road near the entrance are great spots to see and hear the courtship flight of the
American woodcock from late February through May.
On and around the 2-mile Buckeye Trail you’ll find fun
and adventure for all the family, including your furry
four-legged friend. The paved trail borders Walnut Creek
and passes through stands of beautiful old nursery trees.
It’s great for bikers, hikers and dog-walking and leads to
a 4-acre dog park, with separate areas for large and small
dogs. It even includes a fenced doggie-swimming area for
larger dogs, 20 pounds and over. Kids will love the play
area, featuring a climbing web, climbing boulders, a tire
swing and other modern as well as traditional play equipment. In case you get hungry on your trip, the Buckeye
Area also has a picnic shelter with grills, available free on a
first-come first-served basis.
Mindi McConnell
Gil Sears
HIGHBANKS
Mike Heisey
Homestead Metro Park is
a great place for family fun
F
Mike Heisey
or more than 20 years, Washington
Township diligently cared for Homestead Park and offered quality family
opportunities to residents. On Sept 1, 2015
it became the 18th Metro Park and a new
chapter began for the 44-acre park.
New Wildlife Habitats
Enhancing habitats is a priority for Metro
Parks. Several things are being done to
attract wildlife to the park. A 3-acre prairie
was planted to welcome you as you enter
the park. By fall, the prairie will display a
variety of wildflowers in an array of colors.
Every year the prairie plants will change
until eventually grasses more than 6-feet
tall will wave in the wind. Future walks
along a short, winding trail will offer solitude and wildlife viewing.
In addition to the prairie, Metro Parks
will emphasize the importance of native trees. As the older trees in the park
die, native Central Ohio trees will replace
16 Parkscope
The rail platform and caboose offer a reminder of the past and an unusual place for programs.
non-native trees. Our plan is to create an
arboretum showcasing native trees.
Invasive trees, like the Callery pear, will
be removed allowing native vegetation to
grow in the fields.
Nature Center & Programs
Family programming continues to be a
priority at Homestead and spring is a great
time to connect with nature. Naturalists
always offer fun family programs to teach
about wildlife and native habitats in the
park.
Bring your family for a night hike, wildlife or solar astronomy program. Visit the
nature center to touch live animals, read a
nature book, color or complete a scavenger hunt. Check out page 26 for program
details.
For the first time this summer, children’s
day camp will be offered at Homestead.
Eight weeks of camp will be offered for
Leslie Diebec
Leslie Diebec
The Lakeside Pavilion is one of five facilities that can be reserved for family or special events.
The park has two sand volleyball courts and
four basketball courts for sports enthusiasts.
6 to 10 year olds. Parents may send their
child to all eight weeks of camp or for any
number of weeks they choose. For more
information about Summer Camp opportunities check metroparks.net or look for one
of our camp booklets in the parks.
Homestead naturalists teach a wide
variety of science topics in the park’s outdoor nature setting. Programs are geared
to the appropriate age level and to the Ohio
Science Learning Standards.
For lunch, students can eat at one of the
many picnic areas and play on one of the
playgrounds. Contact the naturalists for
more information, 614.971.5211 or hoff@
metroparks.net.
The Caboose and Railroad theme
Diversity of Playgrounds
Each of the different playgrounds offers
kids of all ages and abilities opportunity for
fun and entertainment. The ADA accessible
playground, near the front of the park, will
challenge young children age 2 to 5. This
playground has a train theme which ties
into the park’s overall railroad theme.
For the more adventurous kids, the large
playground between the lake and nature
center/barn shelter includes tunnels,
climbing web, swings and other typical
playground equipment.
The park also features two sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, tetherball
and corn hole. Outdoor fitness equipment
is located next to the multi-use trail.
Spectacular Reservable Shelters
Near the turn of the 19th century, the
sounds of trains running alongside this
future park could be heard by the citizens
of Hilliard.
Throughout the park, tributes to the
historical past can be visited. On the east
side of the park, the Norwich Junction’s
“waiting platform” sits next to the Conrail
caboose.
The bright-blue caboose is open periodically for programs and to view historical
artifacts. Near the back of the park, Bradley
Station is a replica of a train depot once
located along the rail close to Hayden
Run Road.
Enjoy reading more about the importance of the area’s railway system and the
history of Homestead Metro Park at the
monument in the amphitheater. The Heritage Memorial, located near the flagpole,
describes local township history.
The park’s shelters are a great place for
family reunions, birthday parties or any
family celebration. The popular Lakeside
Pavilion overlooking the lake is perfect for
weddings with a capacity of 150 people.
Our picturesque covered bridge is a
great spot for photos. The smaller, secluded
Pine Shelter, for up to 50 people, is a nice
place for baby showers. Throw your next
birthday party at the Barn Shelter, for up
to 50 people, where the playground is only
steps away.
All shelters can be reserved up to one
year in advance. Shelters are reservable
from April 1-October 31. All reservations
can be made from Metro Parks’ website,
metroparks.net. From the home page,
click on Shelters & Lodges and follow the
prompts. Or call Metro Parks Reservations
at 614.508.8111.
Link to Heritage Rail Trail
For those who enjoy sitting still by the
water’s edge, bring a pole, bait and bucket
to fish the 3-acre lake. Fishing licenses are
not required and any fish caught may be
taken home. Typical fish in the lake include
bass, bluegill, catfish and other sunfish.
Metro Parks is proud to bring you this
44-acre family park where there is plenty
to do during a spring day. Come, relax, and
enjoy. n
Homestead Metro Park is a great starting
point for all levels of exercise. A ¾-mile
pathway around the park is ideal for short
walks or for younger bike riders.
For those looking for more adventure,
jump on the Heritage Rail Trail and ride or
walk a mile to Heritage Trail Metro Park,
where your dog can play in a dog park
operated by the City of Hilliard.
For more exercise, you can take the Heritage Rail Trail from Homestead to Cemetery
Pike, a 9.5-mile round trip.
Fishing
Chrissy Hoff
Homestead & Glacier Ridge Naturalist
Metro Parks Map &
Hoover Reservoir
O’Shaughnessy
Reservoir
Trail
Sunbur
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Ohio
Brevelhymer Rd
ick Creek
Wo
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674
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Richardson Rd
Duvall Rd
Winch
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Big
Walnut
Cre
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Cre
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Slate Run
Farm and Park
Seven miles
116
south of
Lancaster on
US 33
High St
loo
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Waterloo Rd
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33
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Mason Rd
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Hill R
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Wright Rd
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256
Wa
Lit
317
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Pickerington
Ponds
Wright Rd
Lithopolis-Winchester Rd
Bl a
ck
lic
Rd
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Pickerington Rd
Hamilton Rd
te
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k
Norton Rd
he
klic
Bowen Rd
Gender Rd
by
Bix
104
Greenway Trails
inc
Three
Creeks
Rd
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Bla
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s
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Walnut
Woods
62
reek Trail
kC
London Groveport Rd
Battelle
Darby Creek
rb
Brice Rd
W
r
po
ove
Gr
Ave
Scioto
Grove
70
Slou
gh Rd
Amanda
Northern Rd
x
Wilco Rd
m Creek Trai
l
k
Alu
R
ork
Hamilton Rd
t Cree
Williams Rd
270
71
Spangler Rd
Parsons
Cree
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3
665
18 Parkscope
nu
104
23
71
Rd
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Dr
Scioto Trail
Rd
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Alk
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40
Livingston Ave
eek
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62
270
Main St
Alum Cr
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Little Darby
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& Golf Courses
317
70
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Darby Creek Trail
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Blacklick Woods
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Prairie
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Cleveland Ave
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High
Darby Creek Trail
Sci
Amity Rd
Georgesville Rd
to D
arb
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33
Morse Rd
Rd
270
Scio
Dublin
Heritage
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Plain Ci
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Blendon 161
Woods Dublin-Granville Rd
161
23
Rock y
Rd
ag
Inniswood
E. Schrock Rd
Dempsey Rd
ing
Cross
Tuttle
Blvd
Rocky Fork
Hempstead Rd
Main St
161
62
F
W a lnu
t St
270
Tuttle
Rd
Rd
rit
is P k w y
Park Rd
y
Cosgra
He
Sharon
Woods
Rd
Highbanks
Post Rd
161
ar
Schleppi Rd
257
Pol
Croy
Hyland
y
tar
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Ce Pik
Powell Rd
750
Harlem
ve
si de Dri
Glacier
Ridge Brock Rd
605
23
R iver
33
71
Alum Creek
Reservoir
674
Perrill Rd
Winchester Rd
Chestnut
Ridge
Neiswander Rd
Marcy Rd
Clear Creek
Cl
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6
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To
Lancaster
33
& Directions
BATTELLE DARBY CREEK
1775 Darby Creek Dr
Galloway 43119
39.90346 -83.20914
From I-270 take W Broad St (US 40)
exit west. Go about 5 miles on Broad
St to Darby Creek Dr. Turn left onto
Darby Creek Dr and go 3 miles to main
park entrance on right.
Nature Center
1415 Darby Creek Dr
39.91618 -83.21127
Entrance is on right 1 mile before
main park entrance. (Indian Ridge
Picnic Area is 1 mile south of the main
entrance on the right).
BLACKLICK WOODS
& GOLF COURSES
6975 & 7309 E Livingston Ave
Reynoldsburg 43068
39.94595 -82.80999 (park)
39.94577 -82.80152 (golf course)
From I-270, take the E Main St/
Reynoldsburg exit. Go east on Main St
to Brice Rd and turn right. Take Brice
Rd to Livingston Ave and turn left.
Entrance is about 1.5 miles on the
right. Golf course is 1⁄4 mile beyond
the park entrance.
BLENDON WOODS
4265 E. Dublin-Granville Rd
Westerville 43081
40.07987-82.88470
From I-270, take State Route 161 exit
(30B) toward New Albany onto
E Dublin-Granville Road. Go 1.6 miles
then take the Little Turtle Way exit and
turn right. Go to Old SR 161 and turn
right. Entrance is 1/2 mile on left.
CHESTNUT RIDGE
8445 Winchester Rd NW
Carroll 43112
39.81027-82.75365
From I-270, take US 33 east toward
Lancaster. Go about 11 miles and turn
right on Winchester Rd. Entrance is
about 3 miles on the left.
CLEAR CREEK
185 Clear Creek Rd
Rockbridge, 43149
39.59776-82.54892
From I-270, take US 33 about 32 miles.
Turn right on Clear Creek Rd (CR 116).
Picnic areas, facilities and trails are
located along Clear Creek Rd for the
next seven miles.
GLACIER RIDGE
9801 Hyland Croy Rd, Plain City 43064
40.15628-83.18510
Take I-270 toward Dublin. Take 33/161
west (exit 17B) toward Marysville. Follow 33/161 west to the 161/Plain City/
Post Rd exit. Turn right at the light and
then immediately left on Hyland Croy
Rd. The Honda Wetland Education Area
is 1 mile north on the left (7825 Hyland
Croy Rd). Main entrance 2 miles further
north.
HERITAGE PARK and TRAIL
7262 Hayden Run Rd, Hilliard 43026
40.05951-83.19585
From I-270 take Tuttle Crossing Blvd
west, go 0.7 miles, turn left on Wilcox
Rd. Go 1.1 miles, turn right on Hayden
Run Rd. Entrance is about 2.7 miles on
right.
HIGHBANKS
9466 US 23 N, Lewis Center 43035
40.15283-83.01837
From I-270, take US 23 North about 3
miles. Entrance on the left, just before
Powell Rd.
HOMESTEAD
4675 Cosgray Rd, Hilliard 43026
40.05130-83.18125
Take I-270 turn west onto Cemetery Rd.
Go 2.1 miles (just past intersection with
Main St) and turn right on Scioto Darby
Rd. Go 0.9 miles to Cosgray Rd and turn
right. Entrance 1.2 miles on left.
INNISWOOD
940 S Hempstead Rd, Westerville 43081
40.10086-82.90357
From I-270, take SR 3/Westerville Rd
south to Dempsey Rd and turn left.
Go about 1 mile to Hempstead Rd and
turn left. Turn again on Hempstead Rd
as it jogs right just past the Blendon
Township Complex. Entrance is about
100 yards on the right.
PICKERINGTON PONDS
7680 Wright Rd, Canal Winchester
43110
39.88451-82.79878
From I-270 take US 33 east toward
Lancaster about 3 miles. Take the Canal
Winchester/SR 674/Gender Rd exit.
Turn left onto Gender Rd, go about 1
mile and turn right onto Wright Rd. Go
about 1 mile to Bowen Rd and turn left.
Glacier Knoll picnic and parking area is
about 1⁄4 mile on left.
PRAIRIE OAKS
SHARON WOODS
3225 Plain City-Georgesville Rd
West Jefferson 43162
39.98824-83.26421
Main Entrance: From I-270, take I-70
west to the Plain City-Georgesville
Rd/SR 142 exit and go north on SR
142 about 0.8 miles. Entrance on
right
6911 Cleveland Ave, Westerville 43081
40.11399-82.94904
From I-270, take Cleveland Ave North .
Entrance about 1⁄2 mile on left
Spring Hollow Lodge
1069 W Main St, Westerville 43081
40.12539-82.96728
Cannot be accessed from Sharon
Woods entrance). Continue north on
Cleveland Ave, past the main park
entrance to Main St and turn left. Go
about 1.5 miles and turn left into park.
Sycamore Plains Trail
2009 Amity Rd, Hilliard 43026
39.98887-83.23883
From Route 142 (Plain City-Georgesville Rd) go 1⁄4 mile south of I-70
exit. Turn left on High Free Pk. Go
about 1 mile to Roberts Rd and turn
left. Go about 1 mile on Roberts Rd
to Amity Rd and turn left. Entrance
on left
Darby Bend Lakes
2755 Amity Rd, Hilliard 43026
40.00294-83.24881
From I-270, take I-70 west to the
West Jefferson/Plain City exit, turn
right onto Plain City-Georgesville
Rd/SR 142. Go 2.25 miles to Lucas
Rd (passing main park entrance) and
turn right. Cross Big Darby Creek
and turn right at the stop sign onto
Amity Rd. Entrance about 0.5 miles
on right.
ROCKY FORK
SLATE RUN FARM and PARK
1375 SR 674 North
Canal Winchester 43110
39.75719-82.82787
Lancaster to the Canal Winchester/SR
674 exit. Turn right onto Gender Rd/
SR 674 and go about 2 miles until it
dead-ends into Lithopolis Rd. Turn left
and go about 1⁄2 mile to SR 674. Turn
right, go about 4 miles to the entrance
on the right.
Slate Run Wetlands:
39.76573-82.86716
Continue past main park entrance 1⁄2
mile to Marcy Rd and turn right. Go 3
miles to Winchester Rd and turn right.
Wetlands entrance is about 2 miles on
the right.
7180 Walnut St, Westerville 43081
40.11217-82.79785
From I-270 take exit 30 to SR 161/
New Albany, go 3 miles and take
New Albany Rd exit, turn left and follow as it veers right on New Albany
Rd East. Go 0.5 miles and turn left on
SR 605 (New Albany Condit Rd). Go
1.4 miles, turn right on E. Walnut St.
Entrance 0.7 miles on left.
THREE CREEKS
SCIOTO AUDUBON
Lancaster. Go about 1.3 miles then
turn right on Hamilton Rd/SR 317. Go
2.7 miles and turn left onto Main St/
Groveport Rd.
400 W Whittier St, Columbus 43215
39.94426-83.00335
From I-71, take the Greenlawn Ave
exit east 1/3 mile and turn left on S
Front St. Go 1/4 mile and turn left on
W Whittier St. Entrance is 1/3 mile
on left.
SCIOTO GROVE
5172 Jackson Pike, Grove City 43123
39.85574-83.02798
From I-71, take Exit 100, Stringtown
Road and go east about 1.2 miles.
Turn right on OH104/Jackson Pike.
Entrance 1.4 miles on left.
3860 Bixby Rd, Groveport 43125
39.87307-82.89911
From I-270, take US 33 east towards
Lancaster about 1 mile. Turn right on
Hamilton Rd and go about 1.25 miles
to Bixby Rd and turn right. Entrance is
about 0.75 miles on the right.
WALNUT WOODS
for Buckeye Area
6716 Lithopolis Rd, Groveport 43125
39.84087-82.85560
Go 2 miles to Lithopolis Rd and turn
right. Entrance is 0.75 miles on left. Park
office across road at 6723 Lithopolos Rd.
for Tall Pines Area
6833 Richardson Rd, Groveport 43125
39.83909-82.86892
Go 1.4 miles to Richardson Rd turn
right. Entrance about 1.1 miles on right.
Metro Parks Headquarters
1069 W. Main Street
Westerville OH 43081-1181
Park hours for Spring 2016
Park
Battelle Darby Creek
Blacklick Woods
Blendon Woods
Highbanks
Scioto Audubon
Sharon Woods
Three Creeks
Hours
March
6:30am to 8pm
April and May
6:30am to 10pm
Chestnut Ridge
Clear Creek
Glacier Ridge
Heritage Trail
Homestead
Pickerington Ponds
Prairie Oaks
Rocky Fork
Scioto Grove
Slate Run
Walnut Woods
March to May
6:30am to dark*
Inniswood Metro Gardens
7am to dark
Innis House is open Tuesday through Friday,
8am to 4:30pm and Saturday and Sunday
11am to 4pm
Inniswood Metro Gardens
Call 614.895.6216
Slate Run Living Historical Farm
Call 614.833.1880
In March some buildings may be
closed and activities are reduced, but
the grounds and barn are open. Call
614.833.1880 for more information.
March: Wed-Sat, 9am to 4pm
Sun, 11am to 4pm
April and May: Tue-Sat 9am to 4pm
Sun 11am to 4pm
(open Memorial Day, noon to 6pm)
metroparks.net
facebook.com/
Columbus.Metro.Parks
twitter.com/CbusMetroParks
youtube.com/
CbusMetroParks
instagram.com/
cbusmetroparks
pinterest.com/
CbusMetroParks
E-mail: info@metroparks.net
Information: 614.891.0700
Reservations: 614.508.8111
Fax: 614.895.6208
InfoLine: 614.508.8000
For help visiting facilities or with
activities, please call
614.891.0700.
For information about Metro Parks
print or electronic publications
contact Virginia Gordon (vgordon@
metroparks.net) or Peg Hanley
(hanley@metroparks.net)
Nature Centers
Blacklick Woods
Blendon Woods
Highbanks
For nature center hours, go to website
metroparks.net
Walden Waterfowl Refuge
at Blendon Woods
Daily 6:30am to 8pm
Programs with a phone symbol & require advance registration.
Go to Programs & Activities/Upcoming Programs at
metroparks.net or call 614.508.8111.
Registration for spring programs begins at 8am on Wed Feb 24
METRO FIVE-0 for age 50 and older, 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)
20 Parkscope
(* 1/2 hour after local sunset)
Metro Parks reserves the right to photograph
and videotape all activities, events, programs
and facilities for publicity purposes.
Metro Parks does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, religion, gender, age, nationality or disability in employment, services, programs or activities.
MARCH
OFF-TRAIL HIKE
05 Sat 9am
Join us for a 3-mile off-trail
hike. Ranger Station
PRESCHOOLERS: EAGLES
08 Tue 9:30 or 11am
Discover the many interesting
characteristics of this majestic
raptor. X
PHOTO GROUP:
CREATING A PHOTO BOOK
12 Sat 10am
Learn how to plan and publish
a photo book. X
YOGA IN THE PARK
12 Sat 11:30am
Learn basic yoga movements to
rejuvenate your mind and body.
Bring a mat or blanket.
Cedar Ridge Lodge
METRO FIVE-0: Level 2
BISON
13 Sun 1pm
Take a 1-mile hike to see North
America’s largest land mammal.
Age 50 and older
FOWL LANGUAGE
19 Sat 10am
Discover migrating waterfowl at
the wetlands.
SPRING IN YOUR STEP
20 Sun 2pm
Look for signs of spring on a
1-mile hike. Ranger Station
TIMBERDOODLES
20 Sun 7:30pm
Search for the American woodcock as he performs his aerial
courtship dance.
PRESCHOOLERS: EAGLES
25 Fri 11am or 1pm
Discover the many interesting
characteristics of this majestic
raptor. X
BLACK BEARS
26 Sat 1pm
Learn about the increasing
number of black bears in Ohio
and about their diet, reproduction, hibernation and language.
Meet at nature center unless otherwise noted (1415 Darby Creek Drive)
For information on programs at Battelle Darby Creek in Spanish, visit metroparks.net
WILDCRAFTED TEAS
27 Sun 1pm
Learn how to identify wild
plants that make great teas and
try some samples. X
APRIL
BISON
02 Sat 1pm
PHOTO GROUP:
PHOTOGRAPHER’S GUIDE TO
THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST
09 Sat 10am
The focus is on photographing
in Utah and Arizona. X
YOGA IN THE PARK
09 Sat 11:30am
Ranger Station
CRUDDY CREEK
10 Sun 2pm
Discover why rivers and creeks
get polluted and have fun
at the living stream as you
learn how you can help the
environment. X
PRESCHOOLERS:
TALKING TRASH
13 Wed 9:30 or 11am
Imagine yourself as trash on a
journey from your house to a
landfill and discover some of
the choices we can make along
the way.
SPRING WILDFLOWERS
16 Sat 10am
Discover trillium, trout lilies,
Dutchman’s breeches and other
wildflowers on a 2-mile hike.
Ranger Station
TEAM UP TO CLEAN UP
16 Sat 1pm
Help clean up the banks of
Darby Creek and be prepared to
get muddy.
Indian Ridge Bulletin Board
WILDCAT FULL MOON HIKE
22 Fri 8:30pm
Take a brisk 4-mile hike through
fields and forest. Ranger Station
CENTRAL OHIO FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
May 7–8 Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
Free concerts, plus children’s activities starting at 1pm.
Showcase of young musicians, dance instruction and participation. Nominal fee for teaching workshops on guitar, banjo,
drum, voice, fiddle and many more.
Sponsored by The Columbus Folk Music Society Inc and
Metro Parks. For more information contact Art or Sharon
Mittenbergs (rbaron49@aol.com) or go to
www.columbusfolkmusicsociety.org.
Saturday evening concert at 7pm featuring Bing Futch, Dulcimer Player Extraordinaire and Mustards Retreat. Tickets $10
may be purchased on site or contact 614-491-0437.
BIRDING AT ITS BEST
24 Sun 8am
Enjoy a morning chorus of
warblers, finches, orioles and
other birds.
FLY-FISHING BASICS
24 Sun 1pm
Learn tips and tricks of basic
fly-fishing. Bring a fly-rod if you
have one.
PRESCHOOLERS:
TALKING TRASH
29 Fri 11am or 1pm
Imagine yourself as trash on a
journey from your house to a
landfill and discover some of
the choices we can make along
the way.
WEED ‘EM AND EAT
30 Sat 10am
Discover how to identify the
lush produce aisle in your own
backyard and how to prepare
delicious dishes. X
MAY
BIRDING AT ITS BEST
07 Sat 8am
Enjoy a morning chorus of
warblers, finches, orioles and
other birds.
CENTRAL OHIO
FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
07 Sat 10am-5pm
08 Sun 10am-5pm
See box
PRESCHOOLERS:
SEEDS PLEASE
09 Mon 9:30 or 11am
Discover the many things that
seeds turn into. X
DAY CAMP FOR THE
YOUNG AT HEART
11–12 Thu & 35826
Enjoy a 2-day camp for active
adults, with nature hikes,
campfire cookout, natural and
cultural history lectures and
more. Register individually or
with a friend. Age 50 and older
Cedar Ridge Lodge
PHOTO GROUP:
IMAGE REVIEW
14 Sat 10am
Bring in your images for discussion with other photographer
enthusiasts. X
GIRL SCOUT DAY:
JUNIORS FLOWERS
14 Sat & 35944
Juniors (4th and 5th grade)
will participate in activities that
meet requirements for the
Flowers badge.
Ranger Station
YOGA IN THE PARK
14 Sat 11:30am
Ranger Station
HOW TO CANOE
AND CANOE FLOAT
15 Sun (part one, Prairie Oaks)
22 Sun (part two)
& 35971
Part one, the instructional part
of the program, is at Prairie
Oaks, led by a certified watercraft instructor. Part two will be
a 4-hour float down Big Darby
Creek, from Battelle Darby
Creek.
SPRING WILDFLOWERS
15 Sun 1pm
Discover trillium, trout lilies,
Dutchman’s breeches and other
wildflowers on a 2-mile hike.
Ranger Station
CATCH THE CURRENT
21 Sat & 35935
Enjoy a 4-hour canoe trip on
Big Darby Creek. Canoes,
equipment and return transportation provided. Paddlers must
be 14 or older and riders 8 and
older.
BISON
22 Sun 2pm
PRESCHOOLERS: SEEDS
27 Fri 11am or 1pm
Discover the many things that
seeds turn into. X
Blacklick Woods
MARCH
APP FOR THAT
05 Sat 2pm
Learn how to use nature apps
that can help you identify,
report and explore a variety of
plants and animals. X
MOVIE NIGHT
06 Sun 6pm
Learn about owls and then
watch the nature movie “Owl
Power.” Popcorn provided.
Beech Maple Lodge X
PRESCHOOLERS:
DUCK MIGRATION
09 Wed 10am or 1pm
Join the Beech Tree Puppets
as they learn about migrating
ducks. Beech Maple Lodge X
LENS & LEAVES CAMERA CLUB
10 Thu 7pm
See member photos and learn
photographic techniques.
Non-members welcome.
Beech Maple Lodge X
MAPLE SUGARING
12 Sat 2pm
Discover the process of making
maple syrup from tapping trees
to boiling sap. Taste samples
and learn to distinguish between different types of maple
trees. X
22 Parkscope
PRESCHOOLERS:
DUCK MIGRATION
13 Sun 4pm
Join the Beech Tree Puppets
as they learn about migrating
ducks. Beech Maple Lodge X
HOMESCHOOLERS:
SALAMANDERS
14 Mon 10am or 1pm
Come out to learn about these
amazing amphibians and take a
walk to look for them.
Age 6-12 X
TIMBERDOODLES
17 Thu 7pm
Search for the male woodcock
performing his aerial courtship
display. Age 50 and older X
NEST AND EGG DISPLAY
19 Sat 8am–6pm
20 Sun 8am–6pm
See our display of nests with
great information about eggs
of all sorts. X
GPS EGG HUNT
19 Sat 10am–2pm
Try your hand at using a GPS
unit while you search for eggs.
X
EXAMINE EGGS
20 Sun 2pm
Take an up-close look at eggs
and their different parts. X
CATCH THE CURRENT
28 Sat & 35936
As May 21 (for age 50 and older)
MAMMALS DISPLAY
28 Sat 1-4pm
See skins, scat, skulls and
skeletons of Ohio’s past and
present mammals. X
LATE NIGHT AT
PLEASANT VALLEY
28 Sat 8pm
Pleasant Valley Area and pet
trail open till midnight for fishing, hiking and stargazing.
Pleasant Valley Bulletin Board
CATCH THE CURRENT
29 Sun & 35976
See May 21
BIRDS DISPLAY
29 Sun 1-4pm
See a display of mounts, eggs,
nests and skulls of songbirds,
raptors and waterfowl. X
COLD-BLOODED
CREATURE FEATURE
30 Mon 1-4pm
View a display of amphibians
and reptiles.
Meet at nature center unless otherwise noted
WATERFOWL WADDLE
22 Tue 4pm
Take a 1-mile walk on the golf
course to look for migrating
ducks. Age 50 and older
Golf Course Activity Building
PRESCHOOLERS:
TRUCKS AND TRACTORS
13 Wed 10am or 1pm
See the trucks and tractors that
park staff use to patrol and
maintain the park.
Beech Maple Lodge X
IN SEARCH OF BOGSUCKERS
26 Sat 7pm
Search for the woodcock’s
aerial courtship display. X
14 Thu 7pm
See March 10
APRIL
SPRING DISCOVERY WALK
02 Sat 10am
Take a 1.5-mile walk through
the woods to see what signs of
spring are emerging. X
SUNDAY IN THE SWAMP
03 Sun 1–3pm
Scoop up slimy swimmers from
the buttonbush swamp. X
HOMESCHOOLERS:
ANIMAL CARE
04 Mon 10am or 1pm
Learn about the educational
animals at Blacklick Woods and
how we care for them. X
PRESCHOOLERS: WORMS
10 Sun 4pm
Learn about worms through
stories, crafts and activities.
Beech Maple Lodge X
SATURDAY IN THE SWAMP
16 Sat 1–3pm
GIRL SCOUT DAY: HABITATS
17 Sun 2pm
Juniors will participate in activities that meet requirements for
the Habitats badge. X
COMPOSTING
20 Wed 10am
Learn the basics of
composting. X
UPCYCLE
22 Fri 1pm
Celebrate Earth Day by learning
how to reuse old materials to
make something new. X
EARTH DAY AWARENESS
23 Sat 8am–6pm
24 Sun 8am–6pm
See our display about the history of Earth Day to learn how
you can help keep our planet
healthy. X
LITTER CLEAN UP
23 Sat 10am
Help remove litter from the park
and Blacklick Creek. Bring work
gloves. X
INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL
24 Sun 2pm
Join us to help remove invasive
plants from the park. Bring
work gloves. X
BIRD WALK
25 Mon 8am
Search the trails for migrating
songbirds on a 2-mile walk.
Age 50 and older X
OFF-TRAIL
WALK IN THE CREEK
30 Sat 1pm
Take a tram ride to the creek
and then hike off-trail and
wade up stream.
MAY
WILDFLOWER CRAFT
08 Sun 3–6pm
Use natural items to create a
beautiful craft. X
SUNDAY IN THE SWAMP
01 Sun 1–3pm
PRESCHOOLERS:
RIDING AND WADING
04 Wed 2:30pm
Take the tram to Blacklick Creek
and wade in the stream. X
WALK AND ROLL
06 Fri 10am
Bring your stroller or a baby
backpack for a 2-mile walk
through the woods. X
HOMESCHOOLERS: SWAMP
09 Mon 10am or 1pm
Learn about this special habitat
and the critters that call it
home. X
PRESCHOOLERS:
BEAVER TRAM
11 Wed 6:30pm
Take a tram ride and a short
walk to look for signs of beaver
activity along Blacklick Creek.
12 Thu 7pm
See March 10
NATURE TRAM
07 Sat 10am
Take a tram ride through
the park. X
SPRING MIGRATION
BIRD WALK
14 Sat 8am
Take a 2-mile walk to search the
trails for migrating songbirds. X
ORPHANED WILDLIFE
07 Sat 2pm
Discover what the Ohio Wildlife
Center does and some do’s and
don’ts of what to do if you find
injured or orphaned wildlife.
Beech Maple Lodge X
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY
BIRD DAY DISPLAY
14 Sat 8am–8pm
15 Sun 8am–8pm
Celebrate the day by checking
our display full of information
about our avian migrants. X
WILDFLOWER WALK
08 Sun 2pm
Look for wildflowers on a
1.5-mile walk. X
Blendon Woods
WILDFLOWER WALK
17 Tue 2pm
Look for wildflowers on a 1.5mile walk. Age 50 and older X
CAMPFIRE COOKING
20 Fri 7pm
Learn techniques for cooking
on the campfire and try some
samples. Ash Grove Picnic Area
X
YOU CAN EAT THAT
22 Sun 2pm
Take a 1-mile walk to discover
what wild edible plants are
abundant in spring and try
some samples. X
BIRD SONG
26 Thu 8am
Learn useful tips to identify
bird songs and take a 1-mile
walk to listen for them.
Age 50 and older X
MAMMAL DISPLAY
28 Sat 1–4pm
Stop by the Trading Post to view
mammal skins and skulls and
make a mammal-themed craft.
Ash Grove Picnic Area X
SNAPPING TURTLE ADVENTURE
MARCH
Join Coyote Peterson, host of Discovery Network’s Brave Wilderness
shows, for an expedition to Thoreau Lake to get up close with snapping turtles and enjoy an adventure you will never forget!
PHOTO PROWL
05 Sat 9am
Photograph migrating waterfowl at Thoreau Lake. X
Late April or May (date to be decided, see below)
Karl Hassel
Check metroparks.net or our Social Media sites in late April and May
for date and time of the program, which will be decided a couple of
weeks in advance based on water clarity, turtle activity and weather.
REFUGE HIKE
05 Sat noon
Check out the Walden Waterfowl Refuge on a 2-mile off-trail
hike. Age 50 and older
MAPLE SYRUP SUNDAY
13 Sun 11am–4pm
See maple sap boiling over a
fire, turning into maple syrup.
Taste samples and learn more
about maple trees and the
syrup process.
MAPLE SYRUP SAP COLLECTING
13 Sun 11:30am and 2pm
Help the naturalist collect sap
from trees near nature center
(11:30am) and near Cherry
Ridge Program Area (2pm).
HOMESCHOOLERS:
PHYSICS OF FLIGHT
16 Wed 10am or 1pm
Meet OSU Physics professor
Mary Wildermuth and try fun
experiments to learn how birds
fly. Take a short hike to look for
birds in flight. Age 6-12
PRESCHOOLERS:
WHAT IS A BIRD?
17 Thu 10am or 1pm
Look at feathers, beaks, bones
and more to find out what
makes a bird a bird. See birds at
the windows. X
NATURE BINGO
20 Sun noon–5pm
Enjoy a game of our own version of bingo every half-hour. X
SIGNS OF SPRING
03 Sun 2pm
Search for signs of spring on a
short hike. X
EVENING HIKE
20 Sun 7pm
Enjoy a 2-mile walk under an
almost-full moon.
WOODCOCK WATCH
09 Sat 8pm
See the amazing aerial mating
dance of the American woodcock. Age 50 and older
Cherry Ridge Program Area
SPRING BREAK SCAVENGER
HUNT AND CRAFT
24 Thu 10am–4pm
25 Fri 10am–4pm
Try a scavenger hunt and make
an easy nature craft. Take time
to look at our displays and live
animals, and watch birds at the
windows. X
PRICKLY PLANTS
26 Sat 10am
Take a 1.5-mile walk in search
of plants and trees with thorns,
and find out how the thorns affect the plants and animals that
come around.
EGG DISPLAY
27 Sun noon–4pm
See our display of native bird
nests and eggs. X
HUNT AND CRAFT
28-31 Mon-Thu 10am–4pm
See March 24
RELAXING YOGA
28 Mon 6:30pm
Let the stress of the day melt
away with an hour of relaxing
yoga. All age groups and levels
welcome. Bring a towel or mat
(Indoors at nature center)
NATIONAL TAKE A WALK
IN A PARK DAY
30 Wed 2pm (half mile)
30 Wed 6:30pm (1.5 miles)
Celebrate the day with your
choice of one or both
naturalist-led walks. X
APRIL
HUNT AND CRAFT
01 Fri 10am–4pm
See March 24
24 Parkscope
CANINE CAPERS
10 Sun 2pm
Enjoy a 1-mile walk with your
dog.
GEOLOGY
16 Sat 2pm
Take a 2-mile walk and see
different rocks and landforms.
CLEAN-UP:
GREEN CBUS WORKDAY
17 Sun 2pm
Collect trash and pull invasive
plants to beautify the park. For
more information and to register, visit www.greencbus.org.
HOMESCHOOLERS:
MEET THE HERPS
20 Wed 10am
Learn what it means to be coldblooded and see amphibians
and reptiles. Age 6-12 X
PRESCHOOLERS:
MEET THE HERPS
21 Thu 10am or 1pm
Meet amphibians and reptiles
and learn how they are different from other animals. X
EARTH DAY
FULL MOON WALK
22 Fri 8:30pm
Get back to nature and celebrate the Earth and Moon
on a 1.5-mile walk.
ARCHERY
24 Sun & 36157 / 36158
Learn how to shoot a compound bow. Age 10 and older
RELAXING YOGA
25 Mon 6:30pm
Let the stress of the day melt
away with some relaxing yoga
outdoors. All age groups and
levels. Bring a towel or mat.
Sycamore Reservable Area
SCOUT DAY: BROWNIES BUGS
30 Sat & 36160 / 36161
Brownies (2nd and 3rd graders)
meet the requirements for the
Bugs Badge.
MAY
BIRD HIKE
01 Sun 8am
Search the woods for migrating
songbirds like warblers, vireos,
tanagers and more. Naturalists
will guide separate beginner
and intermediate/advanced
groups, so all birders are welcome. Binoculars available.
SALAMANDERS,
SANDSTONE AND SHALE
14 Sat 2pm
Look for salamanders amongst
the sandstone and shale rocks
in the creek.
WILD EDIBLE
& MEDICINAL PLANTS
14 Sat 6pm
Take a 2-mile walk and search
for plants used by humans before there were grocery stores.
TREE I.D. DISPLAY
15 Sun 1–5pm
Learn about native trees and
how you can identify them in
the park. X
EASY WOODLAND WALK
07 Sat 10am
Take an easy walk through the
woods to identify wildflowers,
birds and other signs of spring.
Age 50 and older X
HOMESCHOOLERS:
POND BABIES
18 Wed 10am or 1pm
Use nets to scoop critters from
the pond, and learn to identify
baby insects and amphibians.
Age 6-12 Disc Golf Shelter
SCOUT DAY:
WEBELOS INTO THE WOODS
07 Sat & 36164
Webelos will participate in activities that meet requirements
for the “Into The Woods” pin.
PRESCHOOLERS: POND BABIES
19 Thu 10am or 1pm
Look at critters that came from
the pond, hear a story and
participate in activities all about
pond animals. Disc Golf Shelter
BIG SIT BIRDING
08 Sun 9am–3pm
Watch at the windows to help
find birds and learn identification tips from naturalists
throughout the day. Binoculars
available. X
WILDFLOWER WANDER
22 Sun 2pm
Search the trails for native wildflowers on a 2-mile walk.
RELAXING YOGA
23 Mon 6:30pm
See April 25
Chestnut Ridge
APRIL
OFF-TRAIL ADVENTURE
03 Sun 2pm
Discover old sandstone quarries, spring flowers and signs of
wildlife as you take a 3-mile off-trail walk on the wild side.
Springhouse Program Area
NIGHT HIKE
22 Fri 8pm
Experience the forest and fields on a 2-mile hike.
Springhouse Program Area
Ken Browne
Clear Creek
MIGRATION MANIA!
Clear Creek is one of Ohio’s best birding spots. Celebrate
with naturalists and volunteers by joining us for one or
more of our seven birding programs from April 28 to
May 1, or stop by the park office to report your sightings.
MARCH
GIANT OAK HIKE
10 Thu 10am
Take a rugged 3-mile backcountry hike to a centuries old oak
tree. Age 50 and older
Maintenance Shop
GIANT OAK HIKE
12 Sat & 35902
Take a rugged 3-mile backcountry hike to a centuries old oak
tree.
FOREST NIGHT HIKE
19 Sat 7:30pm
Take a 1.5-mile backcountry
hike to experience the forest
after dark. Park Office
APRIL
SALAMANDER SHUFFLE
16 Sat & 35909
Search for salamanders on a
rugged 2-mile backcountry hike
through the forest and stream.
Glacier Ridge
MARCH
FOR ADULTS:
SALAMANDER RESEARCH
11 Fri 2pm
Learn how naturalists study
salamanders and vernal pools.
Adults only
FOR FAMILIES: SALAMANDERS
12 Sat & 35978
20 Sun & 35979
Take a 1-mile hike to discover
salamanders and other amphibians at a vernal pool.
BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY
WORKSHOP
28 Thu & 35903
Join nature photographers Tim
Daniel, ODNR and Nina Harfmann, OCVN, to help you get
your very best shots of those
birds you love. Covers camera
and settings, techniques and
field ethics, followed by handson fieldwork.
HOMESCHOOLERS:
WHAT MAKES A BIRD?
28 Thu 1:30pm
Learn about birds by exploring
anatomy, feathers, nests and
more. Practice using binoculars
and look for birds on the trails.
Age 6-12 Barnebey-Hambleton
Picnic Area
BIRDING BY EAR
29 Fri 9am
Listen and watch for birds on
the trails and learn some bird
songs. Bring a lunch. Age 50
and older Barnebey-Hambleton
Picnic Area
EARLY RISERS
30 Sat 5:45am
Look and listen for turkeys,
owls and whippoorwills while
we wait for the morning song
bird chorus. Coffee provided.
Mathias Log Cabin
BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS
30 Sat 8am
Learn the basics of birding and
see how many species we can
find on the trails. BarnebeyHambleton Picnic Area
WINGED WONDERS
30 Sat 1pm
Explore the fascinating world of
bird flight as you look at wings,
feathers and live birds.Barnebey-Hambleton Picnic Area
MAY
ADVANCED BIRDING
01 Sun 8am
Join John Watts, Metro Parks
Resource Manager, to look for
some of our most spectacular
spring migrants.
Creekside Meadows Parking Lot
WILDFLOWERS
16 Mon 10am
Take a 2-mile hike to look for
wildflowers. Age 50 and older
Creekside Meadows Parking Lot
Meet at main entrance picnic area bulletin board unless otherwise noted
WALK AND WOOF
29 Tue 7pm
Enjoy a 2.5-mile hike with
your dog.
VOLUNTEER WORKDAY:
GET READY BLUEBIRDS
30 Wed & 35980
Help naturalists prepare the
bluebird boxes for the upcoming nesting season and learn
how to become a Metro Parks
volunteer. Age 16 and older
APRIL
MAY
WOODCOCK WATCH
09 Sat 8pm
Scan the fields to search for the
woodcock’s aerial dance on a
1-mile hike. X
FOR FAMILIES:
EVENING FOREST HIKE
28 Sat 7pm
Take a leisurely 1.5-mile hike
and look for wildlife.
WALK AND WOOF
11 Mon 7pm
See March 29
WALK AND WOOF
31 Tue 7pm
your dog. OFF-TRAIL FROGGY HIKE
23 Sat 7pm
Capture frogs and toads on a
1-mile off-trail hike. All animals
released back to wetland.
Honda Wetland Education Area
Highbanks
MARCH
GREAT RAVINE ADVENTURE
05 Sat 1pm
Explore the ravine from source
to mouth at the Olentangy
River on a rugged 5-mile hike.
Bring water.
WOODCOCK WATCH
06 Sun 6:30pm
See the woodcock’s aerial
courtship dance. Binoculars recommended. Age 10 and older
PRESCHOOLERS:
WACKY WOODPECKERS
09 Wed & 36087 / 36088
10 Thu & 36089 / 36090
Find out why woodpeckers
smash their heads into trees
and other facts through crafts
and activities. X
LANTERN WALK
12 Sat 6:30pm
Enjoy a lantern-lit stroll along
the Scenic River Trail. Age 50
and older
Big Meadows Picnic Area
BIRDING OPTICS 101
19 Sat 10am
Get ready for spring birding
and learn about the newest
field guides, binoculars and
spotting scopes from Wild Birds
Unlimited. X
EDUCATOR WORKSHOP:
NATURE ADVENTURE
BOX TRAINING
19 Sat & 36093
Learn to use our Nature Adventure Boxes to get kids outside
exploring streams and fields.
Designed with educators in
mind, so they have the tools
necessary to explore the park
on their own during their next
visit.
SALAMANDER WALK
20 Sun 6:30pm
Take a 3-mile hike and look for
salamanders in the vernal pool.
HOWL AT THE MOON
23 Wed 6:30pm
Enjoy a 3.5-mile hike with your
dog.
26 Parkscope
HOMESCHOOLERS:
NATURE SKETCHING
28 Mon & 36099
Draw in your nature sketchbook
and learn how to improve your
skills. Some materials provided.
Age 6 and older X
HOWL AT THE MOON
22 Fri 8pm
your dog.
APRIL
WARBLERS 101
23 Sat 10am
Join Wild Birds Unlimited’s Tom
Sheely as he shares warbler
identification tips. X
BALD EAGLES
02 Sat 10am
Take a 3-mile hike to the Overlook Trail observation deck to
see the eagle nest and perhaps
the eagles in flight.
Oak Coves Picnic Area
PRESCHOOLERS:
SALAMANDERS
27 Wed & 36106 / 36107
28 Thu & 36108 / 36109
See some salamanders and
learn about their strange lives
through a story and activites. X
BROWNIES WOW JOURNEY
09 Sat & 36101 / 36102
Brownies (2nd and 3rd grade)
will participate in five activities
that are part of the “Wow”
Journey.
OFF-TRAIL ADVENTURE
11 Mon 10am
Search for wildflowers and
other springtime surprises on a
2-mile hike through the ravine.
Be prepared to get wet.
Age 50 and older
EARTH DAY 2016:
BRANCH OUT
17 Sun & 36104
Help rid the park of litter and
invasive plants. Plant trees and
work to beautify the garden
beds of the park. For more
information and to register, visit
www.greencbus.org.
PRESCHOOLERS: SOIL
11 Wed & 36113 / 36114
12 Thu & 36115 / 36116
Discover why soil is important
and what lives there, through a
story and activities. X
MAY
GEOTRAIL KICK-OFF
21 Sat 9am
Join our fun-filled event to kickoff the 2016 GeoTrail treasure
hunt. For more info go to
geocaching.com.
Dragonfly Day Camp X
WARBLER WALK
01 Sun 8am
Take a 1-mile hike in search of
colorful spring migrants.
HOWL AT THE MOON
21 Sat 8:30pm
your dog.
COFFEE TALK
06 Fri 9am
Enjoy a coffee with us and
watch birds from the nature
center windows.
Age 50 and older X
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
27 Fri 7:30–9pm
Enjoy a night hike, campfire
singalong, games, crafts and
more. X
VERNAL POOL HIKE
15 Fri 7:30pm
Take a 3-mile hike and look for
salamanders in the vernal pool.
DAY OF STORYTELLING
16 Sat 9:30am–9pm
Enjoy live story performances
celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Ohio Order for the
Preservation of Storytelling. Professional storyteller and author
Lyn Ford joins other Ohio voices
with traditional tales, personal
stories, tall tales and more.
More info at www.oopstorytelling.org
BREAKFAST WITH THE EAGLES
07 Sat & 36112
Take a 3-mile hike to the Overlook Deck and enjoy breakfast
treats and drinks as we look for
the eagles soaring.
Homestead
MARCH
FOR KIDS: NATURE CRAFTS
15 Tue 1–3pm
18 Fri 1–3pm
Create easy crafts featuring
supplies found in nature.
Age 3-10
FOR KIDS: SPRING HIKE
22 Tue 1pm
Take a 1-mile hike and search
for animals getting ready for
spring. Age 3-10
PASSPORT TO FISHING
30 Mon & 36119
Learn tips, tricks and techniques
as you rig a pole and try to
catch fish. Age 6-17 X
Meet at barn shelter
unless otherwise noted
GIRL SCOUT DAY:
CADETTES NIGHT OWL
25 Fri & 35990
Girls (grades 6-8) will participate in activities to earn the
Night Owl badge. Age 11-14 X
APRIL
FOR KIDS: WILDLIFE
09 Sat 2pm
Visit with animals and learn
more about Ohio’s wildlife.
Age 3-10
FOR ADULTS:
HIKE WITH A MANAGER
20 Wed 10am
Take a 1-mile hike to learn
more about future plans for the
park. Age 18 and older X
HOMESCHOOLERS:
NESTING SEASON
26 Tue & 35995
Learn about bird nests and
how they are made.
Age 6-10 X
PRESCHOOLERS:
NESTING SEASON
27 Wed & 35993 / 35994
Learn about bird nests and
how they are made.
MAY
MERCURY & SOLAR
ASTRONOMY
09 Mon 11am
View Mercury as it crosses the
sun during this rare event. X
Inniswood
Every Sunday, starting May 1 1:30–3:30pm
Members of the Herb Society of America, Central Ohio Unit,
will be in the Herb Garden to answer questions. X
PRESCHOOL IN THE GARDEN:
AIRBORNE
02 Wed
& 36001 / 36002 / 36003
Discover flight in nature
through activities, crafts and
a hike. X
MEET THE ARTIST
06 Sun 2–4pm
Meet John Cameron and
view his watercolor art at
a reception. X
BUILD YOUR BEST CONTAINER
08 Tue & 36211
Learn the basics of container
gardening.
GROWING DAHLIAS
13 Sun 2–4pm
Learn how to start dahlia tubers
for early bloom and how to
take cuttings.
Sponsored by the Greater
Columbus Dahlia Society. X
CONTAINER COMPANIONS
15 Tue & 36213
Discover what plants work best
together in containers.
PRESCHOOLERS:
BUDDING GARDNERS
24 Tue & 35997 / 35998
Help us plant a garden and
learn all about seeds. X
VOLUNTEER WORKDAY:
PLANT A
POLLINATOR GARDEN
26 Thu & 35999
Learn how to become a Metro
Parks volunteer and help
prepare the gardens for spring.
Age 16 and older X
FOR KIDS: WILDLIFE
28 Sat 1pm
Visit with animals and learn
more about Ohio’s wildlife.
Age 3-10
Meet at Innis House unless otherwise noted
SUNNY SUNDAYS
MARCH
NIGHT HIKE
21 Sat 8:30pm
Take a 1-mile hike and
discover what animals are
awake at night.
GARDENING FOR BIRDS
19 Sat 2–3pm
Discover plants and strategies
to encourage a variety of birds
to your garden year-round, with
a presentation and hike.
Age 50 and older X
UKRAINIAN EGG
DECORATING WORKSHOP
20 Sun & 36215
Artist Ginny Baughman shows
you how to create a beautiful
Ukrainian egg using a series of
wax coatings and dye baths.
Fee $25. Kits for making your
own egg will be available for
sale. Age 16 or older (or be accompanied by an adult) X
GARDEN SCHOOL: TATER TIME
29 Tue & 36216
Learn how to grow potatoes
and discover the history behind
French fries and other potato
dishes. Age 6-10 X
APRIL
GROWING HERBS
IN CONTAINERS
05 Tue & 36175
Learn which herbs grow well in
pots and how to grow them. X
TERRIFIC TOADS
06 Wed
& 36180 / 36181 / 36182
Discover what makes toads a
gardener’s best friend as you
search pond and gardens for
these awesome amphibians.
JUNIOR GARDEN VOLUNTEERS
09 Sat & 36183
Help prepare the gardens for
spring. Age 11-17
MEET THE ARTIST
10 Sun 2–4pm
Meet Debbie Hayhurst and view
her watercolor art. X
GROWING VEGETABLES
IN CONTAINERS
12 Tue & 36185
Learn about vegetables that can
be grown in containers.
EDIBLE LANDSCAPING
13 Wed 7pm
Learn how to integrate fruits,
herbs and vegetables into the
landscape to enhance your
ornamental garden, with Val
Jorgensen of Jorgensen Farms.
Sponsored by the Central Ohio
Unit of the Herb Society of
America. X
GARDENING FOR NATIVE BEES
16 Sat 11am
Learn how you can help these
special insects survive by growing favorite plants, such as
tomatoes, that are pollinated by
native bees.
CHILDREN’S GARDEN DAY:
SPAGHETTI
DINNER GARDENING
24 Sun 2–4pm
Learn how to grow greens and
herbs and discover grains used
to make pasta. Sisters’ Garden
SPRING PLANT SALE
30 Sat 9am–4pm
Purchase plants for your
garden. A broad selection of
perennial plants, annuals and
herbs are on sale. Sponsored
by The Inniswood Volunteers,
Inc. and the Herb Society of
America, Central Ohio Unit.
Gardens Entrance
MAY
SPRING PLANT SALE
01 Sun 11am–3pm
See April 30
PLANTING A RAINBOW
04 Wed
& 36218 / 36219 / 36220
We’ll read Lois Ehlert’s “Planting
a Rainbow” and take a hike to
enjoy the rainbow of flowers in
the gardens. X
JUNIOR GARDEN VOLUNTEERS
07 Sat & 36221
Help prepare the garden beds
for spring planting. Age 11-17
NATIONAL PUBLIC
GARDENS WEEKEND
07 Sat 11am–4pm
08 Sun1–4pm
Meet a volunteer and receive
a free gift for your garden.
Gardens Entrance X
MEET THE ARTIST
15 Sun 2–4pm
Meet Antonia Bojanina and
view her pressed flower art. X
APRIL
GARDENING FOR
HUMMINGBIRDS
22 Sun 2–3pm
Learn about hummingbirds
and how to attract them to
your garden. Age 50 and older
Gardens Entrance X
MAY
MARCH
APRIL
WOODCOCKS
18 Fri 7:30pm
Hike off-trail through the
prairie to look and listen for
the American woodcock
performing his aerial courtship
display. Prairie View Picnic Area
JUST FOR KIDS:
BIRDS AND BLOOMS
09 Sat 2pm
Learn how to use binoculars on
a 1-mile walk along the creek to
look for wildflowers and birds.
Binoculars available. Age 8 and
older Sycamore Plains Trail
SAP FULL MOON HIKE
23 Wed 8pm
Take a brisk 5-mile hike
through fields and forest.
SUNSET HIKE AND CAMPFIRE
09 Sat 7:30pm
Take a 1-mile walk to the creek
and roast marshmallows over
the campfire.
Whispering Oaks Picnic Area
WHAT IS GEOCACHING?
23 Sat 2pm
Bring your own GPS unit or
borrow ours and learn the basics
of this worldwide treasure hunt.
Whispering Oaks Picnic Area X
Rocky Fork
MARCH
BIRD HIKE
06 Sun 9am
Explore the meadow for songbirds and raptors on a 1.25-mile
hike. Binoculars available.
WOODCOCK WATCH
12 Sat 6pm
See the amazing aerial mating dance of the American
woodcock.
28 Parkscope
A TALE OF TWO BIRDS
17 Sun 2pm
See ospreys and great blue herons at their nests and learn how
these fish-eating birds survive. Glacier Knoll Picnic Area X
PRESCHOOLERS: SWAMP THINGS
10 Tue 10am
Learn about the small creatures that make their homes in ponds
and wetlands. Glacier Knoll Picnic Area
Meet at Darby Bend Lakes unless otherwise noted
For information on programs at Prairie Oaks in Spanish, visit metroparks.net
Prairie Oaks
WALK AND WOOF
20 Sun 3pm
Take a 1.5-mile walk with your
dog around the lakes.
Pickerington Ponds
INNISWOOD BOOK CLUB
21 Sat 2–3pm
Join us for a discussion of this
quarter’s book “The Triumph
of Seeds” by Thor Hanson. X
WALK AND WOOF
24 Sun 3pm
See March 20
MAY
HOW TO CANOE
AND CANOE FLOAT
15 Sun (part one)
22 Sun (part two, Battelle
Darby Creek)
& 35971
Adult only 2-part canoe instructional program, led by a certified watercraft instructor. Part
two will be a 4-hour float down
Big Darby Creek, from Battelle
Darby Creek Metro Park.
LATE NIGHT FISHING
28 Sat 9pm
Fish Darby Bend Lakes at
night. X
CANOE THE LAKES
30 Mon 1–4pm
Stop by anytime and take a
canoe out for a ride on the
lakes. Canoes and equipment
provided. Kids must fit into a
life jacket to ride. X
MILK FULL MOON HIKE
21 Sat 8:45pm
Take a brisk 5-mile hike through
fields and forest.
Meet at Millstone Picnic Area Bulletin Board
FIRST DAY OF SPRING
19 Sat 1pm
Search for signs of spring on
a 2-mile walk. X
APRIL
BIRD HIKE
02 Sat 9am
Search the forest and fields for
migrating birds on a 1.5-mile
walk. Binoculars available.
PARK TOURS
15 Fri & 35837
Join us for a 5-hour tour of
Homestead and Rocky Fork
Metro Parks. Transportation
provided throughout the program. Participants have the option of departing from Sharon
Woods Metro Park.
Age 50 and older
MAY
JUST FOR KIDS:
HIDE AND SEEK
14 Sat 10am
Enjoy games and activities that
show how animals and plants
camouflage themselves.
Age 3-10 Dog Park Shelter
WILDFLOWERS
21 Sat 10am
Learn to identify wil dflowers
on a 1.5-mile walk.
Scioto Audubon
LATE NIGHTS AT THE CLIMBING WALL - starting April 8
2nd & last Friday of month
The climbing wall will stay open
till midnight on April 8 and 29,
May 13 and 27. Climbers must
bring their own equipment.
Late night fishing also available
on these dates from the dock
on the Scioto River.
Climbing Wall
March through May
PRE-K STORYTIME
Every Thurs & Sat 10am
Bring your little ones for a
nature-inspired story or two.
Meet at Grange Insurance Audubon Center unless otherwise noted
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
COLUMBUS
AUDUBON MEETING
22 Tue 7pm
Spend an evening with Jeff
Gordon, president of the
American Birding Association.
Open to the public
EARTH DAY
16 Sat 9am-1pm
Plant native plants, clean up the
river and remove invasive species.
Register online at earthdaycolumbus.org.
LEARN THE ROPES
11 Wed & 36314
Instructors will guide beginners
through basics of knot-tying,
climbing and belaying. Scale the
32-foot climbing wall. Equipment provided.
LEARN THE ROPES
30 Wed & 36312
Instructors will guide beginners
through basics of knot-tying,
climbing and belaying. Scale
the 32-foot climbing wall.
Equipment provided.
BIRDWATCHING
FOR BEGINNERS
1st & 3rd Sat 10am
Learn how to use binoculars
and search for birds.
Sharon Woods
MARCH
HOMESCHOOLERS: SNAKES
08 Tue & 35814 / 35815
Learn all about these slithery
critters and meet a few live
ones. Age 6-12 X
GO WILD! KIDS CLUB
15 Tue & 35885
Explore off-trail in the natural
play area to see if you can complete the I Spy Nature
Challenge. Age 5-12
WONDERFUL WOODCOCKS
18 Fri 7:30pm
Take a short hike to catch the
impressive aerial display of this
unusual bird.
Apple Ridge Bulletin Board
URBAN BEEKEEPING
WORKSHOP
19 Sat & 36242
Learn about the science and importance of beekeeping, study
the inside of a hive and how to
start your own hive. Suitable for
both beginners and those with
beekeeping experience.
COLUMBUS
AUDUBON MEETING
26 Tue 7pm
Hope Taft, former First Lady of Ohio,
will talk about her work promoting
the benefits of native plants and
gardening. Open to public
LEARN THE ROPES
27 Wed & 36313
See March 30
INTERNATIONAL
MIGRATORY BIRD DAY
14 Sat 10am–2pm
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Migratory Bird Act
with bird hikes, nature crafts,
native plants and a student Art
Exhibition.
For information on programs at Sharon Woods in Spanish, visit metroparks.net
PRESCHOOLERS:
DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE
22 Tue
& 35888 / 35889 / 35890
Learn about our feathered
friends, ducks and geese,
through game, story and craft.
FAST-PACED
ADULT FULL MOON HIKE
22 Tue 7:30pm
Take a fast-paced, 2.8-mile hike
along gravel, paved and natural
surface trails.
EGG-STRAVAGANZA
23 Wed 1pm
Use GPS units on an egg hunt,
learn about nests and make a
craft. Bring at least two hardboiled eggs for the craft. GPS
units available. Spring Hollow
Lodge, 1069 West Main St
GPS EGG HUNT
26 Sat 10am–2pm
Search for plastic eggs for a
chance to win a prize. Bring
GPS unit or use one of ours.
Maple Grove Bulletin Board
APRIL
OLDER HOMESCHOOLERS:
FOR THE BIRDS
06 Wed & 36243
Join Wild Birds Unlimited’s Doc
Jordan to learn the basics of
birding. Partly outdoors. X
GO WILD! KIDS CLUB
06 Wed & 36244
Take an off-trail adventure in
the Edward S. Thomas Nature
Preserve.
AMPHIBIAN RAMBLE
09 Sat 2pm
Search for frogs, toads and salamanders on a 1-mile off-trail
hike. Schrock Lake Restrooms
NATURAL PLAY AREA
ADVENTURE: FAIRY
& ELF HOUSE BUILDING
10 Sun 2pm
Help to pull invasive plants and
gather natural items to build a
house of your choice for fairies,
elves or even for bugs.
Natural Play Area
HOMESCHOOLERS:
VERNAL POOLS
13 Wed & 35817 / 36310
Explore amphibian habitats to
find frogs, toads and salamanders. Age 6-12
PRESCHOOLERS:
ANIMAL BABIES
14 Thu
& 35892 / 35893 / 35894
Hop aboard the tram and learn
about the different baby animals found in the park. X
EARTH DAY CLEAN-UP
16 Sat 1pm
Help pull invasive plants and
pick up litter on- and off-trail
and around waterways. For
more info and to register, visit
www.greencbus.org
Apple Ridge Picnic Shelter
PRESCHOOLERS:
ANIMAL BABIES
20 Wed
& 35895 / 35896 / 35897
See April 14
FAST-PACED
21 Thu 8:30pm
surface trails.
MAY
MIGRATION MADNESS
07 Sat 8am
Take a 2-mile stroll in search of
birds. Binoculars available.
Schrock Lake Restrooms
WILDFLOWER WANDER
08 Sun 2pm
Join volunteer Anna Creswell
on a 1.5-mile stroll in search of
wildflowers and edible plants.
HOMESCHOOLERS: OH DEER!
11 Wed & 35818 / 35819
Learn about Ohio’s state mammal and their drastic population
changes. Age 6-12
BUSY BEAVERS
13 Fri 6:30pm
Join OSU Extension’s Wildlife
Program Specialist Marne
Titchenell to learn about these
industrious critters. Optional
drive and off-trail hike to view
a beaver dam. Spring Hollow
Lodge, 1069 West Main St
GO WILD! KIDS CLUB
19 Thu & 35884
Enjoy nature games and crafts
and make a campfire snack.
Bring a white T-shirt to decorate. Age 5-12 X
FAST-PACED
20 Fri 9pm
surface trails.
PRESCHOOLERS:
PUPPET SHOW
27 Fri
& 35850 / 35851 / 35852
Join the Discovery Forest
Puppets for a springtime
adventure. X
LUNCHTIME CHAT:
BEE OUR GUEST
21 Sat noon
Learn about honeybees and
Metro Parks’ efforts to promote
these pollinators.
Maple Grove Picnic Shelter X
I SPY NATURE CHALLENGE
29 Sun noon–5pm
30 Mon noon–5pm
Borrow an Adventure Backpack
at the naturalist office anytime
between noon and 5pm and
take the I-Spy Nature Challenge
for a chance to win a prize.
Naturalist Office X
CHILDREN’S FISHING
22 Sun 11am–1pm
Drop a line in Schrock Lake and
try to catch a big fish. Bait and
poles provided. Age 15 and
younger Schrock Lake West
Bulletin Board X
MARCH
MAPLE TIME
05Sat 1–3pm
06 Sun1–3pm
Sample this sweet treat and
learn about making maple
syrup the 1880s way. A short
hike to the sugarbush leaves
the farm at 1 and 2pm. Sap collecting and boiling is dependent
on the weather but all other
activities will take place. Call
614.833.1880 to see if sap is
flowing.
SHEEPSHEARING
31 Thu 1–3pm
Watch the farmers shear sheep
with hand-cranked clippers. We
may have lambs to see. X
APRIL
POTATO PLANTING
03 Sun 1–3pm
Help cut, sort and plant potatoes and learn about their place
in history.
30 Parkscope
MORNING CHORES
09 Sat & 36191
Join the farmer in feeding animals and help with other barnyard chores. Age 5 and older
WE DO WINDOWS
09 Sat 1–3pm
Roll up your sleeves and find
out how the farmwomen do
their spring-cleaning chores
without the help of electricity or
other modern aids.
SHEEP ON THE FARM
10 Sun 1–3pm
16 Sat 1–3pm
Watch sheep shearing, meet
the lambs and learn about the
uses of wool. X
DRAFT HORSE WORKSHOP
16 Sat & 36200
Learn to groom, harness and
ground drive these fine work
animals.
MORNING CHORES
23 Sat & 36192
See April 9
Call 614.833.1880 for information
WASHDAY BLUES
23 Sat 1–3pm
Help the farmwife with the
laundry as you try the scrub
board and wringer. Watch as
we make soap from lard and
lye. X
MAY BASKETS
30 Sat 1–3pm
Celebrate May Day in a traditional fashion as you make a
simple cardboard basket. X
MAY
MAY BASKETS
01 Sun 1–3pm
See April 30
MORNING CHORES
07 Sat & 36193
See April 9
EGGS, FEATHERS AND FOWL
07 Sat 1–3pm
We’ll butcher chickens, show
how eggs were preserved
before refrigeration and answer
questions about keeping small
flocks at home. We may have
newly-hatched chicks to see. X
MORNING CHORES
14 Sat & 36194
See April 9
HEIRLOOM GARDENING
14 Sat 1pm
15 Sun 1pm
Learn about the preservation of
antique plant varieties and help
plant the garden, if weather
permits.
FAMILY STORYTIME:
SPRING IN THE GARDEN
21 Sat 10:30am
Enjoy a story, see what is growing around the farm and help
with some gardening chores.
WASHDAY BLUES
22 Sun 1–3pm
Help the farmwife with the
laundry as you try the scrub
board and wringer. Watch as
we make soap from lard and
lye. X
TOY BOAT BUILDING
29 Sun 1–3pm
30 Mon 1–3pm
Build a simple wooden boat to
sail on the pond.
Slate Run
MARCH
SECRET SWAMP
19 Sat 2pm
Take a rugged 1-mile round-trip
hike to the swamp and search
for salamanders, frogs and
other critters.
Shady Grove Program Area
Meet at Buzzard’s Roost unless otherwise noted
EASTER EGG HUNT
26 Sat
11am, Age 5-7
11:45am, Age 8-10
See the Easter Bunny and hunt
for easter eggs. We also have a
fenced off area with easter eggs
for kiddies age 4 and under,
from 11am onward.
Buzzard’s Roost Picnic Area
OWL PROWL
05 Sat 6:30pm
Learn about Ohio’s owls and try
to lure them in with calls on a
2-mile walk.
EAGLE WATCH
06 Sun 2pm
Wander through field and forest on a 1-mile off-trail walk to
see the eagles through a spotting scope. Age 50 and older
Madison Christian Church
parking lot, 3565 Bixby Rd,
Groveport
TIMBERDOODLE TIME
12 Sat 6pm
Take a 2-mile walk to listen for
and watch the aerial courtship display of the American
woodcock.
FRIDAY FROG FRENZY
25 Fri 7:30pm
Bring a flashlight and your
wading shoes to search for
frogs and listen to their mating
songs.
EAGLE WATCH SATURDAY
26 Sat 9:30am or 2pm
See March 6, for all ages
SPRING BREAK SPECIAL:
BUILD A BEE HOUSE
28 Mon 10am or 1:30pm
Learn about native bees and
how to help them while
building a bee house. Bring a
clean 15-ounce can for your
bee house. Age 5 and older
KidSpace, 630 Wirt Road,
Groveport
MAY
FOREST FORAGING
16 Sat 2pm
Take a 1-mile hike to learn
about wild edible plants and
taste a sample.
Buzzard’s Roost Picnic Area
PRIMITIVE FIRE MAKING
21 Sat 2pm
Learn how to construct a bow
drill and make a friction fire.
Enjoy a simple snack around the
campfire.
Shady Grove Program Area
Meet at Confluence Trails Bulletin Board unless otherwise noted
Three Creeks
MARCH
APRIL
For information on programs at Three Creeks in Spanish, visit metroparks.net
PRESCHOOLERS:
HOP INTO SPRING
29 Tue 10am
Discover frogs, toads and salamanders through stories, activities and a short walk to the
pond. Heritage Nature Center,
551 Wirt Road, Groveport
APRIL
EAGLE WATCH SATURDAY
02 Sat 9:30am or 2pm
Wander through field and forest on a 1-mile off-trail walk to
see the eagles through a spotting scope. Madison Christian
Church parking lot,
3565 Bixby Rd, Groveport
PRESCHOOLERS:
AWESOME AMPHIBIANS
11 Mon 10am
Discover frogs, toads and salamanders through stories and
fun activities.
FRIDAY FROG FRENZY
15 Fri 8pm
See March 25
SCOUT DAY:
WEBOLOS EARTH ROCKS!
16 Sat & 35870
Webolos (4th and 5th grades)
meet requirements for the Earth
Rocks! badge.
HOMESCHOOLERS:
ALL ABOUT AMPHIBIANS
19 Tue 10am
Take a short walk to explore a
small wetland while learning
about frogs, toads and salamanders. Age 6 and older
PRESCHOOLERS:
AWESOME AMPHIBIANS
26 Tue 10am
Discover frogs, toads and salamanders through stories and
fun activities.
PRESCHOOLERS:
SWAMP THINGS
17 Tue 10am
Learn about the small creatures
that make their homes in ponds
and wetlands.
FISHING AT HERON POND
28 Thu 6:30pm
Learn the basics of fishing then
cast a line to see what you can
catch. Poles and bait available.
Age 5 to 15 Heron Pond
BARKING AND BREAKFAST
28 Sat 9:30am
Enjoy breakfast snacks for you
and your dog then take a brisk
3-mile walk.
MAY
BIRDING AND BREAKFAST
07 Sat & 35874
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the
picnic shelter then walk the
trails in search of migrating
birds.
FLOAT THE POND
28 Sat 1–3pm
30 Mon 1–3pm
Take a canoe out for a ride on
Heron Pond. Children must be
at least 40 inches tall to ride.
Heron Pond
NEW LEAVES TREE ID WALK
08 Sun 1:30pm
Learn to identify trees from
their flowers and new leaves on
an easy 1.5-mile walk.
Walnut Woods
MARCH
EXPLORE A VERNAL POOL
13 Sun 2pm
Take a half-mile walk to a spring wetland and explore the world
of salamanders and other creatures. Tall Pines Area
APRIL
PRESCHOOLERS: WONDERS OF SPRING
07 Thu 10am
Learn about spring and see what signs of the season we can find.
Park Office
Parkscope
Metro Parks Album
Clockwise from left:
Fox squirrel at Blacklick Woods, by Karl
Hassel; Sunset at Three Creeks’ Heron
Pond, by John Bonnett; Indigo bunting
haloed by the moon at Highbanks, by
Adam Brandemihl.

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