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Honeysuckle Hackfest

Honeysuckle Hackfest logo

Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
Register Here

Become a Hacker!

Help restore our ecosystem by removing Amur honeysuckle, an invasive species threatening our natural areas. Learn effective removal techniques through live demonstrations and discover hacks to clear honeysuckle from your yard while supporting ongoing conservation efforts and participating in family friendly activities.


FUNDRAISING

Help Us Reach Our $25,000 Goal!

This year, we’re aiming higher. Our goal is to raise $25,000 by event day to fund our goat grazing crew, professional arborists, and native tree plantings.

Sponsorship Levels:

Presenting Sponsor – $10,000+
GOAT Champion – $6,000+
Restoration Leader – $3,000+
Native Plant Partner – $1,500+
Pollinator Friend – $750+
Seedling Supporter – $250+
Community Supporter – $100+

All sponsors receive name/logo recognition on event t-shirts and signage, with tier-specific perks for higher levels.
Sponsor Logo Deadline: October 7, 2026 (Please submit vector files)

Click Here to Become a Sponsor or Donate

VOLUNTEER

Sign up on the Preservation Parks Calendar by following these quick steps:

1. Visit the Preservation Parks Calendar.
2. Navigate to November 7th and click Honeysuckle Hackfest.
3. Select + Select this Program and add it to your cart.
4. Sign in or create a new account.
5. Re-select the program, check the box, and select Continue to Cart.
6. Select your t-shirt size (Must register by October 7 to guarantee a shirt!).
7. Add additional household members if applicable, accept the waiver, and complete checkout.
8. Share the event on Facebook!

EVENT INFORMATION

8:30 – 9:00 AM: Vendor & Arborist Arrival
9:30 – 9:45 AM: Volunteer Arrival & Check-In
10:00 AM: Safety Briefing & Kickoff

  • Parking will take place at Havener Park with shuttles transporting participants back to Deer Haven.
  • Professional tree trimmers will be cutting honeysuckle with heavy machinery.

Watch for an Earth Day event in April 2027 to plant native plants in places where honeysuckle has been removed.


2024 HONEYSUCKLE HACKFEST RECAP

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Programs

details of braille on sounds of the forest sign

Braille Trail

Nestled within the heart of Hogback Ridge Park, the Braille Trail offers a unique, multi-sensory experience for all visitors. This thoughtfully designed trail provides an accessible way to explore the natural world through touch, sound, and detailed interpretive signage. Whether you navigate by sight, feel, or hearing, this trail is a pathway to deeper connection with nature.

Delaware County Bird Club

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, enjoy a relaxing time watching birds at the feeders and discussing a new ornithology topic each month. Meet fellow bird enthusiasts, share sightings, and deepen your appreciation for our feathered friends.

FLEX Trails (Free Local EXercise)

FLEX Trails are established along the trails at Char-Mar Ridge Preserve. Stations set up along the trails include signs that explain how to do various exercises, right there, with no equipment

Gallant Farm Literary & Cowpie Society

Join us for a lively discussion of each month’s featured book. We typically read titles that were popular during the Great Depression and WWII years, or books focusing on those time periods.

Geocaching in Preservation Parks

Geocaching and letterboxing are fun hobbies that provide a great reason to enjoy the outdoors. Preservation Parks does allow geocaches and letterboxes to be placed in the parks, as long as Park District guidelines are followed.

Group Hikes

Embark on a journey with fellow enthusiasts or enrich your knowledge on the go! We’ve got your hiking experience sorted. Explore our curated group hike programs, each with unique themes that cater to diverse interests.

Honeysuckle Hackfest

The 2nd Annual Honeysuckle Hack Festival is coming — and this year, it’s another showdown between our living goats (yes, real ones who LOVE to eat honeysuckle) and our human GOATs (Greatest of All Time volunteers, arborists, and supporters like you).

Mindfulness Trail

This 1 mile walk invites you to several stations that will provide different ways to practice mindfulness along the trail.

Photography Contest

Showcase the beauty and history of Delaware County’s Preservation Parks! Capture landscapes, wildlife, or moments that celebrate these protected spaces. Open to all skill levels. Share your vision and help inspire a deeper appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage.

School & Community Outreach

Looking for a fun and engaging learning experience for your school classroom or community group? From night hikes to live animal programs and farm tours to agricultural heritage programs, the Preservation Parks Outdoor Connections Department offers field trip programs covering a variety of natural and cultural history topics. Most are free for Delaware County groups and organizations only, and a great way to introduce your group to our county’s cultural and natural heritage. Scout groups can check out our Scout Badge Days, offered throughout the year.  

Person in a kayak

Seasonal Program Guide

The program guide is published 4x per year and includes all of the wonderful programs offered throughout the parks.

Step Into Fall: Hike Them All

Hike all the Preservation Parks’ nature trails, including two new paths, this season with our Step Into Fall Challenge. Sign up for free and receive a Preservation Parks nature trail checklist to mark your journey OR register for $15 and receive a special hiking staff and custom challenge medallion (while supplies last) that you can add yourself. Add a new Hike Them All Challenge medallion to your hiking staff each year.

Trick or Treat Trail

Bring the kids in costume to gather treats from characters along the enchanted nature trail. Decorate pumpkins, enjoy a hayride, meet some creepy critters, vote for your favorite scarecrow, and visit Gallant Farm across the road. It’s all free! Drop in any time between 1 – 4 p.m. Program ends at 4 p.m.

Programs

details of braille on sounds of the forest sign

Braille Trail

Nestled within the heart of Hogback Ridge Park, the Braille Trail offers a unique, multi-sensory

Group Hikes

Embark on a journey with fellow enthusiasts or enrich your knowledge on the go! We’ve

Honeysuckle Hackfest

The 2nd Annual Honeysuckle Hack Festival is coming — and this year, it’s another showdown

Mindfulness Trail

This 1 mile walk invites you to several stations that will provide different ways to

Photography Contest

Showcase the beauty and history of Delaware County’s Preservation Parks! Capture landscapes, wildlife, or moments

Trick or Treat Trail

Bring the kids in costume to gather treats from characters along the enchanted nature trail.