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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. 2025 contest information coming soon!

2024 Preserving Our Heritage Photography Contest Winners

Best In Show
Karen R. Scott – Pileated Woodpecker Excavation
Reserve Best in Show
Robyn Strickland – Small Buck Peeking from Behind a Tree
People’s Choice
Ken Shenefield – Feathered Friends

Youth Category

1st Place – Burke Brandemihl
2nd Place – Zach Taylor
3rd Place – Zach Taylor

Park District Scenes Category

1st Place – Bernice Marshall
2nd Place – Lynne Sutton
3rd Place – Irena McCammon Scott

General Nature Category

1st Place – Karen R. Scott
2nd Place – Russell Koch
3rd Place – Keri Coleman

Macro Category

1st Place (tie)- Karen R Scott
1st Place (tie)- Karen R Scott
2nd – Place Joan Pearse
3rd Place – Keri Coleman

Animals Category

1st Place – Robyn Strickland
2nd Place – Keri Coleman
3rd Place (tie) – Keri Coleman
3rd Place (tie) – Karen R Scott

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Programs

This raised-relief map provides an overview of the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to orient themselves before embarking on the trail.

Braille Trail

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

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.

Earth Day

Bring the whole family to this Earth Day Celebration! Purchase native garden plants offered by local nurseries and enjoy a free concert by Banana Slug String Band.

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.

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.  

Summer Exhibit

Shrink to insect size in Life on a Leaf! Climb, crawl, and explore a native plant world from a bug’s-eye view. Kids become insects, playing among giant leaves while discovering how native plants power biodiversity. It’s an immersive plant adventure that’s buzzing with fun and full of discovery!

Programs

This raised-relief map provides an overview of the surrounding landscape, allowing visitors to orient themselves before embarking on the trail.

Braille Trail

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

Earth Day

Bring the whole family to this Earth Day Celebration! Purchase native garden plants offered by

Group Hikes

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

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

Summer Exhibit

Shrink to insect size in Life on a Leaf! Climb, crawl, and explore a native