School & Community Outreach

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.

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.

Stop by the model railroad open houses this season! Members of the model railway group will share the history of railroads in America.

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

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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.  

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

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!

Walk 100 miles or 100 kilometers (62
miles) from January 1 – March 31, 2026. Register, log your distance, and be connected to a community of walkers this winter.

The clues located on these pages guide you on a winter exploration of FIVE different parks and help you learn more about the wonders of space. Instead of a traditional letterbox, you will find a sign at each park.