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.

Field trips are limited to 75 participants per field trip per day. If your group is larger than 75, you must schedule two dates.

For school field trips to Deer Haven Park, groups choose three program topics and follow a rotating schedule. Scheduled on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday only. Most popular field trip programs at Deer Haven are Habitat Hike, Wetland Exploration, Fossils, Animal Adaptation, and Reptiles and Amphibians.
Field trips to Gallant Farm are limited to Tuesday and Wednesday only. Groups are broken down into smaller groups and rotate through stations like a farmhouse tour, barn, sheep and wool, chickens and corn, and crops and the garden.

Field trips to other Preservation Parks locations upon request.

To schedule a field trip, please submit a Program Request Form.

Outreach Programs Available

See below for a general list of field trip programs offered by Preservation Parks. If there is a topic that you would like to cover that is not listed below, please do not hesitate to ask. We are flexible and will work with you to develop a program that will meet your needs to the best of our ability and comply with State of Ohio Academic Content Standards. Field trips can take place at any one of the parks managed by Preservation Parks.

Community groups that see a program in our regular public program schedule and would like to attend should contact us in advance to schedule a special program on that topic specifically for your group.

Program Topics:

Trees/Plants
Insects/Arachnids
Reptiles
Amphibians
Birds
Raptors/Aviary/Pellet Dissection
Mammals
Monarchs
Animals of Ohio
Animal Adaptations
Soils/Decomposition
Fossils
Sensory Awareness
Orienteering
Geocaching
Archery
Fishing
Wilderness Survival Basics
Nocturnal Animals Night Hike
Forest Exploration
Stream Exploration – Available April through October
Wetland Exploration – Available April through October
Habitat Exploration Hike
Ohio and Delaware County geology
Depression Era (1930s) Farm Life Programs (Gallant Farm only)
General Program on Preservation Parks

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Programs

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

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.