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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!

Life On A Leaf Exhibit

McKay Lodge at Shale Hollow Park
MAY 24 – AUGUST 31: Wednesday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Free all summer!
 

A Partnership with Sarah Strong

Sarah Strong works in handmade paper and natural materials to remind us of the importance of the natural world. She hopes to inspire others to plant native gardens, preserve the land and healthy waterways! Sarah says to “get outside and connect with nature!”  She continues to share her art and practice through exhibitions, education, and community building. Her paper artwork will be featured as the “Prairie Ceiling” in the Life on a Leaf exhibit.

Park Programs with Sarah Strong

BIRD FEST

Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages

Grab a bird friendly coffee and enjoy a guided hike at 10 a.m., meet live birds from Ohio Nature Education, and help create a prairie paper sculpture with paper artist Sarah Strong as we celebrate birds with crafts and other fun activities.

PAPER MAKING DURING THE DEPRESSION

Sunday, August 3, 12 – 2 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages

Embrace the “waste not, want not” spirit of the 1930s. Bring cotton textile scraps and watch them transformed into paper pulp with paper artist Sarah Strong. Participants can create one sheet of unique, usable handmade paper.

MONARCHS & MORE

Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages

This festival will showcase the flora and fauna of Ohio with activities, crafts, and presentations throughout the day.

Opening Weekend

EXHIBIT GRAND OPENING

Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages

Join us for the grand opening of the summer exhibit Life On A Leaf! Stop by Franklin Park Conservatory’s table to explore the partnership between plants and pollinators and grab some wildflower seeds to start your own pollinator garden!

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS – LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Sunday, May 25, 8:30 – 11 p.m.
Gallant Farm, Ages 13+
Movie is rated PG-13

Enjoy an outdoor showing of Little Shop of Horrors! Experience this quirky musical comedy under the stars with singing, laughter, and a man-eating plant. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy free popcorn and snow cones before the movie starts at 9 p.m.

Closing Weekend

NATURAL TIE-DYE

Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages

Stop by Shale Hollow Park to tie-dye a bandana or bring your letterbox prize to dye!

ANIMALS & LEAVES DISPLAY

Saturday, August 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages

Join our partners from Ohio Nature Education for a display of various live animals and how leaves fit into their everyday lives.

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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 0.4 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.

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 Concert Series

Sponsored by Consolidated Cooperative

Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a food truck and free concert. Thursdays this summer at Gallant Woods Park. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Close up of leaf

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!

crayon drawing of bee on flower

Summer Letterbox Adventure

What is a letterbox adventure? Great question! A letterbox adventure is another form of geocaching and scavenger hunting using clues instead of coordinates.

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

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

Close up of leaf

Summer Exhibit

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