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Summer Exhibit

Nature hides its wonders underground and underwater. Peek beneath the soil to uncover twisting roots, secret tunnels, and the creatures that call them home. Then dip below the water’s surface to explore a bustling world of tiny life—where aquatic insects, larvae, and microscopic organisms reveal the health and history of our streams and ponds. From decomposers in the dirt to invertebrates in the shallows, What Lies Below uncovers the unseen ecosystems that support all life above.

What Lies Below Exhibit

McKay Lodge at Shale Hollow Park
MAY 23 – AUGUST 21: Wednesday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Closed Tuesday
AUGUST 22 – SEPTEMBER 7: Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Free all summer!
 

¿Hablas español?
8 y 22 de julio

Ven a Shale Hollow Park el segundo o cuarto miércoles del mes para explorar ¿Qué se Esconde Debajo? Abierto 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Conoce a Saundra, una empleada de Preservation Parks que habla Español.

Closing Weekend

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH

Saturday, September 5, 7 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages

Movie rated PG
A Scientist journeys beneath the Earth to find his missing brother in this 2008 Jules Verne adaptation starring Brendan Fraser. Enjoy the What Lies Below exhibit and free popcorn before the movie starts at 9 p.m. Bring the family, lawn chairs, and blankets.

SECRET LIVES OF SALAMANDERS

Sunday, September 6, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages

Explore the hidden world of salamanders at our exhibit! Meet live salamanders and a special guest to learn how these secretive animals live underground and why they’re important to healthy ecosystems.

MAKE IT, TAKE IT: TOAD ADOBE

Monday, September 7, 1 – 3 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages

Learn all about Ohio’s toads, why they’re great garden neighbors, and how to help them thrive. Then build your own toad abode to take home and add to your yard!

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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.

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.

summer concert at Gallant Woods Park

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.

Concretion in creek

Summer Exhibit

Nature hides its wonders underground and underwater. Peek beneath the soil to uncover twisting roots, secret tunnels, and the creatures that call them home.

illustration of wetland biodiversity

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

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

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

Concretion in creek

Summer Exhibit

Nature hides its wonders underground and underwater. Peek beneath the soil to uncover twisting roots,