About Us

Welcome | Visiting | Overview | Mission | Hours | Staff












FUN FACT!

Of Birds...
The Blackpoll warbler (Dendroica striata) passes through Ohio in May on its trip northward after spending the winter in South America. Other wood warblers log long migrations as well, but the blackpoll is the endurance migratory champ among these tiny birds. Weighing in at ½ oz. and only 5 inches long from bill to tail, this bird clocks in a round trip of a little over 12,000 miles! Approximately 85 hours of that trip is non-stop over the Atlantic!. 

...and Bunnies!
Eastern cottontail females (Sylvilagus) spend only about five minutes per day nursing young. Rabbit moms feed the babies very early in the morning and in the evening, and they will not approach the nest if a predator (you) is nearby. Please don’t move them. They are not orphaned!

 

 

 

 


Welcome to Preservation Parks of Delaware County

Our goals are to preserve green space in our rapidly developing county and to provide environmental education to its residents. Because parks add value to our quality of life, Preservation Parks is committed to continuing to acquire and develop additional areas which can enrich the lives and provide clean, safe places for recreation and relaxation for all members of our community.

Our maintenance and ranger staffs are professional and proud of the quality of our parks and their role in keeping the parks in excellent condition. And, our education staff is eager and excited to share with you the variety and beauty of the plants and animals under our stewardship.

Enjoy your visit and return often,

Board of Park Commissioners
James Bargar
Dan Boysel
Bruce Ruhl


Mission

The mission of Preservation Parks of Delaware County is to protect and conserve Delaware County's natural scenic, historic and archaeological features for the benefit of present and future generations and provide for enjoyable, safe, easily accessible and aesthetically pleasing outdoor education and passive recreational experiences for the citizens of Delaware County.


Visiting Preservation Parks

Your Preservation Parks are for all to enjoy, so there are some guidelines to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. Parks are open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk. Beer and alcohol are prohibited, as are hunting, horseback riding and motorized recreational vehicles. To help provide a safe and clean natural area to enjoy, we ask that all pets be on a leash, you clean up after your pet, and you stay on designated trails.

As our mission is to preserve natural areas for passive recreation, there are no facilities for organized sports.

All Preservation Parks are handicapped accessible as is feasible. Most parks have restroom facilities.

Rules and Regulations


Overview of Preservation Parks

Preservation Parks of Delaware County was created in response to a growing need to protect open space and unique natural habitats for the public good. Generous contributions of land, material, equipment and time from donors and volunteers helped the Park District survive many years without adequate funding. Then, in 1999, voters passed a levy to provide ongoing funding for park stewardship.

Preservation Parks' mission is to provide passive recreation activities, such as hiking and picnicking, while keeping development to a minimum. Walking paths and viewing areas allow people to get close to nature without disturbing it. Within the park system, visitors can see rolling meadows, wetlands, virtually untouched wood lots, the remains of glaciers, ravine systems and waterways.

Throughout Delaware County, Preservation Parks are only a short distance away, providing special green and quiet places for everyone to experience the timeless value of nature.

Trained personnel offer nature education programs and prepare the parks for your enjoyment while preserving natural areas for the future.


Hours of Operation

Parks: 8:00 to Dusk, 365 days a year.

McCoy Nature Center, Hogback Ridge Preserve
Hours: M-F 7:30 - Dusk
Saturday - Noon - 5PM
Sunday - Noon - Dusk

Nature Discovery Center, Gallant Woods Preserve
Noon - 5:00 Daily

Education Office
2151 Buttermilk Hill Road
Delaware, Ohio 43015
(740) 595-3725
E-mail:
jackieb@preservationparks.com

District Office
2656 Hogback Road
Sunbury, Ohio 43074
(740) 524-8600


Staff

Click here for a staff directory.
Preservation Parks of Delaware County | 2656 Hogback Road | Sunbury, Ohio 43074 | 740-524-8600 | Fax: 740-524-8200