Preservation Parks of Delaware County

Deer Haven Preserve

FUN FACT!

They spin, they “think,” they look like leaves

Whirligig beetles are found on top of fresh, quiet water, spinning about like bumper cars. The have eyes split for double vision; the top of their eyes can see above the water and the bottom half can see below!

Ants have the largest brain of any insect. Combined, the number of brain cells in a colony of ants is about equal to the number of brain cells in a human.

A round-headed katydid usually resembles a green leaf, but be on the lookout for this rare pink form of the late-summer songster. Every year a few of these specimens turn up within their range, which covers a large part of the eastern U.S.

Deer Haven Preserve is the result of a generous gift from Phyllis A. Havener in 2006. Located in Liberty Township, this 97 acre park abuts Havener Park, a gift to Liberty Township of 94 acres from Mrs. Havener for an active park. A monetary gift came from John W. Bader, Jr., for the creation of a bird sanctuary in memory of his wife, Amy Clark/Bader.

Facts

97 acres of mixed habitat, including woods, deep ravines with intermittent streams, meadows, and pond
Opening in 2008
Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to dusk

Future Facilities

Nature center
1.5 mile trail system with ½ mile paved
Picnic shelters
Amphitheatre
Havener Memorial
Festival fields
Amy Clark/Bader Bird Sanctuary
Wildlife blind
Wildlife pond

Trails at Deer Haven Preserve

Bent Tree Ridge Loop Trail – Beginning near the nature center, this 1 mile gravel trail leads you into the Amy Clark/Bader Bird Sanctuary. It starts in a mature woodlot, then leads you across the ravine and along a ridge, which shows signs of Native American use, to a small man-made pond and wildlife blind where you may observe waterfowl. The trees in this forest are mostly beech, maple, oak, and hickory species. As you walk, you may see signs of wild turkeys, deer, and coyotes. Be on the lookout for great horned owls, red-bellied woodpeckers and a variety of songbirds.
Approximate time to traverse: 45 minutes. Moderate elevation changes.

Wetland Loop Trail (unofficial name) – This 1/2 mile paved loop is accessible for all. Beginning near the nature center, this trail provides the user with a variety of habitats to enjoy, from meadows and wetlands, to forest. You may hear the raucous call of pheasants, observe meadowlarks balancing on the prairie plants, be startled by the sudden plop of frogs jumping into the wetland, or enjoy the tranquility of the forest canopy.
Approximate time to traverse: 25 minutes. Level.

Preservation Parks of Delaware County | 2656 Hogback Road | Sunbury, Ohio 43074 | 740-524-8600 | Fax: 740-524-8200