Preservation Parks of Delaware County

Deer Haven Preserve

Spined Micrathena

Look for these oddly-shaped spiders with a large rear and spiny black projections as you walk through the woods this time of year. .

They build their large orb webs, with a tight spiral, "face high" across walking paths.

The spiders are harmless to humans and you could practice your limbo skills as you try to avoid destroying their webs.

97 acres

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Hours of Operation: 8 a.m.- dark, 365 days a year
The Lodge: Noon-5 p.m., every day.

Forest, forest edge, pond, meadow and wetland habitats make up this park in Liberty Township. Trails skirt the meadows and wind through mature woods, offering a variety of vistas to visitors.

Deer Haven Preserve is adjacent to Liberty Township’s Havener Park. The two parks share a main access driveway and walking trails are connected, providing about 3 miles of trials between the two parks.

The Deer Haven property was donated to Preservation Parks in 2006 by Phyllis A. Havener and her family. The family had used the property as a summer retreat and agreed that the beautiful natural area should be preserved. The park is home to the Amy Clark/Bader Bird Sanctuary.

John W. Bader Jr. donated funds to the Park District to develop the Bird Sanctuary in his wife’s honor. The park was opened to the public in 2008, and The Lodge nature center opened in 2009.

Features:
The Lodge at Deer Haven Preserve
Wildlife Blind
Picnic Area

Trails:
Tree Swallow Trail — After traversing forest edge and field habitats, this 0.6-mile trail crosses a wetland area. Visitors are likely to see bluebirds, tree swallows in season, goldfinches, red tailed hawks, cottontails and white tailed deer.

No pets allowed on this trail.

Approximate walking time: 20 minutes.

Bent Tree Ridge Trail — This 0.4-mile trail overlooks two ravines and streams as it traverses mature woods. A wildlife blind allows visitors to watch ducks and other water fowl on a pond. Look for beech, maple, honey locust and red cedar trees. As you walk, you might see thrushes, woodpeckers and blue jays, and if you are alert, you might catch glimpses of barred owls in the evening.

No pets allowed on this trail.

Approximate walking time: 20 minutes

Pet Trail — This mown 0.4-mile path through a meadow is designated for pets. Mutt-Mitts, for cleaning up after them, are available at the trail head.

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