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.
Hogback Ridge Preserve was left to Preservation Parks in the estate of Mary Barber McCoy in 1998. With initial renovations made by the
Kiwanis Club of Delaware, the District offices were moved to the 32 acre site in 1999. In 2001 and 2002, the building underwent a complete renovation, increasing the office space and functionality of the building without increasing its size. It now houses not only the District offices but also the Mary Barber McCoy Nature Center. The Park District purchased an adjoining five acres, bringing the total to 37 acres in Brown Township. This purchase added two ponds and a meadow to the woodlands and stream corridor of the original site.
Facts
37 acres of mixed habitat, including wooded ravine systems, stream corridor, two ponds and small meadow
Opened in 1999
Houses Park District administrative offices
Hours of operation:
Park – 7:30 a.m. – Dusk
Nature Center – Saturday Noon
– 5:00 p.m. SundayNoon
– 5:00 p.m.
Facilities
Picnic areas
Restrooms
Drinking water
Window on Wildlife viewing area
Mary Barber McCoy Nature Center
Meeting/conference space for rent
Trails
* * Leashed dogs are allowed on these trails,
but you must clean up after your pets. “Mutt mitts” are provided at the kiosk to
assist you in the clean up.
Future Plans
Expanded wildlife viewing area
Expanded picnic facilities
Wildlife viewing blind
Expanded trail system
Trails at Hogback Ridge Preserve
Woodland Ridge Trail - This 1/2 mile mulched loop trail can be entered either near the parking lot or near the nature center. It follows the ravine ridge through an upland woodlot. Along this trail you will see a large stone deposited by a long-ago glacier and many varieties of wildflowers in season. If you are observant, you may also see a pileated woodpecker, or the holes made in the trees by one, as well as groundhogs, ground squirrels and deer. During bird migration seasons, you may catch a glimpse of a variety of warblers. And, you may see nuthatches, gold finches, downy, hairy and red-bellied woodpeckers, as well as Carolina wrens and blue-gray gnatcatchers. Approximate walking time: 15 minutes.
Preservation Parks of Delaware County | 2656 Hogback Road | Sunbury, Ohio 43074 | 740-524-8600 | Fax: 740-524-8200
Spined
Micrathena
