What’s in a name?
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” In this famous line from Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2), William …Read More
Thanksgiving on the Farm
The idea of Thanksgiving in America often conjures up images of Native Americans and early settlers around tables laden with food. George Washington was the first president to declare a …Read More
Help us improve the Greenway Trails
PLEASE NOTE: THIS SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED (Feb 28, 2018) The Central Ohio Greenway Trails are an extensive series of multipurpose trails connecting communities, neighborhoods, downtown Columbus and other destination …Read More
Will You Go Out With Us?
You may remember when REI did something different on Black Friday last year—they closed the co-op’s doors and invited the nation to opt outside with them. And more than …Read More
What Metro Parks mean to me
More than 8-million visitors come to the 19 Metro Parks every year, and every one of you has a story to tell and reasons aplenty for being there. We chatted …Read More
Unbe-leaf-able Science
Fall is here and the leaves are changing colors right before our eyes. In just a few more weeks, the leaves will have fallen from the trees and winter will …Read More
The Haunted Forest Effect
The work of busy beech blight aphids While hiking along the many trails of our Metro Parks a mysterious substance can be discovered this time of year. As this mysterious …Read More
Fall hiking in the parks #5 – October 28, 2016
CLEAR CREEK It is a beautiful time of year to get out and explore the trails at Clear Creek Metro Park. The park offers many hiking opportunities. As there are …Read More
You Can Eat That: Black Walnut
Launching into wild edible plants may seem complicated, but with a little knowledge and an adventurous mindset, you could be foraging for your own food in no time. Before you get …Read More
Fall Hiking in the parks #4 – October 21, 2016
BLACKLICK WOODS This time of year the Multi-purpose Trail at Blacklick Woods is a sight to behold. Start at the nature center parking lot and enjoy an easy 2-mile walk …Read More
Spiders: The not so spooky Halloween symbol
Ask any kindergartener and they will tell you that spiders have eight legs, eight eyes (most do) and two body parts…and they are way cool. Most adults would not agree …Read More
Fall hiking in the parks #3 – October 14, 2016
HOMESTEAD METRO PARK This spring, staff at Homestead started the conversion of mowed lawn into habitat by seeding native tallgrass prairie. It will take three to five years for the prairie …Read More
Tip of the Campaign Hat – Ranger Fortman
Movement in the ranger ranks continues. A tip of the campaign hat to Kurt Fortman who was promoted from a ranger at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to the assistant manager …Read More
BIG RED (part II) — It’s all in the genes
VIRGINIA GORDON Communications Coordinator As reported in part one of our two-part blog post on Big Red, regular park visitor at Blacklick Woods, Karl Hassel, became obsessed with capturing photos …Read More
Fall hiking in the parks #2 – October 7, 2016
SHARON WOODS If you are looking for a leisurely walk that’s chocked-full of fall colors, the fields at Sharon Woods are at their fall-color peak with blooming Goldenrod and New …Read More
Myth busting the hickory tussock moth caterpillar
You may have seen this post somewhere on social media: “POISONOUS CATERPILLAR FOUND IN OHIO— It may look like a woolly worm..but it’s not. This is a venomous caterpillar from …Read More
BIG RED (part I) – The Search for a Legend
VIRGINIA GORDON Communications Coordinator There are some large bucks to be seen at Blacklick Woods, and maybe some of them are related to an impressive beast that once roamed the …Read More
Columbus City Schools Intern Initiative
If you visited a Metro Park this summer, you may have seen a group of high school students staining a deck or trimming alongside a trail. These students were part …Read More
Fall hiking in the parks #1 – Sept 22, 2016
Later this morning, 10:21 am to be precise, fall officially arrives. Fall is a season of sensory splendor and delight in your Metro Parks. Crisp morning air, bright blue and …Read More
Tip of the Campaign Hat – Rangers Heisey, Knowles, Kaderly and White
A lot of things happening in the ranger ranks over the last few weeks. Mike Heisey, Glacier Ridge Park Manager, retired on August 31, 2016 after 37 years of service to …Read More