Beautiful, natural areas for you to enjoy
Since 1948, protecting high quality natural areas has been an integral part of Metro Parks’ mission. We protect more than 28,700 acres forests, prairies, grasslands, rivers, streams and wetlands.
We manage our natural resources in a manner that provides the optimal composition of native communities, and benefits the largest diversity of native species possible. More than 2,400 plant and animal species have been documented, including several state and federal endangered ones.
Discover the Natural Wonders of Your Park
As a result of Metro Parks’ conservation efforts, park visitors can see a diverse array of plants and animals ranging from a ruby–throated hummingbird weighing in at 3 grams to a 1,000-pound burly bison. We hope that these natural delights that you chance upon when out in a park will fill you with a sense of connection, vibrancy and awe.
News & Upcoming Programs for Nature Lovers
Our Wander & Wonder video explores the diverse habitats of the wetlands at Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, with its beautiful ponds surrounded by wildflowers and tall grasses. It’s a landscape …Read More
AYDEN VAN FOSSEN Naturalist at Highbanks Metro Park When you think of squirrels in Ohio, likely the first images to pop into your head are that of gray squirrels running …Read More
ANDREW BOOSE Aquatic Ecologist The weather cools, and the aerially acrobatic dragons exit. The dragons of the aquatic realm take up their hunting under the watery surface. Stealthily, lying in …Read More
SCOTT FELKER Three Creeks Naturalist As a Metro Parks naturalist, I’ve heard many things over the years. Kids often go into “stream of consciousness” monologues that usually start with “One …Read More