One park’s trash is a giraffe’s feast!
Olivia Garas Land Management Coordinator of the North End Parks One of the most important jobs we have in Resource Management is removing invasives. There are so many different plants …Read More
A Conflagration at Pickerington Ponds Metro Park
Shelly Richardson Pickerington Ponds Manager Metro Parks acquired an 11-acre parcel of land last year as part of Pickerington Ponds Metro Park. The area included an old house that was …Read More
Behind the Parks: Meet Gabriel at Highbanks
Gabriel Sanchez Maintenance Technician, Highbanks Gabriel Sanchez is talking with Communications Coordinator, Virginia Gordon About me I was born and raised in Willard, a small town in Huron Country. It’s …Read More
Metro Parks celebrates two statewide honors from OPRA
Liz Christian Social Media and Marketing Specialist We’re proud to share that Metro Parks recently received two statewide honors from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA), recognizing our commitment …Read More
From War Strategy to Recreation: The History of Via Ferratas
EVELYN P HILGEMAN Outdoor Adventure Programmer Via ferratas may seem like a modern adventurous pursuit, but their origin dates back to 19th-century Europe. Originally used as a wartime tactic, these …Read More
Ohio Young Birders Club
Sandy Libertini Senior Manager, Grange Insurance Audubon Center Attention Young Nature Enthusiasts! Join the Ohio Young Birders Club, the premiere birding group for youth aged 12 to 18! ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP …Read More
Alan Rosenbeck: Helping Eagle Scouts Soar
CARA CHATFIELD Highbanks Park Ranger Alan Rosenbeck is a commissioned park ranger and assistant manager at Highbanks Metro Park. Since 2011, he has been working closely with scouts from Scouting …Read More
State Nature Preserves in Your Metro Parks
LIZ CHRISTIAN Marketing & Social Media Specialist When you visit a Metro Park, you’re already stepping into protected green space, but did you know that some Metro Parks contain areas …Read More
The Metro Parks Holiday Crossword 2025
THE METRO PARKS 2025 HOLIDAY CROSSWORD IS HERE! As well as nature and general trivia, the theme of this year’s crossword adds Outer Space, to complement Metro Parks’ Wild and …Read More
Hike under the lights at Metro Parks 2025-26
CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO OF SOME OF THE STUNNING LIGHTS AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO ENJOY THIS WINTER. THEY LOOK GREAT ON VIDEO, BUT LOOK EVEN BETTER OUT THERE IN THE …Read More
Got a Question About Nature? Ask a Ranger or a Naturalist!
Curious about something you saw on the trail? Wondering why owls hoot at night, how salamanders find their way back to their breeding pools, or which Metro Park is best …Read More
Behind the Parks: Meet Amanda at Quarry Trails
Amanda Sugerik Park Ranger, Quarry Trails Metro Park Amanda Sugerik is talking with Communications Coordinator, Virginia Gordon About me I was born in Westerville and have lived my whole life …Read More
Come to Ohio, the winter heart of it all
STEPHANIE WEST Blendon Woods Naturalist Of all winter travel destinations, Ohio hardly seems like the perfect getaway. There’s no warm tropical sand, nor towering ski slopes. Vistas are often gray …Read More
Preserving habitat for sandhill cranes
LOGAN DUNN Assistant Resource Manager Sandhill cranes are large majestic birds that capture the attention of almost anyone found within the area of them. They are still listed as “Threatened” …Read More
Meet Bonnie and Skip at Blendon Woods
Bonnie and Skip Decker Metro Parks Volunteers at Blendon Woods Bonnie and Skip Decker are talking with Communications Coordinator, Virginia Gordon Volunteering at Metro Parks BONNIE We have been volunteer …Read More
OUR NATURE IN FOCUS – a new photography exhibition and contest
Grange Insurance Audubon Center and Midwest Photo are thrilled to announce OUR NATURE IN FOCUS, a photography competition and exhibition that celebrates the beauty that resides in our Columbus and …Read More
Don’t hit the brakes on firebreaks
LOGAN DUNN Assistant Resource Manager Every spring and fall Metro Parks conducts prescribed burns at a number of our parks. The use of prescribed fire maintains a healthy prairie ecosystem …Read More
All About… Fox Squirrels
GORDON MITCHELL Land Management Coordinator Fox squirrels are the largest native tree squirrel species in North America. Its scientific name of Sciurus niger is made up of a generic name, …Read More