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 28,500 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

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Fishes of the Metro Parks

ANDREW BOOSE Aquatic Ecologist The Metro Parks, as a whole, is located within two Ohio River watersheds. There are two rivers (Olentangy and the Scioto), 11 creeks (Alum, Blacklick, Big …Read More

Fighting the hemlock woolly adelgid

AN UPDATE ON TREATMENT FOR THE HEMLOCK WOOLLY ADELGID AT CLEAR CREEK METRO PARK Staff and volunteers were able to tag over 6,000 hemlock trees in two separate areas of …Read More

Insects on the go

JILL SNYDER Visitor Engagement Manager As the temperature soars, many animals, including park visitors, tend to find shade and rest during the heat of the day. But that isn’t true …Read More

To the Bat Pole…!

CARRIE MORROW Assistant Resource Manager A METRO PARKS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SUCCESS STORY Every year, Metro Parks staff and volunteers return to the bat roosts installed at Battelle Darby Creek Metro …Read More

Get Outside, It’s Your Nature!