Columbus & Franklin County Metro Parks
@cbusmetroparks.bsky.social
20 natural area parks with 230 miles of trails & over 28,000 acres of land in seven Central Ohio counties.
https://sprout.link/cbusmetroparks
https://sprout.link/cbusmetroparks
Listen closely for turkeys the next time you're out on the trails 🦃
Not only do they gobble, they also cluck, purr, and putt. A whole vocabulary!
Not only do they gobble, they also cluck, purr, and putt. A whole vocabulary!
November 24, 2025 at 12:38 PM
Listen closely for turkeys the next time you're out on the trails 🦃
Not only do they gobble, they also cluck, purr, and putt. A whole vocabulary!
Not only do they gobble, they also cluck, purr, and putt. A whole vocabulary!
The 2025–2026 Winter Hike Series kicks off Dec. 1 at Blacklick Woods!
This year, you have the option to grab a physical card or go paperless and join the Winter Hike Challenge on OuterSpatial!
bit.ly/3EdTHCi
This year, you have the option to grab a physical card or go paperless and join the Winter Hike Challenge on OuterSpatial!
bit.ly/3EdTHCi
Winter Hikes - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Winter Hikes - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System -
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 12:37 PM
The 2025–2026 Winter Hike Series kicks off Dec. 1 at Blacklick Woods!
This year, you have the option to grab a physical card or go paperless and join the Winter Hike Challenge on OuterSpatial!
bit.ly/3EdTHCi
This year, you have the option to grab a physical card or go paperless and join the Winter Hike Challenge on OuterSpatial!
bit.ly/3EdTHCi
Behind every successful prescribed burn lies careful planning — firebreaks, weather, prescriptions, and more🔥
Dive deep into the strategy: bit.ly/3KRE4Y4
#cbusmetroparks
Dive deep into the strategy: bit.ly/3KRE4Y4
#cbusmetroparks
Don’t hit the brakes on firebreaks - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Don’t hit the brakes on firebreaks - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - LOGAN DUNN Assistant Resource Manager Every spring and fall Metro Parks conducts prescribed burns at a number of our parks...
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November 10, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Behind every successful prescribed burn lies careful planning — firebreaks, weather, prescriptions, and more🔥
Dive deep into the strategy: bit.ly/3KRE4Y4
#cbusmetroparks
Dive deep into the strategy: bit.ly/3KRE4Y4
#cbusmetroparks
If you’ve ever followed up a trek along Highbank’s shale bluff by walking around the nature center, you may have come across the mounted remnants of an ancient, monstrous sea creature in the otherwise quaint surroundings.
Read more: metroparks.net/blog/dunkleo...
Read more: metroparks.net/blog/dunkleo...
Dunkleosteus - the world's deadliest fish - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Dunkleosteus - the world's deadliest fish - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - TIFFANY GUO Guest Blogger If you’ve ever followed up a trek along Highbank’s shale bluff by wandering around the na...
metroparks.net
October 21, 2025 at 12:01 PM
If you’ve ever followed up a trek along Highbank’s shale bluff by walking around the nature center, you may have come across the mounted remnants of an ancient, monstrous sea creature in the otherwise quaint surroundings.
Read more: metroparks.net/blog/dunkleo...
Read more: metroparks.net/blog/dunkleo...
📍 Sycamore Plains Trail, Prairie Oaks Metro Park
This 1.1-mile trail is considered moderate to difficult and winds through grasslands, large sycamore trees, and along Big Darby Creek!
#cbusmetroparks
This 1.1-mile trail is considered moderate to difficult and winds through grasslands, large sycamore trees, and along Big Darby Creek!
#cbusmetroparks
October 21, 2025 at 12:01 PM
📍 Sycamore Plains Trail, Prairie Oaks Metro Park
This 1.1-mile trail is considered moderate to difficult and winds through grasslands, large sycamore trees, and along Big Darby Creek!
#cbusmetroparks
This 1.1-mile trail is considered moderate to difficult and winds through grasslands, large sycamore trees, and along Big Darby Creek!
#cbusmetroparks
Check out the GRIT Freedom Chair, our newest addition to help make Metro Parks more accessible. This rugged wheelchair tackles trails like a champ, letting more visitors explore the great outdoors!
Learn more: bit.ly/4n8h2dB
#cbusmetroparks
Learn more: bit.ly/4n8h2dB
#cbusmetroparks
Increasing Inclusion in our Metro Parks: Introducing the GRIT Freedom Chair - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Increasing Inclusion in our Metro Parks: Introducing the GRIT Freedom Chair - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - MEGAN RICHLEY Inclusion Program Coordinator I am really excited to share with you...
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October 14, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Check out the GRIT Freedom Chair, our newest addition to help make Metro Parks more accessible. This rugged wheelchair tackles trails like a champ, letting more visitors explore the great outdoors!
Learn more: bit.ly/4n8h2dB
#cbusmetroparks
Learn more: bit.ly/4n8h2dB
#cbusmetroparks
Welcome to October! Check out some of our highlighted programs for the month 🍁
Don't forget: all of our programs are free! Find a full list of programs and descriptions: bit.ly/4n2XqrU
Don't forget: all of our programs are free! Find a full list of programs and descriptions: bit.ly/4n2XqrU
Upcoming Events - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Upcoming Events - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System -
bit.ly
October 3, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Welcome to October! Check out some of our highlighted programs for the month 🍁
Don't forget: all of our programs are free! Find a full list of programs and descriptions: bit.ly/4n2XqrU
Don't forget: all of our programs are free! Find a full list of programs and descriptions: bit.ly/4n2XqrU
Open your calendars, invite your friends, and make sure to join us for this year's Darby Creek Day event! 🐟
September 30, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Open your calendars, invite your friends, and make sure to join us for this year's Darby Creek Day event! 🐟
Join us for Fall Fest at Slate Run Metro Park on October 11 🎃
We'll have hayrides, corn mazes, and so much more!
We'll have hayrides, corn mazes, and so much more!
September 30, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Join us for Fall Fest at Slate Run Metro Park on October 11 🎃
We'll have hayrides, corn mazes, and so much more!
We'll have hayrides, corn mazes, and so much more!
Berms aren’t just for looks — they make a huge difference for wetland health! We’ve repaired and rebuilt key berms at Sharon Woods & Rocky Fork to restore water levels and support wildlife habitat. Read more: bit.ly/3Ku6J53
Making BERManent Changes - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Making BERManent Changes - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - MELANIE FOWLER Resource Management Technician Over the past few months, some of the Resource Management staff repaired failing berms...
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September 30, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Berms aren’t just for looks — they make a huge difference for wetland health! We’ve repaired and rebuilt key berms at Sharon Woods & Rocky Fork to restore water levels and support wildlife habitat. Read more: bit.ly/3Ku6J53
It's the best day of the year!
That's right - it's National Pawpaw Day! Pawpaws are the only local member of a large, mainly tropical plant family, and produce the largest edible fruit native to North America. They are also the official state fruit!
That's right - it's National Pawpaw Day! Pawpaws are the only local member of a large, mainly tropical plant family, and produce the largest edible fruit native to North America. They are also the official state fruit!
September 18, 2025 at 11:35 AM
It's the best day of the year!
That's right - it's National Pawpaw Day! Pawpaws are the only local member of a large, mainly tropical plant family, and produce the largest edible fruit native to North America. They are also the official state fruit!
That's right - it's National Pawpaw Day! Pawpaws are the only local member of a large, mainly tropical plant family, and produce the largest edible fruit native to North America. They are also the official state fruit!
Outdoor Movie Nights are back in the parks this fall 🎥 Check out some of our favorites - all movies are free and begin at dark! Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
September 18, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Outdoor Movie Nights are back in the parks this fall 🎥 Check out some of our favorites - all movies are free and begin at dark! Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
The woods aren’t just alive at night - they glow🌙✨ Peek into the secret nightlife of nature and uncover creatures that shine under UV light. Read the full story: bit.ly/41krTbI
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
Glow-in-the-dark Nature - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Glow-in-the-dark Nature - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - CRAIG BIEGLER Blendon Woods & Rocky Fork Naturalist You may be familiar with a few animals that glow in the dark; fireflies (or “ligh...
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September 16, 2025 at 6:05 PM
The woods aren’t just alive at night - they glow🌙✨ Peek into the secret nightlife of nature and uncover creatures that shine under UV light. Read the full story: bit.ly/41krTbI
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
Metro Parks now offers sensory sensitivity backpacks in each of our Nature Centers 🎒 Visitors can check them out to use during their visit, and each one includes various tools to help keep days at the park enjoyable!
Learn more: bit.ly/46RlEjb
Learn more: bit.ly/46RlEjb
Sensory Sensitivity Bags are here! - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Sensory Sensitivity Bags are here! - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - MEGAN RICHLEY Inclusion Program Coordinator Happy August! It is hard to believe that the kiddos are headed back to school ...
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September 9, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Metro Parks now offers sensory sensitivity backpacks in each of our Nature Centers 🎒 Visitors can check them out to use during their visit, and each one includes various tools to help keep days at the park enjoyable!
Learn more: bit.ly/46RlEjb
Learn more: bit.ly/46RlEjb
Blacklick Woods Golf Course was recently awarded the 2025 Ohio Water Conservation Excellence Award by the ODNR! This award recognizes the efforts we have made to reduce water usage, while setting an example for organizations!
Read more: bit.ly/4mJ0GrL
#cbusmetroparks
Read more: bit.ly/4mJ0GrL
#cbusmetroparks
Let’s leave the water in the water hazards - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Let’s leave the water in the water hazards - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - ERIN FLANNERY Assistant Golf Course Manager All golf courses need grass. And what does grass need to thrive? Water...
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September 8, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Blacklick Woods Golf Course was recently awarded the 2025 Ohio Water Conservation Excellence Award by the ODNR! This award recognizes the efforts we have made to reduce water usage, while setting an example for organizations!
Read more: bit.ly/4mJ0GrL
#cbusmetroparks
Read more: bit.ly/4mJ0GrL
#cbusmetroparks
September brings all kinds of fun events! It's your last chance for paddling with Outdoor Adventure, Scioto Fest is this month, & we have all sorts of other programs that you can join in on 🍁
Find a list of all programs: bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
Find a list of all programs: bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
Upcoming Events - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Upcoming Events - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System -
bit.ly
September 4, 2025 at 11:28 AM
September brings all kinds of fun events! It's your last chance for paddling with Outdoor Adventure, Scioto Fest is this month, & we have all sorts of other programs that you can join in on 🍁
Find a list of all programs: bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
Find a list of all programs: bit.ly/4n2XqrU
#cbusmetroparks
Join Metro Parks and the Y for a day of outdoor fun and adventure for all abilities!
Where: Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Darby Bend Lakes Area
When: September 14, 2025 from 11am - 3pm
#cbusmetroparks
Where: Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Darby Bend Lakes Area
When: September 14, 2025 from 11am - 3pm
#cbusmetroparks
September 4, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Join Metro Parks and the Y for a day of outdoor fun and adventure for all abilities!
Where: Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Darby Bend Lakes Area
When: September 14, 2025 from 11am - 3pm
#cbusmetroparks
Where: Prairie Oaks Metro Park, Darby Bend Lakes Area
When: September 14, 2025 from 11am - 3pm
#cbusmetroparks
Blacklick Woods Golf Course is looking for its next Golf Course Superintendent - someone with the passion, leadership, & turf-taming skills to keep our Championship & Learning Courses in top shape.
If you've got the drive, apply today: bit.ly/3UKDGfD
If you've got the drive, apply today: bit.ly/3UKDGfD
August 28, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Blacklick Woods Golf Course is looking for its next Golf Course Superintendent - someone with the passion, leadership, & turf-taming skills to keep our Championship & Learning Courses in top shape.
If you've got the drive, apply today: bit.ly/3UKDGfD
If you've got the drive, apply today: bit.ly/3UKDGfD
Mid-August marks the beginning of fall migration for monarch butterflies 🦋 These butterflies fly about 2,500 miles from the United States and Canada, down to Central Mexico, and can travel anywhere from 50 to 100 miles a day!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Catherine Bigger
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Catherine Bigger
August 27, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Mid-August marks the beginning of fall migration for monarch butterflies 🦋 These butterflies fly about 2,500 miles from the United States and Canada, down to Central Mexico, and can travel anywhere from 50 to 100 miles a day!
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Catherine Bigger
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Catherine Bigger
Coyotes can leap 14 feet and run up to 45 mph! That’s one fast furball🐾 Discover more about their wild world on our blog: bit.ly/45x29Kp
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
All About… Coyotes - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
All About… Coyotes - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - GORDON MITCHELL Land Management Coordinator Coyotes are relatives of the gray wolf, which has long been extirpated from Ohio. The scientif...
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August 27, 2025 at 11:27 AM
Coyotes can leap 14 feet and run up to 45 mph! That’s one fast furball🐾 Discover more about their wild world on our blog: bit.ly/45x29Kp
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
On August 14, 1945, Judge Cloys P. McClelland signed the document that established the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. That's right, we're technically 80 years old! 🎉
Read more: bit.ly/4mEoSLp
Read more: bit.ly/4mEoSLp
STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS - The Musings of an 80-year-old Metro Parks - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS - The Musings of an 80-year-old Metro Parks - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System - VIRGINIA GORDON Communications Coordinator It’s August 14, 2025 and that means I’m 80 yea...
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August 18, 2025 at 11:52 AM
On August 14, 1945, Judge Cloys P. McClelland signed the document that established the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. That's right, we're technically 80 years old! 🎉
Read more: bit.ly/4mEoSLp
Read more: bit.ly/4mEoSLp
Have you seen something darting around in the creeks and rivers? It could be a darter! Darters are adapted for life in the swift-flowing sections of clear, rocky streams (like Big Darby Creek) 🐟
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Rainbow Darter at Battelle Darby Creek, Mac Albin
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Rainbow Darter at Battelle Darby Creek, Mac Albin
August 13, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Have you seen something darting around in the creeks and rivers? It could be a darter! Darters are adapted for life in the swift-flowing sections of clear, rocky streams (like Big Darby Creek) 🐟
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Rainbow Darter at Battelle Darby Creek, Mac Albin
#cbusmetroparks
📸 Rainbow Darter at Battelle Darby Creek, Mac Albin
The bridge over the Scioto River at Quarry Trails Metro Park is now OPEN! This truss bridge was formerly used for trains, and can now be used as an observation deck to view the Scioto River. Please be aware that there is no access to the east side of the river.
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
August 11, 2025 at 11:37 AM
The bridge over the Scioto River at Quarry Trails Metro Park is now OPEN! This truss bridge was formerly used for trains, and can now be used as an observation deck to view the Scioto River. Please be aware that there is no access to the east side of the river.
#cbusmetroparks
#cbusmetroparks
The Blacklick Woods Nature Center recently got a makeover 🐛 Go check out new displays and old friends, and even an indoor mini canopy walk (say whaaaattt?!)
Thanks to the park staff and everyone who helped transform the space!
#cbusmetroparks
Thanks to the park staff and everyone who helped transform the space!
#cbusmetroparks
August 11, 2025 at 11:36 AM
The Blacklick Woods Nature Center recently got a makeover 🐛 Go check out new displays and old friends, and even an indoor mini canopy walk (say whaaaattt?!)
Thanks to the park staff and everyone who helped transform the space!
#cbusmetroparks
Thanks to the park staff and everyone who helped transform the space!
#cbusmetroparks