It's not a duck, it's a loon! Common loons pass through Ohio during spring & fall migration. They are known for eerie calls, deep dives (up to 200 feet!), and striking red eyes in mating season. #cbusmetroparks 📸 Jof Rodriguez

🚨 New Challenge Alert We're celebrating 250 years of America this summer! Join the new challenge on the OuterSpatial app to visit cultural and historical sites around your Metro Parks. Join the challenge: https://bit.ly/4v63kfU #cbusmetroparks

Thanks to all who joined us for the opening of Great Southern Metro Park yesterday! The park is now open daily to all visitors. Find hours and more information: https://bit.ly/4bLZykf #cbusmetroparks

Warmer days mean more chances to explore, learn, and get outside! Whether you're into wildlife, wellness, or just want a reason to enjoy the sunshine, we've got a program for you. Check out the full list of programs: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU #cbusmetroparks

March's photo of the month comes from Inniswood Metro Gardens 🦉 Young barred owls can stick around the nest for up to six months, but can start flying at six weeks old; they just don't go too far! 📸 Robin Winters #cbusmetroparks

⚠️ Road closure alert for the Three Creeks Metro Park area⚠️

Your bike deserves a little off-season love ❤️ Now is the perfect time to handle basic bike maintenance and get your ride ready for spring trails. Check out some easy tips to make your ride a little smoother: https://bit.ly/4rKey6W #cbusmetroparks

No joke - we're opening a new park! Great Southern Metro Park will officially open as our 21st park next Wednesday, April 1st 🌳 Join us starting at 4 pm on April 1st for a ribbon cutting, tram rides, and outdoor fun for everyone! Find more details: https://bit.ly/3Nbqqkc #cbusmetroparks

📍 Sugar Maple Trail, Slate Run Metro Park This moderate-to-difficult trail crosses Slate Run Creek and several steep hills. It connects to the Five Oaks Trail and the Slate Run Wetlands. This trail is a great place to search for spring wildflowers! #cbusmetroparks

Time flies by (unless you're at Slate Run Living Historical Farm) 🕰️ #cbusmetroparks

Spring is here in Ohio 🌷 Spring wildflowers are on their way, migrating birds are stopping by, and butterflies and bees are reappearing. Head outside and see what you can find! #cbusmetroparks

What can we find out from trail cams? Our trail cams help us learn about what animals are in the parks, what they may be eating, & who else they're hanging out with. They also let us know the local wildlife is very aware that we've been watching them! #cbusmetroparks 📸 Blacklick Woods Trail Cam

We're feeling lucky to have 28,000 acres of green space, fresh air, and a community that loves to explore the outdoors 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from your Metro Parks! #cbusmetroparks

Spring cleaning isn't just for your house🧹 In your Metro Parks, our Resource Management team is busy working on the annual upkeep of structures for various species. Read all about it: https://bit.ly/4lvjGud #cbusmetroparks

Today is National Learn about Butterflies Day 🦋 This beauty is a Tiger Swallowtail, one of Ohio's most abundant and most recognizable butterflies. #cbusmetroparks 📸 Kirt Beiling

While cardinals and blue jays grab the spotlight, winter's real hidden gems are scurrying through the leaf litter. Sparrows are diverse, beautiful, and perfectly adapted for Ohio's colder months. Get to know some of our local sparrows in our latest blog: https://bit.ly/3MF9eTC #cbusmetroparks

Behind every clean, safe park is a team working hard to keep it that way! Our rangers patrol parks, assist visitors, respond to emergencies, and help protect the natural spaces we all love 🌿 #cbusmetroparks

Today, we celebrate the women who lead, explore, protect, volunteer, and teach in our parks🌼 From the trails to the nature centers, your passion helps our communities thrive! Happy International Women's Day! #cbusmetroparks

Spotted salamanders are on the move during warm, rainy spring nights as they head to woodland pools to breed. If you're lucky enough to see one, enjoy the moment and give them some space; they've got important places to be! #cbusmetroparks

One park's trash really is a giraffe's feast🦒 By partnering with the Columbus Zoo, Metro Parks is turning invasive callery pear trees into nutritious food for animals, all while restoring healthy habitats in our parks. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4cBSN54 #cbusmetroparks

Today we're celebrating the wild neighbors who make our parks come alive. From soaring hawks to spring wildflowers, every species plays a role in our ecosystems. Happy World Wildlife Day 🦫🦝 #cbusmetroparks 📸 Scott Zimmermann, Christopher Brinkman, Adam Brandemihl

Mud? Optional. A Sunday nap? Mandatory. Happy National Pig Day from our pigs at Slate Run Living Historical Farm 🐷 #cbusmetroparks 📸 Margaret Crawford

We're getting closer and closer to spring! Check out March's events and programs! From Welcome to Spring hikes to birdwatching, we have tons of opportunities for everyone to get outside and enjoy nature 🌱 Find ALL details, programs, addresses, and more: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU #cbusmetroparks

State Nature Preserves are protected so nature can thrive 🌱 By visiting respectfully, you help ensure these special places remain healthy for generations to come! #cbusmetroparks

February's Photo(s) of the Month come from Sharon Woods Metro Parks, on a sunny day after the snow fell ❄️ #cbusmetroparks 📸 Mary Ann Schell

Even in the winter, the creeks and rivers keep moving! As temperatures fluctuate, river ice forms, breaks apart, and refreezes. When moving water pushes large sheets downstream, they collide and pile up, creating an ice jam 🧊 #cbusmetroparks 📸 Ben Dawson

Males have a bold, fan-shaped crest that they can raise or flatten at will. Females have crests too, but theirs is more of a cinnamon-brown color. #cbusmetroparks

Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks? The Walter A. Tucker State Nature Preserve sits within Blacklick Woods Metro Park, and is a 54-acre swamp preserve! #cbusmetroparks

📍 Darby Creek Greenway Trail, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park This gravel trail is a total of 5 miles long, connecting the Darby Dan area to the Cedar Ridge area of Battelle Darby Creek. Visitors can hike or bike this trail, and visit the bison along the way 🦬 #cbusmetroparks

We're hiring seasonal Park Technicians! Get outside and help with trail maintenance, mowing and mulching, invasive species removal, and other tasks that help keep our parks beautiful and thriving 🌳 Find the full job description and apply by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2wS19U3 #cbusmetroparks

We're spreading the love of nature on this Valentine's Day 💕 Enjoy these Valentine's from us to you, or send them to someone you love! #cbusmetroparks

Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks? Pickerington Ponds State Nature Preserve is a 418-acre preserve that includes a buttonbush swamp, marshes, and ponds. Over 250 different species of birds have been recorded over the years 🦆 #cbusmetroparks

Wildlife sightings, scenic overlooks, and trails that wind through forests and meadows - Highbanks Metro Park is truly one of a kind 🌲 #cbusmetroparks

We're hiring Seasonal Park Rangers 🌱 You'll greet and assist visitors, answer questions about trails and wildlife, patrol park areas, and help keep our parks safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone! Find the full job description and apply by clicking here: https://bit.ly/2wS19U3 #cbusmetroparks

Double the good news! The Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground has been recognized by OPRA for inclusive play, and Metro Parks’ Steve Studenmund received the Jack Hanna Award for his outstanding conservation leadership. Read more: https://bit.ly/4caoZwf #cbusmetroparks

Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks? The Edward S. Thomas State Nature Preserve can be found at Sharon Woods Metro Park, and features 8 species of oaks, some over 250 years old, & large hickory, maple, & beech trees. #cbusmetroparks

Join us for the Winter Hike Celebration on February 22nd at the Blacklick Woods Golf Course from 11am to 3pm❄️ If you can't make this event, no worries! Just follow the instructions on your card or in the app. More info: https://bit.ly/3EdTHCi #cbusmetroparks

Metro Parks are home to some incredible wetlands, and that's why we're celebrating World Wetlands Day 🐸 These water-rich ecosystems filter water, prevent floods, and provide homes for countless critters! #cbusmetroparks 📸 Killdeer at Glacier Ridge, Edith Wood

Cold days, cozy layers, and plenty to explore ❄️ February programs here! From guided hikes to Galentine's Day fun, there's plenty to explore this month at your Metro Parks 💕 Find more details and addresses by visiting our website: https://bit.ly/4n2XqrU #cbusmetroparks

Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks? Edward F. Hutchins State Nature Preserve is located within Highbanks, spanning 206 acres, along the Overlook Trail. This nature preserve features 100-foot high bluffs overlooking the Olentangy River 🪨 #cbusmetroparks

Metro Parks staff have captured some gorgeous photos of the parks while they're out clearing snow this week ❄️ #cbusmetroparks 📸 Tall pines at Walnut Woods, Ranger Mindi; barn at Slate Run Farm, Alli Shaw; Innis House, Ranger Bryan; Millikin Falls at Quarry Trails, Quarry Trails staff

We heard 2016 was trending, so we're throwing it back 💚 Same parks, same love for the outdoors, just 10 years ago! #cbusmetroparks 📸 toasting marshmallows at Scioto Grove, John Nixon; Yappy Hour at Scioto Audubon, Angela Latham

From wartime strategy in the European Alps to an urban adventure right here in Columbus 🧗‍♀️ Learn the fascinating history behind via ferratas—and how Quarry Trails Metro Park became part of a nearly 200-year-old global legacy. Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3NvGRY6 #cbusmetroparks

January's photo of the month comes from Slate Run Living Historical Farm, and features Chester the farm cat 🐈 You may see him roaming around the farmhouse while you're there! #cbusmetroparks 📸 Cyndi Griffith, via OuterSpatial

Did you know that Metro Parks manages 5 State Nature Preserves within our parks? Clear Creek State Nature Preserve, a part of Clear Creek Metro Park, is Ohio's largest nature preserve, spanning 4,729 acres. Over 800 plant species have been recorded & 18 species of warblers! #cbusmetroparks

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day 🐿️ Love them or laugh at them, squirrels are an important part of healthy park ecosystems. They help forests grow by burying seeds they don't always come back for! 📸 Josh Courtney, Christoper Brinkman, Adam Brandemihl

February is the last month to complete our annual Winter Hikes series! You can still get your card stamped or check in on the app until February 22nd. Join us at Blacklick Woods Golf Course on February 22nd to get your patch for hiking 7 parks ⛳ #cbusmetroparks

In 2025, surveyors counted over 5,000 species of birds in the Metro Parks, including three new species that we've never seen in the parks before 🐦 Read all the results of the 2025 surveys: https://bit.ly/456i8ji #cbusmetroparks

It's always a good day to be at the Metro Parks, but we think winter is extra special ❄️ #cbusmetroparks

📍 Alum Creek Greenway Trail, Three Creeks Metro Park This trail follows Alum Creek & crosses a 300-foot bridge below the confluence of the Alum, Big Walnut, & Blacklick creeks. The section through Three Creeks is an easy 7 miles, where you can hike or bike! #cbusmetroparks