Reintroducing #FriendsPassport

The original 2017 passport

Updated 2025 Passport

The new passport features our three new parks, two of which are not open yet to the public, and six places within the park for you to visit! Visit three, get the stamp, and receive a prize!

By Ali Iovino

I moved to Columbus in 2013, but it wasn’t until 2019 that I truly fell in love with our Metro Parks. I was in search of new experiences around Central Ohio and stumbled upon the Passport to Metro Parks Program. Through the program, if I visited every Metro Park and stamped my passport, I would receive a t-shirt and swag bag. I thought it was such a fun incentive, and it motivated me to not only explore the parks that were hiding in plain sight from me as a transplant, but to go out to parks I would have never otherwise visited.

As I sought out new passport stamps, every new park I visited I announced was my favorite. Even today, I alternate my most-frequented park. Homestead always instills a beautiful sense of community. I saw my first owl (and its babies!) at Glacier Ridge. I’ve sharpened my beaver-spotting skills at Prairie Oaks. Inniswood’s vibrant colors and hummingbirds bring me joy every summer. I chase butterflies and goldfinches at Sharon Woods. I listen for woodpeckers at Chestnut Ridge. I meditate with the fresh smell of pine at Walnut Woods. My “Home Park” changes every season.

Our Metro Parks have enriched my life and in ways I did not expect. In addition to supporting my physical and mental health, they also led me to join Friends of Metro Parks and its board where I’ve been able to work alongside some incredible folks and share my new(ish)found love of our natural spaces. Among these incredible folks are Melissa Meyer, Development Assistant, and my fellow board members Joshua Hostetler and Amanda Engen who have led efforts to revitalize our Passport Program. The glow-up includes the latest addition to the lineup, Quarry Trails, plus our 2 newly anticipated parks opening later this year, Bank Run and Great Southern. The concept, however, is the same – visit all of our Metro Parks, stamp your passport, and redeem for a fun prize when complete! No time limit.

I set out on a goofy little adventure to get a free t-shirt and was rewarded with so much more. I will forever shout about our passports from the rooftops and encourage everyone to pick one up – whether you’re already familiar with our parks or not - and have fun exploring!

Where to find them: You can find a passport at the Nature Centers at Highbanks, Blendon Woods, Battelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods, or at Metro Parks Headquarters located at 1069 W. Main St in Westerville.

How to stamp them: Passports can be stamped by any staff member.  There will also be a stamp located in each nature center and ranger station.

Other FAQs about the program can be found here.  Don’t forget to share your favorite moments by tagging us and/or using #FriendsPassport. Happy Hiking!

Hidden Gem Hike: Spring Wildflowers at Inniswood Metro Gardens

By: Amanda Engen

While most visitors to Inniswood Metro Gardens come for the carefully curated ornamental displays, our March 30th Friends-only Hidden Gem hike revealed a different side of this beloved park—the woodland trails where spring wildflowers make their first appearance. Despite a morning of steady rain, eleven curious hikers gathered, raincoats and all, eager to discover the forest's awakening flora and experience firsthand why Inniswood's natural areas are worth exploring in any weather.

Our guide was Jen, a senior environmental educator who has dedicated over 20 years to the Metro Parks. Her extensive knowledge and passion for the natural world made for an enlightening 1.5-hour adventure through the lesser-known woodland areas of Inniswood.

Behind-the-Scenes Greenhouse Tour

The hike began with a special privilege—access to the normally off-limits greenhouses. Here, we observed various tropical plants "wintering over," meaning they were being sheltered indoors during the cold months to protect them from freezing temperatures. These plants will return to outdoor displays when warmer weather arrives.

The greenhouse staff were busy starting seeds that will eventually beautify Inniswood's gardens. Interestingly, they also grow vegetable seedlings for Slate Run's historical farm, showcasing the interconnectedness of different Metro Park properties.

First Signs of Spring

This week marked the first glimpses of wildflowers beginning to bloom in Inniswood's forest. Jen explained that spring is the optimal time to observe woodland wildflowers because the trees haven't yet leafed out, allowing maximum sunlight to reach the forest floor. This brief window of opportunity creates perfect conditions for early bloomers to thrive.

"It's variable, even a week makes a difference," Jen advised, recommending weekly visits throughout April to witness the rapidly changing landscape as different species take their turn to bloom.

Wildflower Discoveries

Throughout our journey along The Boardwalk Trail, Jen pointed out dozens of emerging wildflowers and provided a helpful identification guide for future reference. Among our discoveries:

• Purple Cress: This four-petaled flower from the mustard family is hearty enough to be one of the first woodland bloomers of the season

• Trout Lily: We spotted the distinctive mottled leaves emerging from the forest floor

• Skunk Cabbage: Recognizable by its unique form located near water and, as the name suggests, distinctive aroma

• False Mermaid: We observed this delicate plant blanketing the ground like a carpet across the forest floor

As we explored, Jen also highlighted the differences between these native wildflowers and the cultivated garden flowers that Inniswood is famous for. While both were beginning to bloom, the wildflowers have evolved specifically for this woodland environment and its seasonal rhythms.

Jen shared that each year, thousands upon thousands of tulip bulbs are planted throughout Inniswood's gardens by dedicated volunteers. While predicting peak bloom time can be challenging, she typically observes the most spectacular tulip displays during the last two weeks of April.

Discover Inniswood's Seasonal Symphony

For anyone interested in experiencing this hidden gem of Inniswood Metro Gardens, the coming weeks offer the perfect opportunity to witness the ephemeral beauty of spring wildflowers. Whether in sunshine or light rain, these woodland trails reveal a different side of Inniswood beyond its renowned ornamental gardens—a side equally worthy of appreciation. Each visit promises new discoveries as different wildflower species take center stage in this beautiful spring performance.

Friends of Metro Parks Issues RFP for Artist-Designed Badges for 'Home Park’ Campaign

Friends of Columbus Metro Parks is excited to announce the launch of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for talented local artists to design a unique series of 22 park badges as part of the “Home Park” campaign. Interested creatives are encouraged to submit proposals no later than May 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET.

These badges will celebrate the personal connections residents have with Columbus’ beloved Metro Parks and will play a key role in community engagement efforts.

“The 'Home Park' campaign celebrates what makes our Metro Parks system truly special – the personal connections our community members feel to these natural spaces,” said Amanda Engen, Friends of Metro Parks Board Member. “These artist-designed park badges won’t just be beautiful collectibles; they’ll be symbols of our commitment to strengthening these bonds. With 20 current Metro Parks and two more set to open in the coming year, fulfilling our 2018 levy promise, we’re creating opportunities for even more residents to find their home park. Whether you’re a trail runner at Highbanks or a birdwatcher at Scioto Audubon, every resident has a home park story to tell.”

Friends of Columbus Metro Parks invites local artists to submit proposals to bring this vision to life. Full details, including submission guidelines and deadlines, can be found here.

Request For Proposals Artist-Designed Badges for 'Home Park’ Campaign

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Friends of Columbus Metro Parks seeks proposals from local artists to design a series of distinctive logo badges representing each of Columbus' 22 Metro Parks. These badges will be central to our "Home Park" campaign, which aims to strengthen community connections with our park system. The badges will be featured on merchandise, passports, and other campaign materials.

PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS

• Create 22 unique badge designs, one for each Metro Park (see Appendix A for list of the parks)

• Design style should be vintage-inspired with retro emblem aesthetics

• Each badge should capture unique features/character of its respective park

• Designs will be used across multiple applications (e.g., patches, stickers, shirts, etc.)

• Format deliverables in vector-based files suitable for various reproduction methods

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

• Shield/emblem shape consistent with sample National Park badges shown in Appendix B

• Incorporate park name and city in the design

• Use muted/pastel color palettes aligned with natural themes

• Include simplified iconic imagery representing each park's distinct features

• Maintain consistent design system across the series while making each unique

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Portfolio demonstrating relevant experience

• Initial concept sketches for 2-3 sample park badges

• Project timeline and detailed budget breakdown

• Local artist/studio credentials

• A brief statement about your interest in working on this project

• Submit the above to friends@metroparks.net no later than May 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Understanding of park system and community connection goals

• Design style alignment with vintage/heritage aesthetic

• Technical capability for multi-format reproduction

• Local connection and commitment to project

Appendix A: Visual References

These National Park badges exemplify key design elements we seek:

• Clean, simplified illustrations of natural landmarks

• Balanced composition within shield/emblem format

• Thoughtful use of limited color palettes

• Integration of text with visual elements

• Vintage-inspired graphic style

• Ability to work across multiple applications (patches, prints, etc.)

Note: These examples are provided for reference only. Artists should create original designs that capture the unique character of Columbus Metro Parks while maintaining a similar aesthetic quality and production versatility.

APPENDIX B: LIST OF COLUMBUS METRO PARKS & CITIES, LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

1. Bank Run Metro Park, Lockbourne, OH

2. Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, Galloway, OH

3. Blacklick Woods Metro Park, Reynoldsburg, OH

4. Blendon Woods Metro Park, Columbus, OH

5. Chestnut Ridge Metro Park, Carroll, OH

6. Clear Creek Metro Park, Lancaster, OH

7. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, Plain City, OH

8. Great Southern Metro Park, Columbus, OH

9. Heritage Trail Metro Park, Hilliard, OH

10. Highbanks Metro Park, Columbus, OH

11. Homestead Metro Park, Hilliard, OH

12. Inniswood Metro Gardens, Westerville, OH

13. Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, Canal Winchester, OH

14. Prairie Oaks Metro Park, West Jefferson, OH

15. Quarry Trails Metro Park, Columbus, OH

16. Rocky Fork Metro Park, Westerville, OH

17. Scioto Audubon Metro Park, Columbus, OH

18. Scioto Grove Metro Park, Grove City, OH

19. Sharon Woods Metro Park, Westerville, OH

20. Slate Run Metro Park, Canal Winchester, OH

21. Three Creeks Metro Park, Groveport, OH

22. Walnut Woods Metro Park, Groveport, OH

Submit proposals via email to friends@metroparks.net no later than May 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

How to beat the cold: Metro Parks Edition

Blog by: Ali Iovino, Photos by: Kathleen O’Dowd

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.... Metro Parks’ Winter Hike Series season! Even in the cold the parks offer plenty to enjoy in the winter months. We encourage everyone to visit the snowscapes, winter wildlife, and new perspectives of your favorite trails. Here are some of our tips and tricks to overcoming the cold, drab weather and onto your winter adventure:

Make it fun:
The Winter Hike Series rewards park goers that visit 7+ parks in the winter
months. Visit the site to download your park passport and get it stamped at each park you visit. The Friends of the Metro Parks even offers of the opportunity to earn a walking stick or medallion if you conquer every park and have a current $10+ membership – learn more here. You will see both Metro Parks and Friends of Metro Parks out at January and February events, although you can visit any park at any time to count it towards your passport!

Dress Warm:
This seems obvious, but the right gear makes all the difference. Hats, scarves, ear warmers, cold-weather insoles for your shoes and extra cozy socks! Accessorize with hand warmers – either the one-time-use or rechargeable ones. Our Friends over at Public Lands, REI, and Jack Wolfskin can help get you set up for the season.

Drink Warm:
Bring some coffee or hot cocoa with you on the trail or make a plan to snuggle up with a toasty beverage after your park experience! Visit our Friends at Roaming Goat Coffee, Crimson Cup, or One-Line Coffee. Prefer a brew to warm up instead after your hike? Visit our Friends at Nocterra, Land-Grant, BrewDog, or Wolf’s Ridge Brewing.

Explore shorter trails:
Still not built for the cold? Try out some of the shorter trails. You don’t need to
explore a long distance to enjoy some beautiful views and wildlife in the parks!

Continue learning:
The Metro Parks curate fabulous programs year-round. Visit their site to search for upcoming programs and activities. Keep warm in some of the indoor offerings in nature centers.

We hope you enjoy the rest of the winter season and join us at our Winter Hike
Celebration on Sunday, February 23, 2025 11am-3pm at Blacklick Woods Golf
Course. In the meantime, don’t forget to tag us in your metro park adventures!

Scioto Fest 2024!

Climbing, Concerts, and a Cold One… It’s Scioto Fest!

Scioto Fest has grown over the years into a huge Metro Parks event, and Friends of Metro Parks has been through them all! Scioto Fest originally started as the “Climbing Festival,” a fun way to support the Scioto Audubon Climbing Community, and get a little something extra out of the event. We served beer and merch at the first climbing festivals, which we continue to do now, but at a much larger scale.

Scioto Fest started small, but as we started to gain traction, we introduced music, vendors, and beer partners, including a special beer made just for Scioto Fest as a collaboration between Friends of Metro Parks and local breweries.

Our first foray into brewery partnerships was with Land Grant. For Scioto Fest, they made they made “Outpost,” a Rustic Honey Lager made with Metro Parks harvested honey! From there, we moved on to “Wandering Monarch,” a collaboration beer between Land Grant and Nocterra. This year, after Nocterra moved in right next door to Scioto Audubon Metro Park, we got the collab beer “On Belay”

This year, we were excited to have performances by Later Gator, A Band Called Dreamland, and Ramblewood. There were over 100 people who pitched tents and camped under the stars, and we introduced more vendors than ever to our Friday and Saturday vendors aisle. This is a huge change from the early years of the climbing festival, where we had a couple hours to climb the wall, and a spotify playlist doing all the work.

We want to thank all of the volunteers who came out to serve beer, sell tokens and t-shirts, and help staff the climbing portion of the event!

We are excited to keep up the collaborations and partnerships between Friends of Metro Parks and local breweries and businesses. If you own a local business and you are interested in partnering with Friends of Metro Parks, please reach out to friends@metroparks.net.

Hidden Gems: An Off-Trail Wetlands Hike at Glacier Ridge Metro Park

On an overcast Saturday morning, August 31, 2024, I had the privilege of joining a Friends-only Hidden Gem Hike at Glacier Ridge Metro Park. This exclusive, off-trail wetlands exploration promised to reveal surprising relics of the past and showcase the park's rich biodiversity—and it didn't disappoint.

Under the late-morning sun, our small group ventured just off the multi-use trail into the woods, where we stumbled upon an unexpected surprise: two abandoned vehicles nestled in the landscape. A vintage car and the shell of an old school bus stood as silent witnesses to the land's history. Our naturalist guides explained that these remnants likely date back to when the area was farmland, predating the park's establishment. These unexpected artifacts, hidden within the park's natural landscape, truly embodied the essence of a hidden gem.

As we hiked, the naturalist guides regaled our group with fascinating pieces of the park's history. Glacier Ridge Metro Park, which opened in 2002, owes its existence to the generosity of two local farmers who offered their lands to become a Metro Park. Throughout our morning, we encountered scattered relics of this agricultural past, bringing the guides' stories to life. A particularly striking example was an old apple tree standing near the water's edge, serving as a living link to the land's farming heritage.

Armed with binoculars, we delved deeper into the vibrant ecosystem of Glacier Ridge's wetlands. Our group excitedly documented a green heron perched in the trees, painted turtles basking on the shore, and black swallowtail butterflies fluttering among fields of golden goldenrod. These sightings highlighted the healthy aquatic life and biodiversity thriving in the park's protected wetlands. Our guide explained that these areas, typically off-limits to regular visitors, are carefully preserved to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

This Hidden Gem Hike, available exclusively to Friends of the Metro Parks, offered a unique opportunity to explore these restricted areas and discover secrets of the park that few visitors get to see. It's experiences like these that make being a Friend of the Metro Parks so rewarding. We not only gained special access but also a deeper appreciation for the park's conservation efforts.

Ready to unlock these hidden experiences? Sign up to be a Friend for as little as $10 at metroparksfriend.org. Not only will you gain access to exclusive hikes like this one, but you'll also be supporting the preservation and enhancement of these vital natural spaces in our community. 

-Amanda Engen
Friends of Metro Parks Board Member

Blendon Woodstock: A Celebration of Community and Disc golf

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent event, Blendon Woodstock, held at Blendon Woods Metro Park. This inaugural festival was a remarkable celebration that united the disc golf community and local residents in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

The day began with a thrilling Disc Golf Tournament at one of the Metro Parks’ courses, where players showcased their skills across the beautiful landscape of Blendon Woods. Following the tournament, attendees were treated to a lively festival featuring live music from local bands, a variety of food trucks, and a beer tent offering local craft beers.

In addition to the competitive spirit of the tournament, Blendon Woodstock provided an excellent opportunity for newcomers to learn about disc golf. Instructional classes and engaging games allowed participants to experience the joys of the sport firsthand. Local vendors showcased their products, enhancing the community spirit and supporting our mission to promote the accessibility and beauty of our parks.

A significant aspect of this festival was our fundraising efforts aimed at improving the disc golf course. We had a great turnout for our Raffle as well as various other fundraising games. We are proud to announce that 100% of the funds raised will be reinvested back into the course, ensuring that it remains a top-notch facility for everyone to enjoy. Stay tuned for some upcoming announcements about improvements happening soon!

The highlights of Blendon Woodstock were numerous: fantastic weather, an incredible turnout, and a well-run tournament made for an unforgettable experience. The support from our community was overwhelming, proving that together, we can create something truly special.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated,
volunteered, and supported this event. We look forward to continuing this event in the years to come and to continue connecting our community through the love of disc golf and enhancing our beautiful Metro Parks.

Stay tuned for more updates and future events as we strive to bring people together and promote the joys of our parks!

Birds of a Feather: Flocking to a Friends of Metro Parks Photo Hike at Blendon Woods

Three alumni of Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD), an employee from World of Photography, and a professional portrait photographer of 15 years were joined by a passionate photo enthusiast and a naturalist with a deep understanding of what it takes to get the shot!

Spoiler: It sometimes takes a lot of patience, a tolerance for the intense summer sun, and slowing your pace enough to really see the world around you.

At Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks nature is your prime subject, because you are surrounded by diversity of fungi, plants, bugs, birds, landscapes, and weather conditions. On the day of this 'Friends Only' photo hike, it was a HOT early August day, which meant sweat-soaked (but happy) photographers. 

We were happy to be together, happy to have cameras in our hands, and happy to be out in the park! #naturelovers #photofriends #letshike

Any equipment will do. What's the best camera? I believe it's the one that is in your hands when the moment is right to freeze time! You're capturing (or creating) an impression of the natural world around you.

We set out on a Sunday afternoon, for a walk through prairie grasses filled with butterflies, bugs, and an occasional 'fly by,' by a native bird. We had to watch our step along the way, keeping our eyes out for pop-up fungi, settled in flood-prone dips and divot, in the prairie dirt. 

Through the camera lens we witnessed a hornet immobilizing an unsuspecting cicada, a Bugs Life-inspired mating ritual, and the explorations of a newborn praying mantis, curious and brave. The camera allowed us to slow down enough to really see!

The walk was just a short distance, but with more cameras than hands to hold them it was slow going. The group stayed together, while the sweat dripped down our backs and into our eyes, because we wanted to see what the others were capturing, wanting to learn from one another. 

And learn we did! It was a CCAD reunion, a naturalist-led excursion, and each photographer was just as ready to share as to learn, in the classroom before the hike and out under the summer sun. Become a Friend of Metro Parks and join us next time!

~ Kathleen O'Dowd

Friends of Metro Parks Board Member

(Check out "Accidental Wanderlust" at https://kathleenodowd.com for more nature photography, travel adventures, and many visits to Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks.)

Yappy Hour & SUP with your Pup!

June 7th was a perfect, sunny, Friday! The skies were blue, the breeze was blowing, and the summer heat was absolutely bearable. It was the perfect day for a Yappy Hour.

Friends of Metro Parks teamed up with Seventh Son and Outdoor Adventure to bring yet another Yappy Hour at Quarry Trails Metro Park , complete with SUP with your pup! Over 500 people attended the event, with dogs of all shapes and sizes taking a ride on a paddleboard… some more successfully than others.

Thanks to Seventh Son, Explorers Club, Chilljoy, and our vendors for an amazing night!