Presented By Chillicothe VAMC
(Columbus) – Choose one of Ohio’s state parks to celebrate Earth Day this year. Coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Watercraft, Earth Day events around the state provide Ohioans an opportunity to get outside and give back to nature. All events are free, and most are suitable for the whole family.
Alum Creek State Park:
- Earth Day Nature Hike – April 22, 1-4 p.m. Meet at the park office for a guided, 5-mile hike on the Rocks to Roots Trail. Trail difficulty is moderate. Boots are recommended due to muddy and wet conditions.
- Earth Day Beach Cleanup – April 23, 1 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day weekend with a beach cleanup. Meet at the beach. Gloves and trash bags will be provided.
- Earth Day Plant a Seed – April 24, 2 p.m. This youth event gives young visitors an opportunity to celebrate Earth Day weekend to plant seeds in a small pot they can take home.
Burr Oak State Park:
- Earth Day Thankfulness Hike – April 22, 6 p.m. Join an evening hike to appreciate the gifts of nature. Meet at the boat ramp parking lot near the lodge.
Caesar Creek State Park:
- Earth Day and Volunteer Day in the Park – April 23, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Join park staff for various volunteer service projects in the park. Email erin.shaw@dnr.ohio.govfor more information.
Deer Creek State Park:
- Poetry in the Park – April 22, 2 p.m. Meet the park’s naturalist at the nature center to celebrate both Earth Day and National Poetry Month. Join the naturalist-led hike on Hawkview Meadow Trail to gain inspiration before creating your own nature poem. The trail is an easy, three-quarter mile hike.
- Easter Campout – April 23, 11 a.m. to April 24, 4 p.m. Friends of Deer Creek State Park will hold its annual Easter Campout. Enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt and much more. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Great Seal State Park:
- Earth Day Wildflower Stroll – April 22, 4 p.m. The whole family will enjoy discovering the sights and sounds of spring on this 1.5-mile hike. After the hike, join a naturalist presentation and craft.
Hocking Hills State Park:
- Earth Day – 1-2 p.m. Create a “seed bomb” to plant wildflowers for the pollinators and birds in your own back yard. Meet at the pollinator garden located next to the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Lake Hope State Park:
- Off-Trail Trek – April 22, 10 a.m. Join this hardy, rugged 2-mile hike into an area of the park rarely seen by visitors. Appropriate footwear is encouraged for this hike which is rated difficult. Meet at Oak Point past the cabins.
- Heron Hike – April 23, 10 a.m. Take an easy ½ mile walk to watch herons at the local rookery along the Moonville Rail Trail. Meet at the OH-278 and Little Sandy Trailhead.
- Wetland Wade – April 24, 10 a.m. Explore the wetland creatures and learn about the importance of their roles in the ecosystem. Meet at Hope Furnace. Rainboots are recommended.
Regardless of which Earth Day event you choose, sturdy shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and water are recommended for all participants.
To learn more about Earth Day activities, click here. For details about a specific event, contact the park office directly.
