Today, remnants of the county's prehistoric and historic past are rapidly diminishing due to the increased pressures from development. Since its inception in 1989, the Licking Park District has made a concerted effort to acquire and preserve representatives of Licking County's cultural and natural heritage. We currently manage approximately 1500 acres of green space in Licking County and offer many passive recreational opportunities for area residents. The facilities below represent only a fraction of the treasures which abound in Licking County. With your support, the Licking Park District will continue to grow and preserve our cultural and natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
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| (10) Tyler Powell Preserve |
1. INFIRMARY
MOUND PARK
Located on State
Route 37, three miles south of Granville.
Named for the prehistoric "Infirmary Mound" located on the
grounds, the 326 acre park continues to be a family favorite. Visitors
can enjoy picnics, fishing, hiking, horseback riding or a game of
pick-up baseball. The park is home to Licking Park District
Headquarters.
2. FREDERICK R. REESE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Located off of SR 79 at
the end of Grumm's Lane in Mary Ann Township.
The sanctuary was acquired through a donation from the Frederick R. Reese Trust and Bank One. Encompassing approximately 100 acres of mature woodlands, the area contains impressive sandstone outcroppings, a variety of spring and summer wildflowers and abundant wildlife. The area is not currently open to the public, but future plans include a parking area and hiking trails.
3.
LOBDELL
RESERVE
Located one half mile north of Alexandria
on Mounts Road.
Visitors to the 204 acre reserve will encounter mature woodlands, meadows and a beautiful stream corridor. Cliffs cut by Lobdell Run Creek afford visitors breathtaking views of the reserve. Eight miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails, ranging from easy to difficult, traverse the reserve. A disc golf course constructed in 2004 is open to visitors during daylight hours.
4.
MORRIS WOODS STATE NATURE PRESERVE
Located 2 miles northeast of Johnstown on Dutch Lane Road, 1/2 mile east of US 62.
The preserve is managed by the
Licking Park District in cooperation with the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. The 107
acre area is primarily a mature beech-maple forest, but young forest,
scrub and open field areas also exist. A small lake on the preserve
attracts various species of waterfowl throughout the year. It is
an excellent area for viewing spring wildflowers.
5. OHIO CANAL
GREENWAY
Located
between Canal Park in Hebron and State Route 79 in Buckeye Lake.
The Ohio Canal Greenway is a 3.8 mile multi-purpose recreational trail located on the old Penn Central Railroad right of way south of the Village of Hebron. The trail offers excellent opportunities for fishing, bird watching and hiking. The highlight of the trail is a genuine wooden truss covered bridge built in 1992. Visitors may park in the Hebron State Fish Hatchery visitor area to access the trail.
6. PALMER ROAD SWAMP
PRESERVE
Located in the Russell
Heights subdivision between Palmer Road and I-70 in Etna Township.
Acquired in 2000 with the assistance of the T.J. Evans Foundation, the preserve contains approximately 45 acres of wet woods and grasslands. It provides a small haven for wildlife in the shadows of I-70 and a modern subdivision. Plans for the area include interpretive trails and wetland enhancement. The area is not currently open to the public.
7. RIVERVIEW
PRESERVE
Located at the end of
Ohio Street one-half mile east of South Second Street in Newark.
Riverview's 110 acres extend along the Licking River through woodland and wetland habitats. This riparian corridor abounds with wildflowers and is home to many species of wildlife. Visitors will find ample parking, a canoe launch site and fishing access. Future development includes hiking trails.
8. T.J. EVANS
RECREATIONAL TRAIL
Various
access points along a 9.9 mile section between east Newark and Hanover and a
14.5 mile section between west Newark and Johnstown.
Enjoyed
by thousands of visitors each year, the Recreational Trails are not
just for biking. They also provide opportunities for walking,
rollerblading, nature observation and more. Traversing over 36 miles of
Licking County’s landscape, the T.J. Evans Recreational Trail
System provides visitors with a wide variety of scenery. The Licking
Park District manages all recreational trails on behalf of the Licking
County Commissioners, except those within municipal corporation limits
and Blackhand Gorge.
9.
TAFT
RESERVE and the WILLIAM C. KRANER NATURE CENTER
North entrance is located on Flint Ridge Road one mile
east of Linnville Road. South entrance and William C. Kraner Nature Center is
located at 10380 Fairview Road.
Taft Reserve’s 425 acres contain six plus miles of horseback riding and hiking trails through woodland and meadow habitats. The area is noted for its abundance of spring wildflowers, owl, deer, wild turkey and coyote. The trails follow hilly terrain and are considered moderately strenuous. The William C. Kraner Nature Center houses displays interpreting Licking County's rich cultural and natural history. The center lso is home to a satellite park office, public meeting space and The Rookery Gift Shop.
10. TYLER POWELL
PRESERVE
Located east of SR 310 on
Mill Street along Muddy Fork Creek in Pataskala.
The smallest of the Licking Park District natural areas, this 13 acre preserve provides a haven for flora and fauna amidst the suburban sprawl of western Licking County. The preserve affords protection to Muddy Fork Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of the Licking River. A trail system is under development and is projected to open by summer of 2005.
Infirmary Mound Park
4309 Lancaster Road, SE
PO Box
590
Granville, Ohio 43023
Voice: (740) 587-2535
Fax: (740)587-7375
E-mail: mail@lickingparkdistrict.com
Web Site: www.lickingparkdistrict.com
Taft Reserve
10380 Fairview
Road
Newark
Mailing
Address
PO Box 590
Granville, Ohio
43023
Voice: (740) 323-0520
E-Mail:
rich@lickingparkdistrict.com