G.  Parks, Preserves, and Historical Sites

1. Public parks and Reserves

Section Navigation:

1. Battelle-Darby Creek Metropark

2. Prairie Oaks Metropark

3. Bigelow Cemetery State Nature Preserve

4. Smith Cemetery State Nature Preserve

5. Milford Center Prairie State Nature Preserve

a. Battelle-Darby Creek Metro park

Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park is located in southwest Franklin County located off of US 40 west of Columbus on Darby Creek Drive.  The park is 6,571 acres in size and is located at the confluence of the Little and Big Darby Creeks.  The park which opened in 1959 is now the largest Metro Park in the state.  Prairie and wetland restoration projects have been ongoing activities within the park.  A total of 10 prairie habitats and 5 wetland sites exist.  In addition, the park conducts a streamside classroom program in which the park naturalists present interpretive programs on the Darby Creeks.  The park offers miles of hiking trails and has a canoe access parking lot off of Alkire Road just east of Gardner Road. 

Franklin County Metroparks have recently considered the possibility of building a bike path connecting Prairie Oaks and Battelle Darby Parks.  The trail would be approximately 6 miles long. 

During the first half of 2005, Franklin County Metroparks is working to create master plan for their parks within the Darby Watershed.  This plan will include management plans and acreage goals in the watershed.

b. Prairie Oaks Metropark

Prairie Oaks Metro Park is 1,635 acres, opened in November of 2003 and is located in western Franklin and northeastern Madison counties.  Prairie Oaks is an excellent example of the diversity of species represented in the Darby Creek Watershed.  The park also features some of the largest burr oak and sycamore trees in the state that date to pre-European settlement.  In total, 330 acres of grassland and prairie were restored in 2000 and another 400-500 acres are planned for restoration.  During 2001-2002 the park constructed 4 wetlands.  The parks active role in re-creating grassland, prairie, and wetland environments has created a unique local ecosystem that is home to many rare species (ODNR, 2003).

c. Bigelow Cemetery State Nature Preserves

Bigelow Cemetery , 1/2 acre, was dedicated as an interpretive state nature preserve in 1978 to protect the remaining healthy colonies of prairie grasses and wildflowers that during one time covered the Darby Plains.  An example of the type of prairie vegetation that is represented in the preserve is listed in the table below.  

Source: ODNR, 1992; pg. 65

The Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves maintains a management program designed to protect the historic tombstones and prairies species.  The 1/2 acre preserve is located in Madison County, eight miles west of Plain City and a half mile south on Rosedale Road off of SR 161.  A short trail system and parking is available.

d. Smith Cemetery State Nature Preserve

In 1982, Smith Cemetery was dedicated to the Ohio Department of Natural resources to manage and protect as a state nature preserve.  Maintenance of the one acre park is performed to help protect the prairie vegetation and the historic tombstones.  An example of the type of prairie vegetation that is represented in the preserve is listed in the table below. 

Source: ODNR, 1992; pg.; 65

Smith Cemetery Preserve is located two miles west of Plain City on SR 161, 1 mile south on Kramer Road which then becomes Converse Chapel Road, and then 1/4 mile west on Boyd Road.  The preserve is on the north side of the road and has a short trail (ODNR, 2003,). 

e. Milford Center Prairie State Nature Preserve

The preserve is located south of Milford Center in a powerline right-of-way.  The preserve is 1 1/2 miles long, totaling seven acres, and is a significant prairie remnant in the Darby Plains.  The preserve is located 2 and half miles south of Milford Center, a half mile west on Connor Road off of SR 4. 

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For problems or questions regarding this website please contact the Darby Watershed Coordinator.
Last updated: August 18, 2008.