Marion, Ohio County Park District

06/17/2026

Six hard-working volunteers joined naturalist intern Abbey Knight this morning to spend three hours trimming back vegetation in the first mile of the Tallgrass Trail. They really made a difference!

06/16/2026

Today a generous anonymous supporter refreshed the kayak ramp by spreading 6 tons of pea gravel to make a smooth launching surface. Fishing is not permitted from this ramp because kayakers sometimes launch barefoot, and we don't want a fish hook to injure a kayaker.

Today a generous anonymous supporter refreshed the kayak ramp at Marion Community Foundation Lake by spreading 6 tons of pea gravel to make a smooth launching surface. Fishing is not permitted from this ramp because kayakers sometimes launch barefoot, and we don't want a fish hook to injure a kayaker.

06/15/2026

✨ Firefly Spotlight! ✨

One of the most magical sights of an Ohio summer is the glow of the Common Eastern Firefly (Photinus pyralis). Our former intern, Emily Kauble, captured this amazing close-up photo of one right here in Marion County.

Did you know that fireflies are actually beetles, not flies? Their famous flashing light is produced through a chemical reaction in their abdomen called bioluminescence. These flashes are used to attract mates, with each firefly species having its own unique flashing pattern.

You may be wondering why Emily spotted this firefly during the daytime. While we often notice fireflies after dark, they are active during the day as well. During daylight hours, they can be found resting on vegetation, feeding on nectar and pollen, or simply waiting for evening when they begin their dazzling light displays.

Firefly larvae, sometimes called “glowworms,” are also beneficial predators that feed on slugs, snails, and other small invertebrates. This makes fireflies an important part of our local ecosystems.

The next time you’re out enjoying a summer evening at one of our parks or along the Marion Tallgrass Trail, keep an eye out for these glowing ambassadors of summer. Their light show is one of nature’s most spectacular displays! 🐞✨

Have you seen any fireflies yet this year? Share your favorite firefly memories in the comments below!

06/14/2026

We’re all set up and ready to go at the Latino Health Fair today (June 14)! Stop by and visit us from 2:00–4:00 PM in the basement of St. Mary’s Church. Learn more about your local Marion County Parks, upcoming programs, and ways to enjoy the great outdoors. We look forward to seeing you come say hello!

06/14/2026

Hey everyone! Weekly registration is now open for the Kiddos At The Park Outdoor Preschool Program. This is our last one for the year! Please note that **REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED** for this program. This program is geared towards 3-6 year old children.

This week's theme is life under a log. The program will take place this Friday on June 19, starting at 10:00 AM and ends around 11:00 AM at the Marion Tallgrass Trail. We have space for only 15 preschool-kindergarten age students. To register your child for this week, send us a message. You will receive a confirmation message once your child is registered for the June 19 program. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, but don’t worry—we open registration every week to accommodate more participants.

Please let us know how many children will be attending, as resources are limited and we want to ensure everyone has a chance to participate. Remember, an adult must be present at all times during the program.

We encourage participants to bring a nature show-and-tell item, which can be something they find at home or in their local parks. Looking forward to seeing you there!

06/14/2026

🌳📅 Exciting things are happening this week with the Marion County Park District!

Thursday, June 18
🕛 Park Board Meeting – Noon
Join us at the Marion County Building in the downstairs Prospect Meeting Room. This is your opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, or express concerns about your local parks, including the Marion Tallgrass Trail, Terradise Nature Preserve, Greenspur Nature Preserve, and Myers Woods Nature Preserve.

🎉 Downtown Marion Third Thursday – 4:00–7:00 PM
Stop by and visit us during Downtown Marion’s Third Thursday event! Learn about upcoming programs, local parks, and all the exciting things happening throughout the park district.

Friday, June 19
🌿 Kiddos At The Park Outdoor Preschool
Join us for another fun-filled morning of outdoor exploration, hands-on nature activities, and discovery! Registration is required for this program.

🐦 Birding Basics: Birds, Nests & Nature – 1:00 PM
Later in the day, join our naturalist intern, Abbey, at the Marion Tallgrass Trail for a beginner-friendly birding program. Learn about local birds, their nests, and the fascinating world of nature around us.

We hope to see you at one (or all!) of these great events!

06/13/2026

We are all set up for the Oorang Bang event in the village of LaRue. We will be here probably around 6ish but festivities will keep on going. 

06/13/2026

🎉 It’s going to be an exciting weekend, and we hope to see you there!

Tomorrow, June 13, we’ll be joining the fun at the Village of LaRue’s Oorang Bang Festival! Stop by our booth to learn more about your Marion County Parks, upcoming programs, local wildlife, and all the great outdoor opportunities available in our community.

Then on Sunday, June 14, we’ll be participating in the Latino Health Fair at St. Mary’s Church (basement) from 2:00–4:00 PM. Come visit us, say hello, and discover how spending time outdoors can benefit your health and well-being!

We look forward to meeting new friends, reconnecting with familiar faces, and sharing our passion for nature. Be sure to stop by and check us out this weekend! 🌳🦋🌞

06/12/2026

Today was our first Kiddos At The Park Outdoor Preschool Program! Read more about it!

06/11/2026

🌅 Nature never disappoints at the Marion Tallgrass Trail!

Take a moment to enjoy these stunning sunset photos captured by our friend Bob Turner. These beautiful scenes were photographed along Herr Road near Marion Community Foundation Lake and the Marion Tallgrass Trail trailhead.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, it painted the sky with brilliant shades of orange, pink, and gold, creating a breathtaking end to the day. Moments like these remind us that you don’t have to travel far to experience the beauty of nature right here in Marion County.

A big thank you to Bob for sharing these incredible photos with us!

Have you captured a memorable sunset or nature photo at one of our parks? We’d love to see it in the comments!