Tall grass prairies found at Metzger Preserve
Have you found Metzger Preserve off of St. Rt. 22? It is located just inside Williamsport, Ballard Park 9, Ballard Ave. 43164. Drive toward the water tower. These 52 acres, south of Ballard Park, is currently planted in CRP prairie contract until 2021. This means you will see tall grass prairies. We maintain this area with mowing in order to control invasive plants. We may not mow the whole area but patches of nasty green things that will spread very quickly if we do not try to stop them. But if you see long zones of mowing, those are the paths for you and your pets to enjoy. Speaking of pets, we do not mind if they are loose IF you can always keep them under control and be courteous to others by picking up after your pet. Trash cans are in the parking area.
The River Trail is along the Deercreek and has access for you to fish, float and hike. Be sure to go all the way to the end of the trail to see the concretions in the Deercreek. We have a YouTube video of them if it has been raining too much to see them clearly. (Metzger Preserve-the concretions in Deercreek) These unusual round stones look like huge artificially placed steppingstones in the river. The good news is access to the river is not far from the gate, so you do not have to portage your canoe or kayak very far.
Eventually, we will be placing flags out in the prairie to make a Bluebird trail, Prairie trail and outer rim Pickaway trail. We hope you are excited about finding this prairie hiking and river view park.
- Grant program provides improvements to Pickaway County Parks - April 14, 2022
- Fishing in Pickaway County Parks District - August 11, 2021
- New trails and wildflowers highlight Metzger Preserve - June 10, 2021
