The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) celebrated Child Health Day on Monday by unveiling the Storybook Trail at Alum Creek State Park, which will feature nature-themed stories and books. It is the first storybook trail at any Ohio State Park.
The event included a ribbon-cutting, guided trail tours, activities for youth and families, and food trucks.
‘The Storybook Trail will bring books to life for kids,’ said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. ‘We’re excited to offer a place in the great outdoors for kids to learn, get active, and – most importantly – have fun!’
ODNR was joined by several community partners including Alum Creek Elementary School, Delaware Area Career Center, Delaware County District Library, Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative, OSU Rothenbuhler Bee Lab, and the Army Corps of Engineers.
“Alum Creek Elementary was honored to be included on the development of the Storybook Trail,’ said Principal Brandy Worth. The trail is within three miles of our school; and our community is looking forward to utilizing this trail where literacy and nature exploration come together.”
The first book featured on the half-mile trail will be In the Trees, Honey Bees! by Lori Mortensen, which was chosen by the students of Alum Creek Elementary School.
Ohio is one of only seven states in the nation with free admission to its 75 state parks. Ohio State Parks support Ohio’s tourism economy and are an important feature of many local communities. There are state parks in 59 of Ohio’s 88 counties.
We opened Ohio’s first Storybook Trail at Alum Creek State Park, combining exercise, the outdoors, and literacy! pic.twitter.com/QOgrY8SD2S
— . (@OhioStateParks) October 7, 2019
