Ohio DNR to Dedicate New Geological Walkway at Ohio State Fair
OutdoorHub 07.23.12
With the 2012 Ohio State Fair quickly approaching, Ohioans are encouraged to visit the Natural Resources Park for a first glimpse of one of the world’s largest outdoor geological maps.
To help celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Geological Survey, a brand new “Geological Walk through Time” was commissioned by former Ohio First Lady Hope Taft and funded by private donations. This unique permanent exhibit, nicknamed the Geologic Walkway, is a 286-foot-long educational brick path going through 450 million years of Ohio’s geologic history. The highlight of the exhibit is viewing one of the largest outdoor geological maps in the world, which depicts the bedrock geology of each of Ohio’s 88 counties.
“I am honored to have such an incredible landmark housed in our park, which was made possible by the collaboration of individuals who tirelessly worked on the vision and funding of this Geologic Walkway for the past six years,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “The ODNR Natural Resources Park is the ideal spot for this map, allowing Ohioans and fairgoers to learn about the geology beneath their feet.”
The Geologic Walkway in the Natural Resources Park will be dedicated at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, the opening day of the fair. The walkway encourages hands-on interaction with large samples of various kinds of rocks found in Ohio by allowing visitors to feel the differences in rocks along the path. This path is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible.
People interested in recreation should visit the kayak pond, which is located next to the pavilion. People of all ages can learn how to paddle around the 7,000-square-foot pond, which is supervised by Division of Watercraft personnel. All kayakers must attend a short safety orientation in addition to wearing a life jacket before kayaking.
The ODNR Natural Resources Park also features a widespread display area dedicated to ODNR’s Division of Wildlife, including a youth fishing pond for anglers under 14. If young anglers catch a fish at the fishing pond, they may choose to release the fish or take it home for dinner. Families in the wildlife area may test their sharpshooting abilities with an archery range as well as a BB gun shooting gallery.
Other attractions include Smokey Bear, a 15-foot-tall resident of the park who has attended the Ohio State Fair for more than 30 years. Smokey Bear greets students by name and teaches them about fire prevention and safety.
The 500-seat amphitheater at the ODNR Natural Resources Park offers engaging and free entertainment. Various performers such as the popular Great Lakes Timber Show with log rolling and lumberjack contests, along with retriever dogs, naturalists, jugglers and musical acts will delight all audiences from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily throughout the duration of the fair. The Columbus Zoo will also be showcasing some of their animals.
For Ohioans interested in history, the park features an interactive cabin from Ohio’s frontier days to show fairgoers how early Ohioans lived. In the nearby Mill, the ODNR Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management exhibit gives visitors a chance to explore Ohio’s long history of oil and gas production. This exhibit also includes information related to new Ohio legislation, which strengthened drilling standards and groundwater protection measures.
Wildlife abound in the Natural Resources Park, where children and adults alike are captivated by Ohio’s native animals such as the bobcat, red fox and numerous species of birds like the bald eagle and owls. Guests may stroll through Ruthven’s Aviary and the popular Butterfly House for a close view of birds and butterflies.
The ODNR pavilion presents numerous interactive displays that promote conservation and outdoor activities, such as boating and camping. Other attractions include a demonstration dog park and a replica of an eagle’s nest to scale.
Stop by the ODNR Information Booth for free pamphlets and other information about ODNR parks, lands and educational programs. Attached to the information booth is the Ohio State Parks Gift Shop, which is filled with great gift ideas and merchandise for the entire family.
Located in the southeastern corner of the fairgrounds, the ODNR Natural Resources Park offers Ohioans a chance to learn more about conservation, engage in recreational activities, interact with nature and observe wildlife. Filled with educational exhibits and free attractions, the Natural Resources Park promises to be a must-see for the complete Ohio State Fair experience.
ODNR’s Natural Resources Park is open daily during the fair from 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., and entry to the park is free with state fair admission. Click here to access more detailed information about the ODNR Natural Resources Park or check out the daily amphitheater schedule, which can be downloaded directly to a smartphone. The Ohio State Fair runs from Wednesday, July 25 through Sunday, Aug. 5.
