possum creek metropark - Five Rivers MetroParks

Volunteer
Opportunities
If you enjoy the
outdoors, farm animals
and gardening, Possum
Creek MetroPark is the
place for you. Special
programs, events and
learning experiences are
made possible through
volunteer participation.
In addition, volunteers
plant and maintain the
farm’s flower beds and assist with the community
gardens. Training sessions are offered throughout the
year to increase your skills and knowledge. Call
(937) 275-PARK (7275) or visit metroparks.org/
volunteer for more information.
Support Your
MetroParks
By making a donation to the Five Rivers MetroParks
Foundation, you support Five Rivers MetroParks’ mission
to protect the region’s natural heritage and provide
outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection
with nature. Donations are tax deductible and used to
support programs and special projects. Sponsorships,
tribute benches and trees, and planned giving options
also are available. Visit metroparks.org/donate or call
(937) 275-PARK for more information.
POSSUM CREEK
METROPARK
U S E R ’ S
G U I D E
&
M A P
Possum Creek MetroPark 4790 Frytown Road
Dayton, Ohio 45417
It’s our nature.
This park is one of 25 outstanding public facilities operated
by your Five Rivers MetroParks system. Founded in 1963 to
serve the greater Dayton area, MetroParks protects more than
15,500 acres of open space and provides year-round recreation, education and conservation opportunities. Facilities
are available to the public free of charge — made possible by
Montgomery County citizen support of a property tax levy.
For More Information
Administrative Offices............................... (937) 275-PARK (7275)
Website.............................................................. www.metroparks.org
Ranger Assistance
Contact the Montgomery County
Sheriff’s Office dispatcher at:
(937) 535-2580
It’s our nature.
Printed in Montgomery County, with vegetable-based inks on 10% postconsumer waste paper at a Forest Stewardship Council-certified facility.
0815 • 5000
METROPARKS .ORG
For Year-Round Fun, Escape to Possum Creek MetroPark
Possum
Creek
MetroPark
Things to Do
Possum Creek MetroPark consists
largely of former farmland that
is going through the process of
natural succession. Significant
natural features include bottomland
hardwood forests along Possum
Creek, two mature beech woodlots,
and numerous created ponds and
wetlands. More than 100 acres of
degraded farmland and dumps have
been cleared and planted into native
Ohio prairie. The prairie took years
to establish, but now thrives on the
poor ground. It is currently one of
the largest and most diverse planted
prairies in Ohio.
Fishing ponds, open vistas painted
with colorful flowers, woodlands
and wildlife provide the setting for
a variety of activities. This 556-acre
park is the perfect place for a family
outing. Fish, picnic, hike, walk or
horseback ride your way through
scenic woods and prairies.
Photography credit line for any image
VISIT THE FARM – You’ll find small animals that can be
raised on an acre or less, a short nature trail through the
meadow and across the creek, and demonstration gardens
and a nature play area. Animals can be seen in the barn or
pastures from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. This 100-acre farm is located
at the south end of the park. Use the entrance at 4790
Frytown Road and follow the signs to the farm. For group
tours, call (937) 275-PARK (7275).
FISHING – Fish free of charge and without a license in ponds
and Argonne Lake. The ponds are stocked monthly with trout
or catfish. Every summer, night fishing hours are offered; call
(937) 275-PARK (7275) or visit metroparks.org/fishing for
details. Non-motorized boats are permitted on Argonne Lake.
PICNICKING – Reserve a shelter in a beautiful
natural setting for your exclusive use by visiting
metroparks.org/reservations or calling (937) 275-PARK (7275)
during weekday business hours. Amenities and fees vary by
shelter. Shelters that haven’t been reserved are available on
a first-come, first-served basis. A variety of sites with picnic
tables are also available.
WALKING & HIKING – Enjoy 5.5 miles of scenic, mostly
level trails. Trails are color-coded and trail intersections are
marked with a number corresponding to the numbers on the
inside map.
HORSE TRAIL – Enjoy a 4.5-mile equestrian trail. Horses can
be unloaded at the horse trailer parking lot off Frytown Road.
Rentals are not available.
COMMUNITY GARDENS – Approximately 90 community
garden plots are available near the farm. Plot reservations
must be made in person at the farm starting the first Monday
in April. Visit metroparks.org/communitygardening or call
(937) 275-PARK(7275) to learn more.
WINTER RECREATION (CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING &
HIKING) – Visitors are invited to cross-country ski when
snowfall is sufficient. Trails are open year-round for hiking.
CAMPING – Overnight camping is available with a permit.
Call Five Rivers MetroParks at (937) 275-PARK (7275) or visit
the main office between 9 am to 4 pm. weekdays at 409 E.
Monument Ave., third floor, in downtown Dayton.
Information &
Regulations
Protect Possum Creek
MetroPark as a natural area:
Do not pick, collect or disturb
plant or animal materials
of any kind. Hunting, frog
gigging and swimming
are not permitted. Motor
vehicles must remain on
roads; parking is permitted
in designated parking areas
only. Thank you for your
cooperation.
FIRES – Fires are allowed in designated areas only;
bring your own charcoal. Do NOT bring firewood.
PETS – Dogs allowed on leash only. Leashes may be
no longer than 8 feet. Dog droppings must be removed
from walking trails. Pets are not permitted on the
farm.
ALCOHOL – Prohibited except by permit in reservable
shelters.
BICYCLES - Not permitted on hiking trails.
HOURS
Park Grounds:
April 1 - October 31: 8 am - 10 pm
November 1 - March 31: 8 am - 8 pm
Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Farm Buildings:
9 am - 3:30 pm, daily
It’s our
nature.
CONSERVATION
R E C R E AT I O N
E D U CAT I O N
ME T RO PARKS ORG
0815 • 5000
Printed in Montgomery County, with vegetable-based inks on 10% postconsumer waste paper at a Forest Stewardship Council-certified facility.
It’s our nature.
Contact the Montgomery County
Sheriff’s Office dispatcher at:
(937) 535-2580
Ranger Assistance
By making a donation to the Five Rivers MetroParks
Foundation, you support Five Rivers MetroParks’ mission
to protect the region’s natural heritage and provide
outdoor experiences that inspire a personal connection
with nature. Donations are tax deductible and used to
support programs and special projects. Sponsorships,
tribute benches and trees, and planned giving options
also are available. Visit metroparks.org/donate or call
(937) 275-PARK for more information.
Support Your
MetroParks
Administrative Offices .............................. (937) 275-PARK (7275)
Website ............................................................. www.metroparks.org
For More Information
This park is one of 25 outstanding public facilities operated
by your Five Rivers MetroParks system. Founded in 1963 to
serve the greater Dayton area, MetroParks protects more than
15,500 acres of open space and provides year-round recreation, education and conservation opportunities. Facilities
are available to the public free of charge — made possible by
Montgomery County citizen support of a property tax levy.
It’s our nature.
Possum Creek MetroPark 4790 Frytown Road
Dayton, Ohio 45417
If you enjoy the
outdoors, farm animals
and gardening, Possum
Creek MetroPark is the
place for you. Special
programs, events and
learning experiences are
made possible through
volunteer participation.
In addition, volunteers
plant and maintain the
farm’s flower beds and assist with the community
gardens. Training sessions are offered throughout the
year to increase your skills and knowledge. Call
(937) 275-PARK (7275) or visit metroparks.org/
volunteer for more information.
U S E R ’ S G U I D E & M A P
POSSUMCREEK
METROPARK
Volunteer
Opportunities
For Year-Round Fun, Escape to Possum Creek MetroPark
Possum
Creek
MetroPark
Things to Do
Information &
Regulations
VISITTHEFARM– You’ll find small animals that can be
raised on an acre or less, a short nature trail through the
meadow and across the creek, and demonstration gardens
and a nature play area. Animals can be seen in the barn or
pastures from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. This 100-acre farm is located
at the south end of the park. Use the entrance at 4790
Frytown Road and follow the signs to the farm. For group
tours, call (937) 275-PARK (7275).
Possum Creek MetroPark consists
largely of former farmland that
is going through the process of
natural succession. Significant
natural features include bottomland
hardwood forests along Possum
Creek, two mature beech woodlots,
and numerous created ponds and
wetlands. More than 100 acres of
degraded farmland and dumps have
been cleared and planted into native
Ohio prairie. The prairie took years
to establish, but now thrives on the
poor ground. It is currently one of
the largest and most diverse planted
prairies in Ohio.
Protect Possum Creek
MetroPark as a natural area:
Do not pick, collect or disturb
plant or animal materials
of any kind. Hunting, frog
gigging and swimming
are not permitted. Motor
vehicles must remain on
roads; parking is permitted
in designated parking areas
only. Thank you for your
cooperation.
FISHING– Fish free of charge and without a license in ponds
and Argonne Lake. The ponds are stocked monthly with trout
or catfish. Every summer, night fishing hours are offered; call
(937) 275-PARK (7275) or visit metroparks.org/fishing for
details. Non-motorized boats are permied on Argonne Lake.
PICNICKING– Reserve a shelter in a beautiful
natural seing for your exclusive use by visiting
metroparks.org/reservations or calling (937) 275-PARK (7275)
during weekday business hours. Amenities and fees vary by
shelter. Shelters that haven’t been reserved are available on
a first-come, first-served basis. A variety of sites with picnic
tables are also available.
FIRES–Fires are allowed in designated areas only;
bring your own charcoal. Do NOT bring firewood.
PETS–Dogs allowed on leash only. Leashes may be
no longer than 8 feet. Dog droppings must be removed
from walking trails.Pets are not permitted on the
farm.
WALKING&HIKING– Enjoy 5.5 miles of scenic, mostly
level trails. Trails are color-coded and trail intersections are
marked with a number corresponding to the numbers on the
inside map.
ALCOHOL–Prohibited except by permit in reservable
shelters.
HORSETRAIL– Enjoy a 4.5-mile equestrian trail. Horses can
be unloaded at the horse trailer parking lot off Frytown Road.
Rentals are not available.
Fishing ponds, open vistas painted
with colorful flowers, woodlands
and wildlife provide the setting for
a variety of activities. This 556-acre
park is the perfect place for a family
outing. Fish, picnic, hike, walk or
horseback ride your way through
scenic woods and prairies.
BICYCLES- Not permitted on hiking trails.
HOURS
Park Grounds:
April 1 - October 31: 8 - 10 
November 1 - March 31: 8 - 8 
Closed Christmas and New Year’s Day.
COMMUNITYGARDENS– Approximately 90 community
garden plots are available near the farm. Plot reservations
must be made in person at the farm starting the first Monday
in April. Visit metroparks.org/communitygardening or call
(937) 275-PARK(7275) to learn more.
Farm Buildings:
9 - 3:30 , daily
WINTERRECREATIONCROSS-COUNTRYSKIING&
HIKING– Visitors are invited to cross-country ski when
snowfall is sufficient. Trails are open year-round for hiking.
CAMPING– Overnight camping is available with a permit.
Call Five Rivers MetroParks at (937) 275-PARK (7275) or visit
the main office between 9  to 4 . weekdays at 409 E.
Monument Ave., third floor, in downtown Dayton.
It’s our
nature.
CONSERVATION
R E C R E A T I O N
E D U CAT I O N
Photography credit line for any image
FARM
5
4
6
10
3
Farm Trail
starts here
7
2
9
1
8
1. Picnic Shelter
2. Restroom
3. Education Building
4. Farmhouse
5. Barn
6. Chicken House
7. Rabbit House
8. Pond
9. Demonstration Fields
10. Nature Play Area
PARK FEATURES
TALL GRASS PRAIRIES
THE JEAN V. WOODHULL
PRAIRIE
These open areas consist of grasses that reach
heights of 6 to 10 feet by late summer and are filled
with a variety of wildflowers (forbs) that add color
to the sea of grass. Prairie wildflowers reach their
blooming peak in mid summer and early fall. Possum
Creek’s prairie areas were planted starting in 1980
to serve as a haven for the now rare plants and
animals that once inhabited natural prairie openings
in southwestern Ohio’s woodlands.
COMMUNITY GARDENS
This 2.5 acre plot at Possum Creek MetroPark is
nurtured by more than 50 gardeners from the region
who grow vegetables, herbs and flowers each year
in 20 foot by 40 foot plots, rented from May through
September. Possum Creek and Wegerzyn Gardens
house the only two community gardens in Five Rivers
MetroParks. Both are part of the Five Rivers
MetroParks Community Gardening program, which
helps community groups develop neighborhood
gardens throughout Montgomery County. For more
information and the latest map of community
gardens, visit metroparks.org/communitygardening
or call (937) 276-7053.
This planted prairie is named in honor of Jean V.
Woodhull for her outstanding contributions to Five
Rivers MetroParks. In 1962, she was instrumental in
creating the Save Open Space Commi˜ee that led
to the creation of MetroParks. In addition, Mrs.
Woodhull served on the MetroParks Board of Park
Commissioners from January 1989 to November 1998.
ARGONNE FOREST
Walk through the Argonne Forest following the
purple loop trail and discover a beautiful woodlands
dominated by old beech trees. In the 1930s and
early 1940s, these woods were part of an amusement
park known as the Argonne Forest Park. It was
created by Null Hodapp and named in honor of the
322nd Field Artillery Unit that fought in the Argonne
Forest in France during World War I. The park
included a swimming pool, shooting range, ball
diamond, dance hall, auto race track, cabins and
street cars. Stop at the marked sites along the way
to discover remnants of the amusement park.
EDUCATION—CENTER
The Education Center at Possum Creek
MetroPark is home to public educational programs
year-round. These programs focus mainly on local
food and the environment.
POSSUM CREEK METROPARK
LE GE N D :
entrance
picnic area
camping
woods
service road
parking
reservable shelter
stream/intermi˜ent stream
path
park feature
park information
wheelchair accessible
lake or pond
park boundary
restrooms
fishing
marsh
park road
telephone
non-motorized boats
public road
*
4790
Frytown Rd.
entrance is closed in winter (Nov 1-March 31)
4730
Frytown Rd. *
(Reservable Area)
5000 Frytown Rd.
Horse Trailer
Parking
A
PrairieDock
Shelter
Frytown Road
G
4
Sycamore
Shelter
Argonne
Forest
rm
an
tow
nP
ike
B
3
4/
Ge
2
F
Wildlife Pond
te
Tall Grass
Prairie
Sta
te
Ro
u
0.97 miles
5
Argonne
Forest
Parking
11
C
(Catch and release;
fish from levee only.)
3
1
2
Jean V.
Woodhull
Prairie
Possum Creek
Black
Cherry Sugar Maple
Campsite Campsite
Tall Grass
Prairie
1
6
12
Argonne Lake
Tall Grass Prairie
Pond
Parking
7
E
llto
Hickory
Shelter
(newer planting)
d
8
nR
oa
13
10
rro
Ca
We
st
Infirmary Road
Lake
Parking
Shank Road
0
0.12
Ho
m
So
ldi
ers
Farm
9
D
e-
Park
Operations
Barn
Farmhouse
Education
Center
Farm
Shelter
Community
Gardens
TRAIL
0.24
Color-Coded Hiking Trails
KEY
green trail = 0.3 miles
red trail = 0.5 miles
blue trail = 1.0 miles
pink trail = 1.2 miles
yellow trail = 1.3 miles
purple trail = 1.4 miles
Scale: 1 inch = 0.12 miles
1
Five Rivers MetroParks supports the Americans with Disabilities
Act by making reasonable accommodations in serving
individuals with disabilities. Programs and facilities are offered
on a non-discriminatory basis. If accommodations are needed,
please call (937) 275-PARK (7275) at least one week in advance.
Five Rivers MetroParks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
orange trail = 3.5 miles
trail intersection
Color-Coded Horse Trails
orange trail
green trail
blue trail
A location marker