A Tale of Two Crayfish Species: Research at the Licking Park District

9 Apr 2021 Nature, Resource Management

GRANVILLE, OHIO (April 5, 2021) The Licking Park District actively supports research that informs the management of our natural resources. Invasive species, and the detrimental impact they have on native species, are of particular concern. In 2020, The Ohio State University graduate student Krystal Pocock collected native crayfish from Lobdell Reserve as part of a larger project examining differences in leaf consumption by crayfish in Ohio. Crayfish are important to stream systems as they break down nutrient rich, coarse leaf litter. However, research has suggested streams with non-native crayfish have accelerated leaf litter breakdown and reduced standing leaf litter. This reduces available habitat and food for fish and aquatic macroinvertebrates and may lead to reduced biodiversity.

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Natural Surface Trail Conditions and Equestrian User Impact

9 Apr 2021 Resource Management, Uncategorized

GRANVILLE, OHIO (March 16, 2021) Every spring in Central Ohio, rain will be in the forecast, LOTS of rain. And every spring, the Park District faces the challenge of determining when trails are capable of handling the impact of horse traffic. Throughout the spring season, trails tend to be more saturated and hold more water, sometimes taking days to dry. Riding horses on muddy trails increases erosion. Once ruts are formed, they are negatively impacted by more travel and water. Because of this, occasional closures to horses are required. We ask that our equestrian friends assist us in maintaining our trails by avoiding trails that are closed to horses. Trail status can be checked on our website, Facebook, Twitter and our 24-7 Trail Hotline.

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Licking Park District Board of Park Commissioners Selects Kiracofe as 2021 Chairman

18 Feb 2021 Park Board

GRANVILLE, OHIO (February 5, 2021) Jim Kiracofe was again selected by fellow Park Commissioners as the 2021 Chairman. He served as Chairman in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Mr. Kiracofe has been a member of the Board since 2015. He is a former District Program Administrator of the Licking Soil & Water Conservation District and still actively farms in the Utica area. Mr. Kiracofe’s leadership has guided the Board and Park District through the continuing COVID pandemic and he works closely with the Director in accomplishing the mission of the Licking Park District.

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2020 Carnivore Study

19 Jan 2021 Announcements, Nature
GRANVILLE, OHIO (January 19, 2021) A pilot study to assess the presence/absence of bobcats, red fox, gray fox, and coyotes within Licking County was recently led by Dr. Shauna L. Weyrauch of the Ohio State University at Newark. Bobcats (Lynx rufus) in particular were of interest as they are a recovering species in Ohio after being extirpated in the mid-1800s. Currently little is known about their abundance and distribution within Licking County, which sits on the north-west edge of their range. Multiple parks managed by the Licking Park District were selected for observation using non-baited camera trapping stations set up along game trails.

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Thermoplastic Mile Markers on TJ Evans Trail

10 Dec 2020 Bike Trails


GRANVILLE, OHIO (November 17, 2020) The Licking Park District in conjunction with the Licking County Engineer’s office recently completed installation of thermoplastic mile markers on the TJ Evans trail from Johnstown to W Main St in Newark. The markings followed ODOT standards of starting from West to East. The marking began at the trailhead in Johnstown off Jersey St and continued for 14 miles to W. Main St in Newark.

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Lobdell Reserve Multi-Use Trail Improvements

9 Dec 2020 Blog


GRANVILLE, OHIO The Licking Park District staff and volunteers have worked hard this year to maintain existing natural surface trails, re-route closed trails and add new trails at Lobdell.  A ribbon cutting ceremony was held November 24 to celebrate the recent work completed at the Lobdell Reserve, in Alexandria, a 210 acres reserve with 8 miles of trails and a championship caliber disc golf course.

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Licking Park District – Updated COVID 19 Notice

2 Sep 2020 COVID-19

GRANVILLE, OHIO (August 31, 2020) The Licking Park District has experienced increased park usage this season! People are looking for outdoor activities close to home and we have many parks and trails to enjoy.

Our parks remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with caution. We still encourage caution when visiting us. Playgrounds and restrooms are open. We ask that you bring wipes and masks and practice safe park usage. People have continued to ride horses, hike, mountain bike, walk their dogs and run in our parks.

Programming has continued, often using virtual methods to reach the public. These virtual programs include; Paint the Parks, Book Club and All About Plants. In-person programming (limited size groups) include Yoga, Tai Chi & Art in the Park. Visit our website for details.

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Licking Park District Announces Dedication of Staddens Landing

24 Aug 2020 Announcements, Dedications


GRANVILLE, OHIO (August 22, 2020)  The Licking Park District was joined by Licking County and Madison Township officials on August 6th, to officially dedicate the recently completed Staddens Landing. In addition to providing ease of access for kayaks and canoes, this boat ramp allows emergency personnel access for water rescues. It has been used 6 times for that purpose so far this year. Staddens Landing includes an off-road parking area that was completed in 2016.

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