3-18-2026 10:18pm

Celebrate History and Spring Wildflowers at Blackhand Gorge on March 21

Beth Callahan Editor

Story and photo courtesy of ODNR

NEWARK, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites you to celebrate the Licking County region’s rich natural and cultural history at Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve on Saturday, March 21. Hosted by ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, the family-friendly event features the unveiling of a new ODNR historical marker, wildflower ramble, local historical interpreters, and exhibits.

“The Blackhand Gorge area has played a significant role in shaping the natural and cultural history of the region for centuries,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “From indigenous peoples and European settlers to modern visitors, this fantastic place has drawn us to explore its unique geologic features by foot or by paddle.”

The event will kick off with Director Mertz unveiling a new two-sided historic marker commemorating the village of Toboso and the history of Blackhand Gorge. One side will feature the history of natural features and changes to the site over time. The other side shares the story of Toboso which was plotted in 1852 as well as the impact Dillon Dam, built in 1961, had on the village, which is considered Hanover Township’s third oldest settlement.

“Protected in 1975 as a state nature preserve, Blackhand Gorge has become a popular destination for hikers, paddlers, and nature enthusiasts of all ages and abilities,” said Chief Jeff Johnson with ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. “Not only are we gathering to kick off the much-anticipated spring wildflower season, but to recognize and this special place’s role in history.”

Following the unveiling of the marker, attendees will be invited to take a wildflower ramble “at their own pace” along the preserve’s recently renovated 4-mile multipurpose trail. Along the first mile, ODNR experts will staff six information stations featuring Ohio native wildflowers, geology, river ecology, local history, and invasive plant identification.

During the event, several exhibit areas will focus on the natural and cultural history of the region as well as sharing ODNR’s progress on its Ohio’s Pre-settlement Vegetation Map, which, when complete, will offer a free, digitized map of Ohio’s 18th century landscape based on first-hand accounts from the Ohio Country’s original survey teams. The project includes offering comprehensive details for all 88 counties.

Event Details:
When: Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 2200 Gratiot Road SE, Newark, OH 43056
Itinerary: Historical marker unveiling 9 a.m.
Self-guided hike along the trail 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In and around Blackhand Gorge’s historic cabin, local historical interpreters will be demonstrating early surveying techniques which were used to map the Ohio Country for settlement prior to statehood.

Refreshments and water will be available for participants as well as a variety of free informational materials including an Ohio Wildflowers poster, while supplies last. To learn more about Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve or ODNR’s original vegetation digital map project, visit naturalareas.ohiodnr.gov.

The Division of Natural Areas and Preserves is dedicated to preserving and protecting Ohio’s unique natural heritage and restoring the finest land and water resources in the state by managing a system of 155 state nature preserves and 17 scenic rivers. To learn more, visit naturalareas.ohiodnr.gov.