November 20, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) continues to spread the joy of literature and nature by awarding more than $51,000 in grant funding for six new Storybook Trail projects in the state.
With this round of grant funding, more than $150,000 since 2021 has been awarded to 20 communities to help build Storybook Trails for more Ohio families to enjoy.
“I love taking our grandkids to read on Storybook Trails every chance I get,” said Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine. “It’s exciting that we are investing in our communities, so that more Ohio families across the state can enjoy this unique experience and kids can learn and be active at the same time.”
Six new Storybook Trails will be created with funding awarded through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The grants are used for interpretive signage, trail and trail head construction and maintenance. Storybook Trails feature pages of a children’s book placed on large signs along an outdoor trail.
“I love coming to our state parks and seeing families walking through a Storybook Trail and the excitement they have to get to the next page in the story,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “The Storybook Trails in our state parks are beloved trails and have been a success across the state.”
Storybook Trails include multiple signs along the path, with each sign showcasing a page from a children's book.
The following municipalities and organizations were selected for grant funding:
- City of Centerville, Montgomery County
- Grant Award: $9,930
- Ludowici Community Foundation, Perry County
- Grant Award: $10,000
- Madison County Chamber of Commerce
- Grant Award: $7,580
- Morrow County Park District
- Grant Award: $9,800
- Pickaway County Park District
- Grant Award: $9,148
- Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, Tuscarawas/Carrol Counties
- Grant Award: $4,902
The RTP is a reimbursement grant program that provides up to 80% project funding. This grant program is federally funded and is administered by the ODNR in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration.
In 2019, ODNR launched its Storybook Trails program to promote the importance of early literacy, a healthy lifestyle, and connecting with nature. There are currently 21 Storybook Trails inside Ohio state parks located in every corner of the state.
ODNR partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio to provide story content for several of their trails and raise awareness of these valuable resources for Ohio families. The Imagination Library provides one free book every month to children enrolled in the program from birth to age five. To learn more about the program and how to participate, visit OhioImaginationLibrary.org.
Ohio is lucky that different types of park and library districts across the state are creating Storybook Trails. To find a Storybook Trail near you, visit our interactive map on ODNR’s Storybook Trails webpage.
In 2024, join ODNR as we celebrate 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
