OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has awarded six communities more than $51,000 to create Storybook Trails. 

What You Need To Know

  • There are currently 21 Storybook Trails in the state

  • More than $150,000 has been awarded to communities to create their own trail since 2021

  • The program has been in operation since 2019

ODNR's Storybook launched its Storybook Trails program in 2019 to help promote early literacy, a healthy lifestyle, and encourage people to connect with nature. Along the trails, children and families can find pages of children's books along the route to read. 

“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.”

The following six municipalities will receive the funding to create a Storybook Trail:

  • 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

With this round of funding, more than 20 communities have received over $150,000 since 2021 to create the trails. So far, there are 21 Storybook Trails in the state. 

“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.”

More details on the Storybook Trail program can be found here.

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