Special to 1812Blockhouse
This winter, the Ohio Department of National Resources (ODNR) is offering Ohioans an opportunity to attend webinars touching on nature and Ohio history.
First up is a look at Ohio’s Woodpeckers, which will take place this Wednesday, January 27 from 10 AM to 11 AM.
Here are come questions for you:
Why do woodpeckers chisel, peck, and pull away bark and wood? More…
Finding the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life has never been easier, thanks to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Give the gift of the great outdoors with choices from our online store today.
Unique Gifts from Ohio State Parks
New this year, Ohio State Parks is offering gifts perfect for the entire family. These items are exclusively available through our web store. For more information and to place your order, go to the online store at reserveohio.com. More…
Applications are being accepted through January 15 for the next Natural Resources Officer training academy, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The department is seeking to fill at least 15 positions.
“Natural Resource Officers have an essential role in helping our department fulfill its mission,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. ” We are looking for individuals with a great passion for the outdoors and a drive to serve the community through public service.”
The diversity of this career path offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for future ODNR employees. Natural resources officer duties include law enforcement and public service, as well as education and public relations for ODNR’s divisions of Parks and Watercraft, Forestry, and Natural Areas and Preserves. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
In a news release on the City of Mansfield website, it was announced this week that two trees have been designated with Heritage Tree status by the City’s Shade Tree Commission.
The City of Mansfield Heritage Tree Program, launched in 2019, is based upon the “National Big Trees” program recognizing Heritage Trees of each species within the City of Mansfield Corporation limits.
The city received ten (10) nominations, which were initially visited by the Shade Tree Commission and then forwarded onto a volunteer who utilizing a “Biltmore stick”, provided accurate measurements and a thorough evaluation of the tree which was nominated. The Commission members at their June 2020 meeting approved the trees to be officially recorded as Heritage Trees
and will make bi-annual awards. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD) is partnering with the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative (OPHI) to collect common milkweed seed pods to help foster habitats for Monarch butterflies.
Milkweed seed pods are starting to mature to the point where they can be harvested. Start scouting fields and if pods appear slightly gray and are dried out they are ready to pick. Seeds inside should be brown before harvesting. Last year’s massive statewide seed collection effort was spearheaded by the Ohio Pollinator Habitat Initiative (OPHI), which is working to get the word out about why monarch butterflies are disappearing and help partners create monarch habitat. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Thinking about stocking your pond with fish this fall?
You can now order pond fish from Richland Soil and Water Conservation District until October.
Buyers can choose from among a selection of Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Hybrid Bluegill, Redear Bluegill, Channel Catfish, White Amur and Fathead Minnows. Orders and payment are due by Friday, October 9 and pick-up is Friday, October 16 at 10:30 AM at the Richland County Fairgrounds. More…
2020 has a real chance of actually getting something right in the coming weeks.
Fall is a special time of year in Ohio because of the stunning spectrum of colors that will soon transform trees around the state. Throughout the season, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in partnership with Ohio. Find It Here., will be providing regular updates on the best locations to enjoy the unique activities and beautiful tones of autumn.
“The Buckeye State’s brilliant colors will be on full display during fall,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “This season is a great opportunity to get outside, have new experiences, and make memories during the crisp weather and vivid scenery of autumn.”
Forecasting fall color can be difficult as foresters must consider several variables such as sunlight, temperature, wind, and rainfall when estimating the intensity and longevity of leaf color. This year, the ODNR Division of Forestry is expecting peak color to arrive in mid-to-late October. More information on the current forecast is available at ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/see-the-sights/fall-color. More…
Fall, Featured, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
By 1812Blockhouse
This year we’re continuing our weekly look at unique events and attractions that are within an easy driving distance of Richland County. We call these “Summer Road Trips.” Of course, we regularly feature the many extraordinary places to visit right here in Richland County and encourage our readers to get out and experience what is on offer in our own backyard.
Here’s a question for you. How can you experience nature up close, while at the same time having limited human contact other than those with whom you arrived? For animal lovers during a pandemic, it can be the best of both worlds.
An Ohio staple for generations, the 65 acre African Safari Wildlife Park is open daily in Port Clinton, capacity permitting. Visitors who choose to remain in their cars at the Drive-Thru Safari can still have the opportunity to see a number of animal species that are not native to Ohio. More…
From the great folks at Destination Mansfield – Richland County:
Cool night air and sleeping under the stars. Cooking over an open fire and roasting marshmallows. Connecting with family and disconnecting from the hustle and grind of our daily schedules. Camping helps us get in touch with the land and our inner explorer as we let weather and our whims control our days. It’s a full sensory experience with sounds, sights, and smells all its own. Camping reacquaints us with stars, with slow, with dirt. When we’re camping we hit reset. We rest. We play. We restore.
It’s no secret, we love camping in Richland County. We love sitting by the fire, talking until the embers die out. We love camp coffee and restarting the fire on a cool morning. Everyone does camping a little different so we have several different places we love to camp in Richland County… More…
Camping, Destination Mansfield - Richland County, Featured, Nature
By 1812Blockhouse; Richland County Park District
An annual event that celebrates all things creepy-crawley that also fly will be taking place this weekend with the 7th Annual Richland County Park District Pollinator & Native Plant Festival.
The event actually begins on Wednesday with the visit of Fran LeMasters and her “All a Flutter” live butterfly exhibit, which you can actually physically enter and have the opportunity to interact with native butterfly species. Come inside and visit live butterflies from the caterpillar, larvae, and flying stage, including feeding.
LeMasters will be at the Gorman Nature Center from Tuesday through Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM (on Thursday, the hours will be somewhat limited due to another event at the Center. More…
By: 1812Blockhouse
Across the planet, Important Bird Areas (“IBAs”) signify places which have been designated as critical for bird conservation.
In each, an internationally accepted set of guidelines has been used in conjunction with a recognized birding program. In this country, that effort is run through the National Audubon Society.
The Ohio Important Bird Areas Program was launched in 1999, and by 2000 work was underway to identify the first such areas. The technical committee established reviewed some 160 nominations to verify that one of the four primary criteria set is present. A total of 66 have been recognized. More…
By: 1812Blockhouse; Richland County Park District
This Saturday, the Richland County Park District will be offering two opportunities to get to know the outdoors.
First, Naturalist Kyle Bailey will be hosting the second Magnificent Moths and Caterpillar program of the season. Learn about the natural history of months through a “moth lighting” — setting out a sheet with lights to attract the flying insects and then inspecting the property for larval caterpillars. The lighting will take place after a talk about moths and mothing. More…
By: 1812Blockhouse
This year we’re continuing our weekly look at unique events and attractions that are within an easy driving distance of Richland County. We call these “Summer Road Trips.” Of course, we regularly feature the many extraordinary places to visit right here in Richland County and encourage our readers to get out and experience what is on offer in our own backyard.
The unique kind of summer Ohio is experiencing has meant that trips and vacations have been kept a bit closer to home, and many are emphasizing outdoor experiences.
One easy to undertake day road trip for the Summer of 2020, particularly for those who enjoy the beauty of butterflies, is the extraordinary Butterfly Ridge in the Hocking Hills. More…
MOSQUITOES
Spring rains combined with warm weather make conditions favorable for mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes can breed in any standing water if it lasts at least seven days.
By: 1812Blockhouse Staff
A brand-new post on the Kingwood Capital Campaign Blog of Kingwood Center Gardens, posted on Thursday, not only shares good news but also proudly displays proof of those tidings.
The news is that construction crews have returned to work on the new Garden Gateway. Not only have workers returned, albeit under restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the green stuff has been arriving as well.
This is Kingwood, after all. The beautiful visitors and education center will be set in horticultural beauty and will include a stunning new fountain. More…
Featured, Garden Gateway Project, Kingwood Center Gardens, Nature
