Special to 1812Blockhouse from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites everyone to spend this Saturday at a state park, nature preserve, forest, or wildlife area, to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 24. The day is designated to celebrate the connection between people and the great outdoors, inspire environmental stewardship, and encourage the use of open space for education, recreation, and healthy living.
“Ohio is home to the best outdoor recreation in the country and National Public Lands Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy it,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, or just sightseeing, I hope everyone can make time to get out and experience Ohio’s natural beauty this weekend.”
ODNR has a variety of places where people can enjoy National Public Lands Day – for free!
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Special to 1812Blockhouse (emphasis added)
Eastern monarch butterflies are now flying through Ohio on their way from summer breeding areas to overwintering sites in Mexico, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Monarchs may travel 50 to 100 miles per day, making this one of the most impressive migrations in the animal kingdom. The journey may take them thousands of miles before they reach their destination.
Migrating monarchs rely on adequate food resources along their journey. Native flowers provide monarchs with the fuel needed to reach overwintering areas. Look for monarchs in the coming weeks in forests, fields, gardens, and waterways as they migrate through Ohio. Migrants may travel individually or in groups.
More…Butterflies, Featured, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
By 1812Blockhouse
This is the first of a two-part series focusing on a good friend of Richland County, John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Today, we look at ways you can connect with his legacy; later this week we will share news about how his legacy is bring commemorated.
We live in Johnny Appleseed country. The relationship between the pioneer American nurseryman and the Mansfield area is well documented and commemorated today in many ways – from shopping centers to historic markers to scenic byways.
Johnny Appleseed’s legacy lives on in other parts of Ohio and the country. Some time ago, we shared a story about one person’s efforts to identify the actual resting place for John Chapman, his legal name. That post can be accessed here. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse with local updates
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz have announced plans for more than two dozen new H2Ohio wetland projects to naturally improve water quality across Ohio.
“Our water is such an incredibly valuable resource, and building and restoring wetlands brings us closer to having cleaner water throughout the state,” said Governor DeWine. “We are making great strides through the work of H2Ohio, and I look forward to seeing even more progress in the years to come.”
Twenty-five new wetland projects will soon launch in 22 counties including Allen, Athens, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Cuyahoga, Delaware, Franklin, Henry (2), Madison, Mahoning, Medina, Mercer, Montgomery, Ottawa, Pickaway, Putnam, Richland, Sandusky, Summit (3), Wayne, and Wyandot. The projects will be funded through ODNR’s $25 million H2Ohio allocation in the current state operating budget.
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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 over 150 nominations to verify that one of the four primary criteria set is present. A total of 66 have been recognized to date. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
On summer Sunday afternoons, you have the opportunity to sit among the trees and learn about our feathered friends.
Join the Ohio Bird Sanctuary staff in the new Treehouse Classroom for the new Keeper Talks, an educational encounter with some of the Sanctuary’s “residents.” This fun experience is available to 20 attendees each Sunday at 1:00 PM, and requires registration.
Cost is $3 per person and anyone under 2 years old is free. Tickets are only available for purchase on site on the day of a given presentation.
Contact information for hours and registration can be done here.
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By 1812Blockhouse, ODNR
Richland County’s sole sandhill cranes are bound to be lonely.
Actually, while there is every chance that those cranes are not alone, that was not what appeared to be the case when final numbers were tallied in the one-day April 2022 Midwest Crane Count, numbers for which were shared recently by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Across Ohio, there was a total of 397 sandhill cranes spotted by observers in 24 counties:
The survey was conducted in 24 preselected counties during the crane’s nesting season. Counties were selected based on the availability of wetland habitat that cranes use for nesting. Volunteers searched crane habitat within a 10-square mile survey block. Results were reported via eBird.
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By 1812Blockhouse
Looking for an interesting family event to attend this weekend? If so, why not come to the Gorman Nature Center on Saturday for the Ninth Annual Richland County Park District Rock & Fossil Day.
During this free event, experience the following:
Special to 1812Blockhouse
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has confirmed nine additional wild white-tailed deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in northern Marion and southern Wyandot counties. Five were bucks, and four were does. Testing was performed on hunter-harvested deer during the 2021-22 season, as well as through a planned operation in February and March to obtain additional samples.
Since the fall of 2020, 11 wild deer have tested positive for CWD, all in Wyandot and Marion counties. Nine were confirmed in Wyandot County, and two were confirmed in Marion County. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer and other similar species, including mule deer, elk, and moose. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no strong evidence that CWD is transmissible to humans.
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By 1812Blockhouse
This summer, travelers in Ashland and Richland Counties are bound to see crews from Ohio Edison “up in the trees.”
Ohio Edison, a FirstEnergy Corp. electric company, is conducting its annual tree trimming and other vegetation management work throughout its 34 county service area. According to the company, this year’s $21.6 million tree-trimming program will help keep power flowing to customers by helping to prevent tree-related outages, such as those that can occur during the spring and summer storm season.
Already in 2022 some 300 miles of lines have been addressed. There’s still another 4,400 miles to go of tree trimming along high voltage power lines in the company’s service territory.
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By 1812Blockhouse
It’s been a busy winter and spring at the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (Richland SWCD), highlighted by a grant offering and the launch of a new podcast.
Grant-wise, in an effort to promote conservation practices by landowners, Richland SWCD is providing cost-share grants to offset some of the cost of installing a rain garden, purchasing a rain barrel, or having soil tested. These practices help protect the health of soil and water resources and conserve water. The funds supporting this grant program came from generous donations made during the Richland Gives event in November 2021.
The application period is open until June 1. For further details and an application, please visit https://forms.gle/XBS1LQ3rc9RZ5p1QA, call 419-747-8685 or email [email protected]
More…Featured, Nature, Richland Soil and Water Conservation DIstrict, Soil and Water
Special to 1812Blockhouse
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly, and educational event, and let’s be honest, just want to get outdoors, you won’t want to miss the annual Mohican Wildlife Weekend. The 2022 weekend event takes place this weekend, April 22-24.
The Mohican Wildlife Weekend has been held for over 20 years and continues to draw visitors from the community and around Ohio. This event is perfect for families that are remote learners, homeschoolers, or just enjoy learning and spending time outdoors. While this event is family-friendly, couples and solo adults are also in the center of the action. The varied topics prevented ensure you’ll find topics that appeal to a wide age range.
Each year, the Mohican Wildlife Weekend chooses a different overall theme and opens with a key-note speaker. This year, the topic is Mohican Under the Stars. Key-note Speaker, Terri Mann, the President of the Dark-Sky Association will kick off this popular event at the Warren Rupp Observatory during Friday Night’s Reception.
By: 1812Blockhouse
Note: First published in 2017, this article has been updated for spring 2022. Letterboxing is a wonderful outdoor family activity that can be done individually or with friends while exercising social distancing.
Some 160 years ago, visitors to the Dartmoor region of southwest England began to do something rather peculiar. Those hiking on the moors would place a letter or postcard inside a designated box along the trail as a mark that they had visited. Those who would come after them would, in turn, post letters back to those who had left them. Soon, these “letterboxes” were carefully hidden so that they would be difficult to discover.As this habit grew in popularity, the hobby of letterboxing was born.
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By 1812Blockhouse; ODNR
We are keenly aware that many 1812Blockhouse readers are avid flower lovers and enjoy traveling backroads for the beauty of an Ohio spring landscape. If you are included among that number, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) publishes a weekly wildflower bloom report this time of year that can help you to fine tune your travel plans.
Through social media links provided by ODNR, you can also view wildflowers from your own home.
It sure didn’t feel much like spring last weekend and to begin the week but our early spring flora was still waking up! The southernmost part of the state still leads the way with central and even northern Ohio beginning to wake up with more native wildflowers appearing. Tune into the details below.
More…Featured, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Wildflowers
By 1812Blockhouse
Of all of the varied happenings taking place in the nooks and crannies of Richland County each year, several stand out for their ability to join individual attractions together under a signal umbrella event.
Two of the favorite ones each spring are Mohican Wildlife Weekend and RichHistory Weekend. Dates for both have been announced, and we’re happy to share with you the first look at their 2022 editions.
The 21st Annual Mohican Wildlife Weekend has a theme this year called Mohican Under The Stars. Late in the day and nighttime programming will be at the forefront from April 22 through April 24 at 12 program sites and 30 individual programs.
More…Featured, Mohican Wildlife Weekend, Nature, RichHistory Weekend
