Special to 1812Blockhouse
Citizen scientists can participate in surveying Ohio’s wild turkey and ruffed grouse populations by reporting sightings in July and August, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Every summer, the Division of Wildlife conducts a turkey and grouse brood survey to estimate population growth. The brood survey relies on the public to report observations of all wild turkeys and ruffed grouse seen during July and August. Observations may be submitted at the Wildlife Reporting System webpage at wildohio.gov as well as the HuntFish OH mobile app.
Information collected for wild turkeys includes the number of gobblers, hens, and young turkeys (poults) observed. Information collected for ruffed grouse include the number of adults and young observed. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
Updated with additional information.
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
The Morrow & Richland Soil and Water Conservation Districts will be co-hosting a Pond Clinic next month for new and established pond owners.
The evening speaker will be Steve Fender, of Fenders Fish Hatchery in Baltic, Ohio. The topics covered will include, pond management, aquatic vegetation control, fish stocking, fish management, aeration systems and much more.
The event will take place June 10 at 7:00 PM. Light refreshments will be provided and there will also be activities for kids. This event is open to the public. More…
Featured, Nature, Richland Soil and Water Conservation DIstrict
By 1812Blockhouse
It might be a new experience for you, but it’s one you’ll undoubtedly enjoy and not soon forget.
Pleasant Hill Lake Park has announced a series of “Pontoon Tours” to be provided this summer, each with its own theme. A naturalist to lead the excursion and life jackets to wear will be provided for the day.
Upcoming tours include:
May 27 – Birding Tour
July 8 – Sunset Tour
September 7 – History Tour
October 2 & 9- Hayride Tour by Boat More…
By 1812Blockhouse
In our “Take a Hike” series, we’re featuring a walk or organized hike you can take by yourself, with groups, or with your favorite furry friend. In each case, they are located within Richland County and will be generally accessible to the public, or easily made available.
Do you have a favorite walk you’d like to see us share with our readers? Just send information to us at: [email protected] and we’ll be happy to do just that.
Today we’re looking at the 3.6 mile Stoller Road Trail just north of Clearfork Reservoir. More…
From our friends at Destination Mansfield – Richland County:
There’s a wonderful natural world waiting to be explored alone, with family, or with small groups at the 20th Annual Mohican Wildlife Weekend “SURVIVOR MOHICAN”, April 23-25. Choose your own adventure with a weekend full of scheduled activities and unscheduled adventure at 10 different sites throughout Richland and Ashland Counties. Earn official Survivor Mohican hat pins in five different colors at selected events. You can also attend specially selected hikes to receive a free hiking stick medallion (limited availability).
Don’t miss keynote speaker, Carleigh Fairchild*, a participant on seasons 3 and 5 of the outdoor survivalist series “Alone”, on the History Channel at Pleasant Hill Lake Park, April 23, 2021 from 7 PM – 8 PM. Fairchild will share stories from the 91 days she spent in the wilderness of Patagonia and Mongolia and explain how she used his skills to survive off the land. More…
Destination Mansfield - Richland County, Featured, Mohican Wildlife Weekend, Nature
By 1812Blockhouse; Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Some weeks ago, we shared with our readers the first Spring Wildflower Bloom Report of 2021 as posted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Spring has now “sprung,” and warmer temperatures have made their way across the Buckeye State. This is evidenced in the current edition of the Report, now in its seventh week.
It’s a very good time, therefore, to check in to see what’s up across Ohio — and where you can find some beautiful wildflowers to enjoy (some right here in Richland County)!
Spring is marching right along! Wildflowers are in bloom throughout the entire state from the Ohio River to Lake Erie and not a moment too soon. Northern Ohio always has to be the most patient, but it’s paid off with lots of familiar faces to see. 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 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
It’s back! Mohican Wildlife Weekend returns from April 23 to 25.
Sure, it will be a bit different, given changes made related to the ongoing pandemic, but the enjoyable opportunities to interface with flora and fauna will be as plentiful as ever. The natural world awaits.
This 20th anniversary edition is called “SURVIVOR MOHICAN.” As always, programs will feature the area’s rich heritage, wildlife, recreation opportunities, and diverse natural resources. The best part of the event can be finding new venues you have never experienced, and then coming back again through the summer to engage in more in-depth visits. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz today announced the release of a new mobile and web-based resource to help outdoor enthusiasts plan for and explore thousands of trail miles crisscrossing the Buckeye State.
The new DETOUR trails app, developed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), is Ohio’s new go-to source for authoritative trail information for both to beginner and expert-trail users. Trails can be searched for by region, level of difficulty, activity, type, and distance. The app offers featured routes, provides driving directions to trailheads, and includes information for trail managers.
“Ohio is a great place for families to live, work, learn, and play,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “This new app will help bring friends and families together by connecting them to Ohio’s abundant trail system and natural outdoor beauty.” More…
Featured, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Trails
By 1812Blockhouse
We’re beginning a new series here at 1812Blockhouse, just in time for the beauty of a north central Ohio spring.
It’s called “Take a Hike,” and it is exactly that. With each post, we’ll be featuring a walk or organized hike you can take by yourself, with groups, or with your favorite furry friend. In each case, they will be located within Richland County and will be generally accessible to the public, or easily made available.
Do you have a favorite walk you’d like to see us share with our readers? Just send information to us at: [email protected] and we’ll be happy to do just that.
Today we’re looking at the 1.4 mile loop trail located at Gorman Nature Center. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
The great folks at Pleasant Hill Lake Park have brought nature a bit closer to you this spring in the form of a live camera view of an osprey nest near the Swim Beach/Marina area.
You can now see unplanned and real-time activity anytime. So unplanned, in fact, that the Park added this disclaimer about what you might observe as you watch:
“NOTICE: This is a wild Osprey nest, and anything can happen. While we hope that healthy Osprey chicks will end up fledging from the nest, things like sibling rivalry, predators, and natural disasters can affect the Osprey family and may be difficult to watch. As hard as it may be to see anything happen to our Osprey, we will let nature take its course and will not intervene.” More…
New plant life blossoms each spring and paints Ohio’s stunning landscapes with lively shades of green. This flush of renewal is perfectly timed to mark the state’s second Native Plant Month beginning April 1.
“Using native trees, shrubs, and flowers in our landscaping provides an unbeatable aesthetic and connects us with the natural world on a deeper level,” said Jeff Johnson, Chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. “From birds and butterflies to beetles and bees, native plants create a healthier and more biodiverse ecosystem that is often missing in urban areas.”
First celebrated last year, Ohio was one of the first states in the nation to dedicate an entire month to the celebration of native plants. This month, ODNR will highlight the importance and diversity of native plants on the agency’s website and social media channels. Watch for native wildflower features every day and special posts for Arbor Day and Earth Day. More…
By 1812Blockhouse and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
With a surge of wingbeats, thrust of webbed feet, and splash of water, a pair of trumpeter swans lift off from one of Ohio’s wetlands. Not long ago, this iconic scene only played out on special occasions as trumpeter swans migrated through the state. However, after years of dedicated conservation work by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife and its partners, trumpeter swans once again nest in the Buckeye State.
Those nesting environments include Richland County.
This work is made possible, in part, by Ohio’s annual tax donation program. This is an important way for wildlife enthusiasts to help contribute to restoring and managing endangered and threatened wildlife, including trumpeter swans. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Yes, we used that “s” word — spring is coming, after all!
After a long, cold and snowy winter it’s time to start looking forward to some warmer temperatures and lengthening days. It won’t be long before Ohio is teeming with green and renewed life once more. Which means it’s time for the Wildflower Bloom Report to reappear as well! Every Friday from March through mid-May we will bring you plenty of photos and details on what wildflowers are in bloom throughout the state and the best places to seek them out. Ohio has plenty to offer in our state nature preserves, state parks, state forests etc. to see what spring’s bounty brings! More…
Featured, Flowers and Plants, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
