By Stacker
President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 signed the act creating the National Park Service to leave natural and historic phenomena “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Since then, our national parks have welcomed visitors from around the world to experience some of the best the country has to offer and showcase the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Today, the country’s 63 national parks contain at least 247 species of endangered or threatened plants and animals, more than 75,000 archaeological sites, and 18,000 miles of trails.
Stacker compiled a list of the closest national parks to Mansfield. National parks are ranked by closest straight line distance, measured from representative points in Mansfield, OH Metro Area and each national park. Estimated driving times are from Here and are only available within the lower 48 states. All featured distances and driving times are estimated using representative locations from the center of each metro and national park—for some places within the metro area, the actual distance may be slightly shorter or longer to reach the closest entryway to a park.
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By 1812Blockhouse, ODNR
Bald eagle nesting activity increases in the winter months, providing an excellent opportunity to watch these majestic raptors hunt, improve nests, and establish territory, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Ohio’s bald eagles begin courtship and pair bonding in January, and that combined with an absence of vegetation makes this one of the best times to view them.
Ohio’s bald eagle population has increased dramatically in recent years, with an estimated 824 nesting pairs statewide in 2022. Look for eagles near their preferred aquatic habitats such as rivers, wetlands, and frozen lakes, or occasionally sitting in open fields. An eagle’s large size, dark-colored plumage, and impressive wingspan are easy to spot against snow and ice.
“The recent success of Ohio’s bald eagles is owed in a big way to improvements in the state’s water quality and habitat availability,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “Expanding wildlife areas and Governor DeWine’s H2Ohio program to restore wetlands provides eagles with additional space to nest and raise their young. The bald eagle’s recovery is an example of how wildlife and habitats benefit when the state, conservation partners, and individuals work together.”
More…Birding, Featured, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
By 1812Blockhouse; ODNR
If you had plans to plant pear trees in the near future, you had best heed the latest news from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
If you already have Callery pear trees on your property, however, you can control or remove them. There is at least one Richland County property owner who may have that challenge; there may well be more.
According to ODNR, it is now illegal to sell, grow, or plant Callery pear (also known as Bradford pear) in Ohio because of its invasive qualities and likelihood to cause economic or environmental harm. There is no requirement for the removal of existing plants, but the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry encourages control and removal to benefit native forest ecosystems.
This action has been phased in over some time.
More…Featured, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Trees
Special to 1812Blockhouse
People have been spending a lot of time outdoors in Ohio, whether it’s kayaking, camping, hiking, fishing, or swimming.
There are just two weeks left to let the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) know what you want to see more of in the great outdoors. The statewide survey to contribute to Ohio’s State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is available through the end of this month.
Feedback from the survey will help determine outdoor recreation priorities of Ohioans. The survey results will be included in the five-year SCORP, which provides information on recreation trends and serves as a reference document for state officials distributing federal and state grants for public park facilities around the state.
To have your opinion heard, take the survey here. The survey closes January 31.
Source: ODNR
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz recently announced that ODNR has begun outfitting all natural resources and wildlife officers with body cameras.
“Body cameras are becoming an increasingly important piece of technology in all areas of law enforcement,” said Governor DeWine. “These new cameras have the ability to protect natural resources and wildlife officers while also offering transparency to the public.”
ODNR officers are certified peace officers who are required to enforce all laws and statutes of the state within their jurisdictions.
Governor DeWine directed ODNR to begin the process toward outfitting their officers with body cameras last year. Following that directive, ODNR pursued approval from the Ohio Controlling Board to use $3.5 million in federal funding from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to purchase the new cameras.
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
Whether it’s kayaking, camping, hiking, fishing, or swimming, people have been spending a lot of time outdoors in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) wants Ohioans to weigh in on new or expanded recreational opportunities through a statewide survey to contribute to Ohio’s State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP).
“Ohio is home to some of the best recreation in the country, any time of year,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Our goal is to make each visitor experience the very best it can be and to do that we need to know what Ohioans want to see and what we should target for future improvement.”
Feedback from the survey will help determine outdoor recreation priorities of Ohioans. The survey results will be included in the five-year SCORP, which provides information on recreation trends and serves as a reference document for state officials distributing federal and state grants for public park facilities around the state.
The last SCORP update was finalized in 2018 and can be read here. To have your opinion heard take the survey here.
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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