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…
By 1812Blockhouse
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.
That’s not the only Appleseed-related quest which has been undertaken. For the last two generations, the location of any surviving trees which he planted has captivated several. His productivity in planting trees was staggering; over the 45 years he was active, he spread almost 20 bushels of apple seeds – and are over 300,000 seeds per bushel. 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
By 1812Blockouse
Richland County has a double legacy when it comes to the land it occupies.
The name “Richland” itself was given in testament to the natural resources of this part of Ohio. From north to south, the county boasts an extraordinary variety of terrain and ecosystems.
Another strong focus on the land comes from being the home of noted author and agriculturalist Louis Bromfield. The scion of Malabar Farm was focused on maximing the possibilities of natural farming.
Private property owners can help keep these legacies alive through the sale of a conservation easement through the Agriculatural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
The nasally bugles of a flock of sandhill cranes passing overhead is a sound and experience not soon forgotten. Thanks to monitoring and conservation work by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife and partnering organizations, cranes can be sighted at Ohio’s wetlands and are once again breeding in the state – including in Richland County.
In 1987, the first pair of sandhill cranes returned to breed in Ohio after they were extirpated from the Buckeye State. In 2020, biologists estimated 58 breeding pairs and confirmed 25, producing upwards of 28 offspring. The slowly expanding breeding population indicates the success of ongoing conservation work, but sandhills are still listed as a threatened species in Ohio. Much work remains until their awe-inducing calls are heard with regularity. More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
One of Ohio’s most successful white-tailed deer hunting seasons concluded Sunday, February 7 with 197,735 deer harvested, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. That total is the highest since 218,910 deer were taken during the 2012-2013 hunting season.
Richland County’s numbers were also higher than in recent years.
The final harvest totals represent all deer taken during archery, gun, muzzleloader, and youth hunting seasons that began Sept. 26, 2020. An average of 180,921 deer were harvested during the last three years. More…
By 1812Blockhouse
It’s nesting season soon for bald eagles in this part of the country, and one of those majestic birds has already been spotted in Richland County.
Female bald eagles in Ohio typically lay one to three eggs sometime in mid-February or late March. Eggs are incubated by both parents for about 35 days, and the young eagles leave the nest about three months later, usually before the Fourth of July.
Although eagle sightings in the Buckeye State are more common today, bald eagles were once an endangered species. In 1979, there were just four bald eagle nests in Ohio. Thanks to partnerships between the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife, Ohio zoos, rehabilitation facilities and concerned landowners, bald eagle numbers began to climb. More…
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…
