By 1812Blockhouse, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The Mansfield Fire Department will have a new “eye in the sky” in its monitoring of potential area forest fires.
The Department, as well as two others in contiguous counties, received grants to assist in such efforts. Mansfield’s was for $3,000 to purchase a new drone.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry strives to support Ohio’s fire departments and the communities that they serve. Through the Community Wildfire Risk Reduction (CWRR) Grant program, the Division of Forestry recently approved grant funding for 37 projects totaling $75,718 for fire departments in eastern and southern Ohio. More…
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…
An estimated 67 Ohio schools currently hold the designation of a WILD School Site by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Springmill STEM recently became one of them.
According to ODNR’s website, a WILD School Site is “a school property used by students, teachers or the school community as a place to learn about and benefit wildlife and the environment.” In order to receive the certification, Springmill STEM was required to share how the school is utilizing nature as part of their curriculum as well as how they are being good stewards of nature itself.
Principal Regina Sackman said the certification is one of many new additions to infuse nature to further the mission of Springmill STEM. She credits the Ohio State University’s Extension Office, Amanda Criner of Richland County Parks Department and volunteer naturalists with providing education and tools to showcase how to maximize outdoor space for education. More…
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Springmill STEM Elementary
Special to 1812Blockhouse
The free fishing weekend for Ohio residents is Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Ohio residents may fish for free in any of Ohio’s public waters, including Lake Erie and the Ohio River, during this weekend. It is the only weekend all year when those 16 years old and older are not required to obtain a fishing license to fish in the state’s public waters.
“All Ohioans are invited to enjoy the fun and excitement of fishing during our free fishing weekend,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “Fishing is a great way to introduce someone to the outdoors and make some lasting memories.” More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced this week that all of Ohio’s state parks and watercraft facilities are now fully open for the public to enjoy this summer.
“The Ohio State Parks team is so happy to welcome our guests back for in-person activities and programming this summer,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Families can plan for group activities, such as reunions, and visitors of all ages are welcome back to our nature centers and educational programming.
Several state parks, such as Malabar Farm and Marblehead Lighthouse state parks, will resume regular hours for public tours.
Tours of the Big House at Malabar Farm will be given daily at AM and 2 PM through Labor Day weekend. On Fridays and Saturdays, a 4:30 PM tour is also available. Fees apply. More…
Featured, Malabar Farm, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State Parks
By 1812Blockhouse, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The fishing is good in Richland County!
How good, you ask? Consider the fact that when the Ohio Department of Natural Resources set out to identify the top ten FishOhio locations for largemouth bass, saugeye, and crappie, two local fishing spots appeared.
Charles Mill Reservoir and Clear Fork Lake made an appearance on the top ten lists. More…
The Ohio Seismic Network (OhioSeis) continuously seeks to better serve Ohioans through seismic monitoring and risk mitigation. To that end, it is currently installing the next phase of seismic stations across Ohio. The new Gen-3 seismic stations differ from previous monitoring sites in the way they’re constructed, leading to greater sensitivity.
The first generation of Ohio’s seismic monitoring stations required the instrumentation to be placed indoors, often in areas with numerous sources of human noise, making earthquake detection difficult. In 2016, the second generation of OhioSeis saw instruments placed in remote areas of the state but just below the ground surface in shallow barrel vaults, including one in Richland County. The earthquake magnitude minimum detection threshold dropped from about M3.0 to M2.0 with the second-generation installations. However, many earthquakes in the state remained undetected. More…
The northern cardinal was adopted by the Ohio General Assembly as the state bird in 1933 and has been revered for its beauty and melodic songs for generations. Easily identifiable, the cardinal is one of Ohio’s most iconic species. All Ohioans and supporters of wildlife conservation can celebrate this colorful bird by purchasing the 12th annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
“We are thrilled to feature the beautiful northern cardinal on this year’s Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “The stamp and this amazing photo will promote wildlife diversity in Ohio. Purchasing a legacy stamp gives all Ohioans a chance to directly contribute to the future of wildlife. A stamp makes a fun gift for birders and other conservation supporters and comes with the added benefit of a 25% discount at Ohio state park lodges.” More…
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Northwest and north central Ohio’s public lakes and reservoirs offer some of the best fishing in the Buckeye State for yellow perch, saugeye, and more, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Richland County is well represented in that list.
Ohio has 124,000 acres of inland water, 7,000 miles of streams, 2.25 million acres of Lake Erie water, and 481 miles of the Ohio River. At $25 for a resident one-year fishing license, fishing is a cost-effective and accessible outdoor reactional activity.
The Division of Wildlife has numerous resources available to assist anglers, including lake maps, fishing tips by species, and fishing forecasts. Many of these resources are available right at your fingertips with the HuntFish OH mobile app. Fishing regulations and an interactive fishing map can be located with ease from any mobile device. For more information on fishing tips and forecasts, go to wildohio.gov. Here are a few places in northwest and north central Ohio anglers may want to visit. More…
Clear Fork Reservoir, Fishing, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Pleasant Hill Lake Park
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…
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
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
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is boasting this week about the new suspension bridge being created at Mohican State Park, and for good reason.
From the images which ODNR shared on social media, it’s well on its way to completion.
The Mohican Cable Pedestrian Bridge spans the Clear Fork tributary of the Mohican River at the Hemlock Gorge Trail. The work is being done by Righter, general contractor, and engineering firm Woolpert.
When opened later this year, it will be 120 feet in length. More…
Featured, Mohican State Park, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Attention, Richland County fishermen and women!
Thanks to a legendary run of strong walleye hatches dating back to 2015 and accelerating in 2018, there are plenty of fish in Lake Erie for anglers to catch this spring, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
“Ohio’s portion of Lake Erie, better known as ‘The Walleye Capital of the World’, is one of the most productive freshwater fisheries in the world,” said Travis Hartman, Lake Erie Fisheries Program Administrator for the Division of Wildlife. “Anglers will find plenty of keeper-sized walleye, measuring at least 15 inches long, from the 2014 to 2019 hatches. Many of the 2-year-old fish will reach the minimum length by the end of the 2021 summer.” More…
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources released its weekly Wildflower Bloom Report on March 19.
Spring is springing! More and more bloomers are waking up in southern Ohio and even the central and northern counties are just beginning to get their first native species peaking above the thawed soil. Warm and wet weather the last week has accelerated things with quite a few new species to talk about in this week’s edition of the wildflower bloom report In last week’s post we talked about our daintiest and earliest blooming trillium, the snow trillium (Trillium nivale). It will be nearing peak in its southernmost populations over the next week or so. Reports from the field suggest this is an exceptional spring for the species and a “boom” year at sites like the Arc of Appalachia’s Chalet Nivale in Adams Co. More northerly populations of snow trillium like Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Stillwater Prairie Preserve in Miami Co., and Oakes Quarry Park in Greene Co. to name a few will be popping soon. More…
