Dynamic yellows and reds are beginning to create the perfect backdrop for outdoor experiences across the state, and the beautiful weather is providing a great introduction to this year’s fall color viewing season. Currently, leaves throughout the state are changing with some areas nearing peak conditions, creating those first opportunities to enjoy this year’s autumn makeover according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“We are beginning to see near peak conditions in some areas of northern Ohio as well as other patchy locations through the Buckeye State,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester Jamie Regula. “Tulip poplars and black walnuts are beginning to show their brilliant yellows. Be on the lookout for poison ivy and Virginia creeper which both turn a bright red this time of year.” More…
Glimpses of fall color are becoming more common around the state as Ohio’s trees begin their colorful transformation, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“We are entering prime viewing season as autumn’s spectacular colors come into focus,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester Jamie Regula. “Now is the perfect time to plan your fall adventure with our state’s beautiful scenic leaves as the backdrop.”
Although the season is just beginning, fall color begins in the north and works its way south. Trees near bodies of water also tend to change first. For the best chance of seeing color this weekend, head towards your favorite northern Ohio state park, forest, preserve, or wildlife area. More…
2020 has a real chance of actually getting something right in the coming weeks.
Fall is a special time of year in Ohio because of the stunning spectrum of colors that will soon transform trees around the state. Throughout the season, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in partnership with Ohio. Find It Here., will be providing regular updates on the best locations to enjoy the unique activities and beautiful tones of autumn.
“The Buckeye State’s brilliant colors will be on full display during fall,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “This season is a great opportunity to get outside, have new experiences, and make memories during the crisp weather and vivid scenery of autumn.”
Forecasting fall color can be difficult as foresters must consider several variables such as sunlight, temperature, wind, and rainfall when estimating the intensity and longevity of leaf color. This year, the ODNR Division of Forestry is expecting peak color to arrive in mid-to-late October. More information on the current forecast is available at ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/see-the-sights/fall-color. More…
Fall, Featured, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Hunters have their first opportunity to pursue white-tailed deer during the 2020-2021 archery season when it opens on Saturday, Sept. 26, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Approximately 375,000 people hunt deer in Ohio, making it the most sought-after animal in the state.
“Ohio hunters can expect another fantastic year of deer hunting,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “We have some additional public land hunting opportunities and welcome all hunters. In addition, the new HuntFish OH mobile app provides hunters more flexibility to report their harvest, and offers additional resources while people are in the field. We are looking forward to another safe and successful season.”
Ohio’s 2020-2021 deer seasons include: More…
Hunting season is fast approaching, and Ohio’s hunters are invited to kick off the year beginning Tuesday, September 1 with opening days for squirrel, mourning dove, and more, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
“Fall in Ohio is an exciting time with so many hunting opportunities available,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “We encourage experienced hunters to take someone new with them this year and wish everyone a safe, successful, and enjoyable fall hunting season.”
Hunters are reminded to check regulations for changes to season dates and bag limits as the 2020 fall seasons begin. A summary of Ohio’s hunting and trapping regulations is available where licenses are sold and at wildohio.gov. More…
The free HuntFish OH mobile app is available now for Ohio’s outdoors enthusiasts to conveniently purchase fishing and hunting licenses, check game, and view wildlife area maps, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The HuntFish OH mobile app is available for Android and iOS users and can be found in the app store.
“Many people are using their mobile devices to purchase hunting and fishing licenses and other Division of Wildlife products. This new app will make those transactions easier,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “We are excited to launch this new resource to help our customers.” More…
Fishing, Hunting, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Technology
Hunters can apply now for any of the hundreds of controlled hunting opportunities available on Ohio’s public lands during the 2020-2021 season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Controlled hunts include opportunities for white-tailed deer, waterfowl, mourning doves and more. The application period is open until Friday, July 31.
These special hunts are held on selected areas to provide additional opportunities for Ohio’s hunting enthusiasts. Hunts are available through ODNR Divisions of Wildlife, Parks & Watercraft and Natural Areas & Preserves. Hunters may apply for the controlled hunts by completing the application process online using Ohio’s Wildlife Licensing System at wildohio.gov. More…
The Ohio State Parks Passport, the essential guide to all 75 Ohio State Parks, is now available.
“Our state parks, all 75 of them, are truly wonderful, unique, and always free to enter,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Throughout the Buckeye State, in every season, there are state parks waiting to be explored.”
The Ohio State Parks Passport is a must-have for visitors of all ages as they travel and experience the great outdoors at state parks. Printed in full color and with a page for every park, the passport includes a full set of custom state park decal stickers that visitors can use to commemorate each new visit. State parks will also feature exclusive ink stamps that park staff can use to mark a visitor’s book each time they visit. More…
Do you know someone who has made it their life’s work to improve the quality of life in Ohio through their love and dedication to our state’s natural resources? The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is now accepting nominations for the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame.
For more than 50 years, the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame has been the state’s top honor for individuals who have improved the quality of life in Ohio through natural resources management, environmental education, or scientific achievement. More…
Sources: ODNR, 1812Blockhouse Staff
Thanks to thousands of reports from citizen scientists during February and March, 706 bald eagle nests have been confirmed in Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
1812Blockhouse shared a background story about this census back in January, and shared news of the first bald eagle sighting of 2020. That story can be read here.
The bald eagle is one of Ohio’s greatest wildlife success stories. The nest census was the first undertaking to discover all such sites for the first time in eight years. The results show an increase of 151% from the 2012 census, when 281 nests were recorded in Ohio. The high number of nests represents the hard work and dedication put forth for Ohio’s wildlife. More…
Featured, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife
Richland Countians have more than one way to interact with the area’s native trees and plants this spring.
Even with the current Stay-at-Home Order, Ohioans are still permitted to walk to exercise or get way in parks and recreation areas, provided that social distancing is maintained.
That includes the walking trails at the Gorman Nature Center, the B&O Bike Trail, Mohican State Park, and other locations. In those locations, the beauty of Ohio’s wildflowers and other native species will be clearly evident.
Spring is a time of renewal across Ohio’s beautiful landscapes, and this April marks the state’s first Native Plant Month, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). More…
Featured, Native Plants, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The Mohican State Park Lodge is now closed.
In response to the developing public health situation with COVID-19 and the Ohio Department of Health’s (ODH) guidance, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) closed nine Ohio State Park Lodges after check-out on Thursday, March 19 to protect the health of both visitors and staff.
State park and lodge cabins, campgrounds* and day-use areas including golf courses are still open. The public is encouraged to continue visiting Ohio State Parks to hike, bike, golf, fish or just enjoy being outdoors. Visitors are encouraged to follow all COVID-19 social distancing guidelines while in the parks. More…
For the first time in eight years, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is attempting to find every bald eagle nest in Ohio and is asking citizen scientists to report their sightings of our national bird.
This is certainly an effort that local residents would find worthwhile to undertake. According to the website eBird, a sighting of a bald eagle in 2020 has already been made locally — the last by Michele Skolmutch on January 28 at Pleasant Hill Lake Park. One of the best places to view bald eagles in the county is on Durbin Road, immediately south of Bellville. If you want to get “up close and personal” with one, you can visit Ted and Gus, the eagles in residence at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary near Clearfork Reservoir. More…
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry is currently working on a 10-year update of Ohio’s Forest Action Plan which includes a statewide assessment of Ohio’s valuable forest resources. Stakeholder input is requested on key issues, threats, and opportunities associated with Ohio’s forest resources, including forests on public and private lands and urban and rural areas. More…
Flowers and Trees, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
The Northeast District of the Division of Ohio State Parks & Watercraft has organized a series of winter hikes to showcase the beautiful state parks in this part of Ohio. In you put them all on your calendar, these hikes will have you traveling all over Northeast Ohio – from expansive marshes to natural kettle lakes, old-growth forests, and glacier-carved valleys. Winter is a great time to view the fascinating geological features of Ohio. More…
