Special to 1812Blockhouse
While some areas are now seeing near peak conditions of fall color, patchy conditions continue throughout the Buckeye State due to cloudy, rainy weather and warmer temperatures, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“In general, the weather across the state has not been ideal for vibrant fall color development,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott. “The warm temperatures mixed with cloudy skies and rain have stunted and delayed fall color in some areas; however, some places are still on track to have a good display of yellows, oranges and reds in the coming weeks.”
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Changing conditions are now being seen through Ohio as the colors of the season are now coming to life, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“Vibrant and deep reds are definitely beginning to show in the maples while yellows abound in a number of other tree species,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott. “This last week we have really started to see a transformation of fall color throughout the state with almost all areas now seeing some of the colors of the season – which means near peak conditions are right around the corner.”
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
The muskellunge, or muskie, is a popular game fish that can grow to immense sizes in Ohio’s inland lakes, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Muskies are native to Ohio and top aquatic predators and the fisheries are maintained through fish hatchery efforts.
Nine Ohio reservoirs are stocked with muskie by the Division of Wildlife and one (Pymatuning Lake, on the Pennsylvania state line) is stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Staff from Ohio’s London and Kincaid state fish hatcheries stock approximately 20,000 muskies measuring 8-12 inches every fall.
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
Entering the fall season, Ohio’s forests are beginning their transformation into a dazzling display of colors as the leaves change. Throughout the season, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), in partnership with Ohio. Find It Here., will be providing weekly updates on the best locations to enjoy unique activities and beautiful hues of autumn.
“The colors of fall make our great outdoors even more beautiful,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “This is the perfect time to enjoy a walk through a state park, nature preserve, or forest and experience the transition of summer to autumn.”
When forecasting fall color, 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 fallcolor.ohiodnr.gov.
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
Ohio’s familiar habitat mosaic of farm fields, woodlots, and wetlands provides optimum opportunities to hunt mourning doves, squirrels, and waterfowl, as hunting seasons begin during the first week of September, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Hunting is a favorite and cherished activity for thousands of Ohioans. As in years past, the hunting seasons that opened on Wednesday, September 1 include squirrel (fox, gray, and red), mourning dove, rail, snipe, and gallinule. Canada geese and teal (blue-winged, green-winged, and cinnamon) may be hunted during the early waterfowl season which began on Saturday, September 4.
“Ohio’s hunting license sales increased 5% in 2020 from the previous season,” said Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker. “We know that many Ohioans are eagerly anticipating the start of fall hunting. You’ll find abundant populations of mourning doves, squirrels, and geese when you return to the woods and fields. As always, thank you for supporting conservation in Ohio.”
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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…
