Special to 1812Blockhouse from ODNR
Cooler temperatures, earlier sunsets, and fall leaves – soon vivid reds, oranges, and yellows, will pop signifying the shift of the season. Throughout the fall color changes, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will release weekly updates letting people know where to see the best hues and what unique activities can be enjoyed under a blanket of autumn leaves.
“Ohio comes to life with the arrival of fall,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “With cooler temperatures and incredible views, this time of year is perfect for exploring the natural beauty that can be seen and felt in our state parks, nature preserves, and forests!”
Fall forecasters consider variables like 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.
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is joining forces with Girl Scout Councils of Black Diamond, North East Ohio, Ohio’s Heartland, and Western Ohio to support the Girl Scout Tree Promise. ODNR has committed to providing resources for Girl Scouts to plant 250,000 trees in Ohio by 2026.
Richland County lies in the Ohio’s Heartland Girl Scout Council area, which stretches from Adams County on the Ohio River to north central Ohio.
“Trees provide tremendous benefits to our environment and wildlife, and I truly believe Girl Scouts are making a lasting impact through the Girl Scout Tree Promise,” Director Mary Mertz said. “As a former Girl Scout leader, I’m excited to partner with this organization to lift girls up and open their eyes to some of the amazing careers in conservation.”
More…Featured, Girl Scouts, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Trees
By the Ohio Department of Natural Resources with additions by 1812Blockhouse
As a part of Governor Mike DeWine’s H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) on Sept. 15 hosted a showcase of new technology aimed at eliminating harmful algal blooms (HABs). Utilizing a research and development grant from the Ohio Water Development Authority, ODNR partnered with AECOM Technical Services to demonstrate the Algae Harvesting Hydronucleation Flotation Technology (HFT) in William H. Harsha Lake at East Fork State Park.
This new technology will benefit the state’s wetlands projects, including one in Richland County.
“We want to attack Ohio’s water quality issues from every possible angle and that means staying on top of cutting-edge technology,” Gov. DeWine said. “Each step toward cleaner water is a win for our H2Ohio initiative. This machine has proven effective in other parts of the country, and we’re hoping to have those same results here.”
More…Featured, H2Ohio, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Wetlands
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
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Thousands of Ohioans have eagerly been waiting for the calendar to turn to September, when popular hunting seasons open across the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Early September is the time to hunt doves, squirrels, and some waterfowl, with white-tailed deer archery season just around the corner.
The tradition of a September 1 season opener continues for squirrel (fox, gray, and red), dove, rail, snipe, and gallinule. Canada geese and teal (blue-winged, green-winged, and cinnamon) may be hunted starting September 3 during the early waterfowl season. The deer archery hunting season is not far behind, with the statewide season beginning September 24 and a season in a few targeted counties opening September 10.
More…Featured, Hunting, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife
Special to 1812Blockhouse
The Mississippi Flyway Council recently honored Ohio Wildlife Officer Nathan Kaufmann with the Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year award, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Officer Kaufmann has been serving Ohioans as a state wildlife officer since 2014 and is currently assigned to Richland County.
The Waterfowl Protection Officer of the Year award is presented to the law enforcement officer who exhibits exceptional dedication and service to protecting the Mississippi flyway’s waterfowl populations. This award highlights officers who go above and beyond by protecting wetlands and waterfowl in their areas of assignment, educating waterfowlers, participating in waterfowl organizations, and promoting youth activities in hunting.
More…Awards and Honors, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife
By 1812Blockhouse, Special to 1812Blockhouse from ODNR
This year we’re continuing our weekly look at unique events and attractions that are within an easy driving distance of Richland County. For the first time in two years, we’re sharing events taking place in-person, although by all means please all ahead and verify what social distancing, masking, etc. We call these Summer Road Trips.
Of course, we regularly feature the many extraordinary places to visit right here in Richland County and encourage our readers to get out and experience what is on offer in our own backyard.
Some days ago we posted about the upcoming Ohio State Fair. There’s more to that story this year.
More…Featured, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State Fair, Summer Road Trips
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Several trails and recreation areas in Ashland, Morrow, and Richland counties will be closed until further notice due to damage caused by recent storms, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“In order to protect the safety of our visitors, we are temporarily closing areas that were damaged by recent severe storms,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Cleanup efforts are underway, and we look forward to getting everything back open quickly. In the meantime, we have more than 70 other state parks that are fully open and perfect to explore!”
Initial response to this week’s severe weather focused on visitor safety and included general clean-up as well as clearing roadways, campgrounds, and other high-traffic areas. With general access and some power restored, staff have been able to fully assess the trail conditions.
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By 1812Blockhouse, with information from ODNR
As the Ohio Department of Natural Resources‘ new museum is unveiled, Richland County finds itself front and center.
There’s no need to travel to take in the exhibits.
Artifacts, historic patches, sculptures, and artwork- all these things can be found hidden within Ohio State Parks and nature preserves. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is putting these pieces of history right at your fingertips with the Cardinal Collection, a brand-new virtual museum.
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By ODNR
Discovery School in Mansfield has been dedicated in April as an official WILD School Site, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
Discovery School is the 198th WILD School Site dedicated in Ohio and the fourth in Richland County. Students at the school planted native wildflowers, maintained bluebird boxes, and removed invasive plants. This private pre-K to sixth-grade school sits on 40 acres of woods, fields, and streams and is focused on nature-based learning. Every classroom has a door to the outdoors.
An outdoor classroom allows classes to be conducted outdoors and students frequently spend time observing nature and wildlife throughout the property. A vernal pool was cleaned out and now serves as a study site for students to learn about seasonal changes. Taking hikes to identify area plants and animals is also popular with students.
More…Discovery School, Featured, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a proclamation on Friday recognizing April 22-29, 2022, as Ohio State Parks Week.
“From Maumee Bay to Forked Run, our state parks add so much to our quality of life and make Ohio a great place to live,” said Governor DeWine. “I encourage you to celebrate our state parks by taking time to get outside and enjoy a walk along a Storybook Trail with your family, a day on the water with friends, or a hike to some of Ohio’s most scenic spots.”
In partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Ohio State Parks Foundation, Governor DeWine is inviting everyone to visit a state park near them from April 22-29, 2022. A full list of programming and activities happening at Ohio State Parks is available on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources event calendar.
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By 1812Blockhouse; ODNR
We are keenly aware that many 1812Blockhouse readers are avid flower lovers and enjoy traveling backroads for the beauty of an Ohio spring landscape. If you are included among that number, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) publishes a weekly wildflower bloom report this time of year that can help you to fine tune your travel plans.
Through social media links provided by ODNR, you can also view wildflowers from your own home.
It sure didn’t feel much like spring last weekend and to begin the week but our early spring flora was still waking up! The southernmost part of the state still leads the way with central and even northern Ohio beginning to wake up with more native wildflowers appearing. Tune into the details below.
More…Featured, Nature, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Wildflowers
Special to 1812Blockhouse
From time to time, we feature information here at 1812Blockhouse about interesting events and happenings within an easy drive of Richland County. We call this series “In Our Backyard.”
Lake Erie anglers can expect world-class walleye fishing opportunities to continue during the 2022 fishing season following years of strong hatches, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Lake Erie maintains its title as The Walleye Capital of the World thanks to science-based management guiding regulations that conserve and ensure long-term angling opportunities across Ohio’s waters.
Additionally, a strong yellow perch population in Lake Erie’s west zone will provide good fishing in 2022, while low catch rates are expected to continue in the central and east zones.
Lake Erie walleye and yellow perch fisheries are managed through an interagency quota system. Each jurisdiction regulates its catches to comply with annually determined safe harvest levels that ensure sustainability. The most recent quotas were announced on Friday, March 25.
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By ODNR; 1812Blockhouse
The most recent bald eagle census from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife estimates 806 nests in the Buckeye State. This is an estimated increase of 14% from the 707 bald eagle nests documented in Ohio from the 2020 citizen science survey coordinated by the Division of Wildlife.
Bald eagle nesting success was at an estimated rate of 82% in the spring of 2021, and the number of young per nest was 1.6, well above the number of 1 per nest needed to sustain the population. These productivity rates are similar to previous years. The 2022 estimate will be released following the nesting season.
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
Ohioans will soon have their winter patience rewarded with a spectacular display of native spring wildflowers. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves will track this year’s wildflower show with the Weekly Bloom Report every Friday through mid-May, beginning on March 25.
“Spring blooms in a beautiful way across Ohio, as wildflowers make their annual debut,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Taking a walk in some of our wooded areas over the next few months is a great way to see the colorful blossoms and enjoy the outdoors.”
Often known as spring ephemerals, woodland spring wildflowers are awoken by the warming temperatures and longer days. With varying temperatures and rainfall in any given year you never know what display Ohio will see. Many spend the winter as bulbs and begin to pierce the thawed soil as early as March, flower and set to seed, then senesce and go dormant all before summer, hence their ‘ephemeral’ moniker.
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