The Fall Color Photography contest begins September 21 and ends October 26 .
Explore the Outdoors, an Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) program, presents the 2011 Fall Color Photography Contest for Ohio students, grades 3-8. The contest begins on September 21st and ends October 26th, 2011.
As the calendar ushers in autumn this Friday, Ohio’s woodlands and landscapes are still predominantly green; but with the continued good weather the fall color season should be great, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife asks all Ohioans, especially Ohio outdoorsmen and hunters, to lookout for trees displaying signs and symptoms of Ohio’s newest, non-native, invasive insect, the Asian Longhorned Beetle.
A Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), submitted by wildlife enthusiast Nina Harfmann, has won first place in the 3rd annual Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Photo Contest. The winning photo will appear on the 2012 Legacy Stamp, which goes on sale March 1, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. Harfmann, of Pleasant Plain, captured her image in Warren County. This is the second year that Harfmann has entered photos in the Legacy Stamp Photo contest.
Potential Marcellus Shale (Light Blue Area). Potential Utica Shale (Dark Blue Area)
“It is important for Ohioans to know that ODNR’s Division of Mineral Resources Management is well prepared, from both a technical and regulatory standpoint, to meet the challenges of increased oil and gas drilling,” said J. Michael Biddison, ODNR Deputy Director of Resource Conservation. “This department is committed to helping Ohioans understand all aspects of shale development.”
Successful volunteer efforts at Mosquito Lake State Park were recognized with the Volunteer Park of the Year Award for 2010, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Mosquito Lake (State Rt 305 in Cortland. Ohio) was selected among large state parks for the quality of volunteer projects, and the park’s outstanding efforts to recruit and communicate with volunteers. Park Manager Doug Lyons accepted the award on behalf of more than 70 volunteers who contributed 9,116 hours in 2010. Continue reading
In the spring and early summer, when wildlife reproduction is at its peak, you may discover a nest of young birds or rabbits, a fawn or another wild animal with no adult in sight. Enjoy the scene, but leave them alone! Wildlife parents are very devoted to their young and rarely abandon them. If taken from their natural habitat, young animals have little chance of surviving.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife staff, Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (OWRA) members, and licensed wildlife rehabilitators have worked hard to reduce the number of wild animals being picked up by well-meaning people. Despite their cute and sometimes helpless appearance, wild animals are capable of biting, scratching, and transmitting diseases to humans and domestic animals.
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Sean Logan announced the opening of Ohio’s newest state forest, the 12,089-acre Vinton Furnace State Experimental Forest, as well as the neighboring 3,405-acre Vinton Furnace State Wildlife Area. Together, the two new conservation areas represent a rare, contiguous block of forestland, which is home to a wide array of native Ohio flora and fauna, including a number of endangered species. The site also hosts one of the most important forest research centers in the country.
Dynamic blazes of orange, yellow, red and rust will provide the perfect backdrop for hikers who are ready to reconnect with the natural world this weekend. ODNR is reporting near peak and peak fall foliage in most parts of the state.
“There are many organized hikes planned at Ohio state parks and nature preserves this weekend that will provide Ohioans and visitors to the Buckeye State an amazing perspective of some of the state’s most spectacular natural terrain,” said Casey Burdick, fall foliage expert for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry. “State parks like Lake Hope and preserves like Clifton Gorge are stunning on a normal day, but when these places are draped with beautiful fall color, the experience is breathtaking.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see and hear stringed instruments played by fiddlers of many skill levels. An old time fiddling contest will take place on Saturday, Oct. 16.
The 15th Annual Forest Heritage Festival will be held at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds in Dover (just about 1.5 hr. from Youngstown) on October 15-16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Forestry. The festival features entertainment, food, games, craft booths, demonstrations and an old-time fiddling contest. Admission and parking are free.
Below the Marcellus lies the Utica Shale Formation. The Utica represents a source of natural gas that may one day prove even larger than the Marcellus.
Sean Logan, Director Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued the following advice and warning to Ohio landowners:
“As many property owners have learned, oil and gas drilling companies are seeking to lease the rights to drill on local private property. This is taking place throughout eastern Ohio. This new pursuit of leased rights reflects the oil and gas potential being found in the Marcellus Shale formation, which is located between 5,000-6,000 feet underground.”