LUCAS — — As winter begins to fade, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Parks and Watercraft will soon be celebrating one of the season’s most anticipated traditions, maple syrup season. This March, visitors are invited to four Ohio State Parks to experience the sights, smells, and flavors of maple sugaring through […]
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Special to Richland Source
Posted inOutdoor
Ohioans can support wildlife, nature preserves & scenic rivers with tax donations
COLUMBUS — This tax season, when Ohioans check the Wildlife Diversity or Nature Preserves and Scenic Rivers funds on their state income tax form, they’re supporting the protection of Ohio’s endangered plants, animals, healthy streams, and unique ecosystems. Donations are administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The Wildlife Diversity Fund, managed by ODNR’s […]
Posted inOutdoor
Richland County deer hunters finish just outside top 10 in Ohio’s 2025-26 season
COLUMBUS – Ohio hunters checked 232,142 white-tailed deer during the 2025-26 season that concluded on Sunday, Feb. 1, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Richland County hunters tagged 5,151 deer, just outside the top 10 among Ohio’s 88 counties. That’s a significant increase in the number deer checked over the […]
Posted inOutdoor
Ohioans should put winter safety first when enjoying the outdoors
COLUMBUS – As winter weather continues across the state, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is reminding Ohioans to make safety their top priority when enjoying seasonal outdoor activities, especially around ice. From ice fishing and snowmobiling to hiking and winter boating, preparation and awareness can mean the difference between a memorable outing and a […]
Posted inOutdoor
ODNR to release pheasants at multiple north central Ohio locations
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is releasing more than 14,000 ring-necked pheasants at public hunting areas in late October and November. Releases begin Saturday, Oct. 25 during Ohio’s youth small game hunting season. Locally, the Kokosing Wildlife Area in Fredericktown and the Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area in Ashland County […]
Posted inOutdoor
Clearfork Reservoir among 9 Ohio lakes stocked with muskies this fall
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was originally published at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website. LEXINGTON — – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife is stocking 20,000 muskellunge, or muskies, in nine inland lakes this fall for future fishing enjoyment. One of those lakes is Clearfork Reservoir just outside Lexington. Muskies […]
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Ohio’s state parks collect national Gold Medal Award for Excellence
COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced Wednesday that Ohio State Parks has been named the best park system in the nation for providing excellent recreation programs and services. Ohio was awarded the 2025 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management […]
Posted inOutdoor
Enjoy a Free Day at Ohio’s public shooting ranges on Aug. 16
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was first published at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website. COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife invites the public to enjoy Free Range Day at public shooting ranges on Saturday, Aug. 16. Free Range Day is held in coordination with the National Shooting Sports Foundation and will […]
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ODNR to host 11th annual Ohio women’s outdoor adventure weekend
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has announced the return of the Ohio Women’s Outdoor Adventure weekend, now in its 11th year. The popular event, which features three days of fun and outdoor exploration, will be held Friday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 14 at Deer Creek State Park and Lodge in Mount […]
Posted inOutdoor
Richland County archers off to good start in 2024 deer season
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was originally published on the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. COLUMBUS — Ohio archery hunters have checked 48,321 deer through Sunday, Nov. 3, which includes the first six weekends of bowhunting, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Knox County ranked fourth among Ohio’s 88 counties in deer […]