EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was originally published at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website. HOWARD – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Geological Survey is celebrating Earth Science Week from Sunday, Oct. 12, through Saturday, Oct. 18. A series of special programs will be offered throughout Ohio and will coincide with […]
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Posted inOutdoor
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 […]
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Ohio’s sandhill crane count shows increasing population
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was originally published at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website. COLUMBUS – Volunteer observers reported 428 sandhill cranes in Ohio during the 2025 Midwest Crane Count, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The count was coordinated by the Division of Wildlife, International Crane Foundation, and […]
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Increased rainfall could lead to higher cases of fatal virus in Ohio deer
More rainfall than usual could lead to ailing deer in Ohio, wildlife officers have said. Ashland County Wildlife Officer Evan Huegel said the Ohio Division of Wildlife expects more reports of deer infected with epizootic hemorrhagic disease, a fatal virus commonly known as EHD. Huegel said rainfall creates water pools where midge flies breed. Midge […]
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September marks the start of Ohio’s fall hunting seasons
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was first published at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources website. COLUMBUS – Ohio’s hunting seasons for squirrel, dove, Canada geese, teal, and more open in early September, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Bowhunters can look forward to the start of white-tailed deer archery season […]
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Crestline’s Cheryl Harner inducted into ODNR Hall of Fame
CRESTLINE — Cheryl Harner wasn’t content to simply enjoy nature. She advocated for the conservation of old trees, snapped pictures of flowers and birds for her nature blog, and traveled around the state to educate others about the wonders of the outdoors. A Crestline resident, Harner died in June 2024. But her legacy of conservation lives […]
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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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Gov. DeWine celebrates opening of Put-in Bay Aquatic Visitor Center
COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Put-in-Bay Aquatic Visitor Center today with a ribbon cutting. “Fran and I have enjoyed bringing our family to Lake Erie to enjoy all it has to offer,” DeWine said. “The opening of […]
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Bobcats make a comeback in Ohio’s forests
The Buckeye State is seeing another success story unfold with bobcats. The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a species that is native to Ohio, and one of seven wild cat species found in North America. Domestic cats belong to the same family, Felidae, as the bobcat. Once widespread in Ohio, the wild felines became locally extinct […]
Posted inOutdoor
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 […]