Tag: wildlife
Sometimes the forests need fire: The argument for controlled burns
Harrison Soil and Water Conservation District technician Caitlin Harris explains why controlled burns are essential for forest health. Learn how prescribed fire helps restore oak and hickory regeneration, supports wildlife habitats and reduces the risk of destructive wildfires in Ohio.
Hickory Horned Devils: Gentle giants of our deciduous forests
Despite its fierce name and massive size, the hickory horned devil is a harmless caterpillar that lives high in the forest canopy. Discover the fascinating life cycle of this gentle giant and its incredible transformation into the royal walnut moth, North America's heaviest moth.
Ohio wildlife history: The birth of ODNR and return of deer...
Explore Part 4 of Ohio's wildlife history. Learn how sportsmen helped establish dedicated funding, how game protectors formed the nation's first training academy, the return of deer hunting in 1943 and the creation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1949.
History of the Ohio Division of Wildlife: The birth of conservation
As deforestation, dam construction, and industrial pollution threatened Ohio's natural resources in the 19th century, public outcry forced state leaders to take action. Jim Abrams traces early game laws, fish passage mandates, and the 1873 founding of the Ohio Fish Commission.
How an Ohio farmer delayed hay harvest to save nesting bobolinks
After learning that early hay harvest destroys bobolink nests, Jefferson County farmer Adam Costarella delayed cutting until July. By adjusting his grazing and haymaking schedule, he helped restore habitat for these long-distance migratory birds on his eastern Ohio farm.
Ohio releases 2026 sandhill crane count results
Volunteer observers reported 344 sandhill cranes in Ohio during the 2026 Midwest Crane Count, below last year's count and the three-year average.
What can the Wildlife Habitat Initiative do for you?
The Wildlife Habitat Initiative is a new partnership offering up to 95% reimbursement for conservation practices. Whether planting pollinator plots or clearing invasive species, learn how to qualify through the USDA to improve your land for native wildlife.
Stinkhorn: The phallus of the forest
The elegant stinkhorn turns heads with its suggestive appearance and unforgettable smell. Tami Gingrich takes readers into the woods to discover why this peculiar fungus looks the way it does and how its stench helps ensure the next generation.
Report reptile and amphibian road crossings
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife and the Ohio Department of Transportation are asking the public to report locations where they see reptiles and amphibians frequently cross roadways.
Nimishillen Wetlands preserved, protecting 47 acres from development in Stark County
How do you manage record-breaking residential growth while protecting the wild things a community loves? By leveraging the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, Stark County's Plain Township and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy recently secured 47 acres of high-quality wetlands at zero cost to local taxpayers. It’s a masterclass in holistic conservation and smart land use.
