Ohio’s National Archery in the Schools Program Registration Opens Today

Ohio’s National Archery in the Schools Program opens registration for the 2009 year today on the NASP website.

The program is intended for elementary, middle, and high school students and meets the requirements for a physical education curriculum. Teachers are required to attend a one day training seminar and schools can purchase needed equipment for about half the normal cost due to corporate donations.

For more information, check out the Ohio NASP site.

Vermilion River Added to Ohio Water Trails

VERMILLION, OH - The Lake Erie region is adding a second Ohio Water Trail with a new designation for portions of the Vermilion and Black Rivers, according to an announcement by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft. The 27-mile Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail offers recreational users the opportunity to paddle portions of both rivers and a connecting section of waterway along the Lake Erie shoreline within the scenic Lorain County Metroparks.

The East Sandusky Bay Water Trail received its official designation from ODNR in 2007.

In addition to paddling opportunities, there also are hiking and bicycling opportunities within the Lorain County Metroparks. The greater Lorain and Vermilion areas together offer historical and cultural opportunities that are enjoyed each year at the Inland Seas Maritime Museum, Lakeview Rose Garden, the Black River Historical Society and Lorain Lighthouse.

The ODNR Division of Wildlife is partnering with the Division of Watercraft and also committing funding to the project, which will aid in the purchase and installation of public signage and development and distribution of informational brochures highlighting the newly designated water trail.

The Ohio Water Trails team includes representatives of ODNR, the League of Ohio Sportsmen, National Park Service, Ohio Parks and Recreation Association and various local community sponsors. This team works with local partners, such as Lorain County Metroparks, to promote the awareness of public boating access and growing popularity of paddlesports by developing designated water trails on selected Ohio waterways. The Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail now joins other designated water trails on portions of the Kokosing and Muskingum rivers and on Lake Erie’s Sandusky Bay.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

New Years Resolution: Get In Shape in Ohio Outdoors

COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources wants to help Ohioans “Get Fit Naturally” as they work toward the familiar New Year’s Resolution to improve physical fitness.

When Ohio rings in 2009, individuals and families statewide will pledge to make physical health a top priority. Scrapping a sedentary lifestyle and committing to regular physical activity, such as walking, running and biking, is known to have substantial health benefits. Ohio State Parks offer numerous accessible areas where Ohioans can take part in many forms of recreation and exercise that will help them reach their goals. A membership is not required to take advantage of these free resources.

“Ohioans don’t need to wait for the weather to warm up to get active outdoors,” said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. “There are many exciting winter sports and activities that people can enjoy at Ohio State Parks which will help them start building strong muscles, not to mention lasting memories.”

TAKE A HIKE

Ohio State Parks offer more than 1,000 miles of trails that come in all lengths and levels of difficulty. They pass through many types of terrain, some weaving through adjacent state forests or nature preserves. A handful of trails even mesh with major trails systems, including the Buckeye Trail or North Country Scenic Trail. Some winter hikes are listed:

Jan. 17 - Winter Hike, Hocking Hills State Park, 9 a.m. at Old Man’s Cave parking lot. Lunch and refreshments served. (740) 385-6841.
Jan. 18 - Winter Hike, Mohican State Park, 10 a.m. at the camp store. Soup and refreshments to follow. (419) 994-5125.
Feb. 7 - 29th Annual Buckeye Trail Winter Hike, Findley State Park, 10 a.m. at the nature center. Scenic 5-k or 10-k hike. Soup, cornbread and cake served after hike. (440) 647-5749.
Feb. 21 - Winter Hike for Health, Malabar Farm State Park, 10 a.m. at the visitor center. (419) 892-2784.
Feb. 21 - Winter Hike, Hueston Woods State Park, 11 a.m. meet at the nature center and caravan to the Big Woods for a guided hike. (513) 524-4250.
Feb. 21 - Winter Hike, Caesar Creek State Park, 4-mile self-guided hike. Continuous starts from 10 a.m. until noon from the Wellman Meadows boat ramp off Oregonia Road (513) 897-2437.

LET IT SNOW

There are over 260 miles of multiple use trails at 33 Ohio State Parks where visitors can cross-country ski. If conditions permit, many parks may allow skiing where there are expanses of open areas such as picnic areas, shoreline areas and golf courses. Ski rentals are available at certain parks. Following are some skiing workshops:

Jan. 17 - Cross-country skiing workshop, Malabar Farm State Park, 10 a.m. $30 fee includes equipment rental. Pre-registration required. (419) 892-2784.
Jan. 24 - Cross-country skiing workshop, Malabar Farm State Park, 10 a.m. $30 fee includes equipment rental. Pre-registration required. (419) 892-2784.
Feb. 7 - Cross-country skiing workshop, Malabar Farm State Park, noon. $30 fee includes equipment rental. Pre-registration required. (419) 892-2784.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

It’s important to keep fitness goals in mind for the entire family, children included. Ohio State Parks are great places to get the kids outside and active. Forty state parks have sledding hills and seven have small ponds or outdoor rinks for ice skating.

LADIES ONLY

Geneva State Park lodge will host the annual Women in the Outdoors Winter Event on January 24. The fun, hands-on outdoor skills program (for women only) gives ladies a chance to learn about and try a variety of winter activities. Pre-registration and fee required. Call (216) 362-1072 for information.

“Ohioans should take advantage of these and other fun, physical activities offered at Ohio State Parks,” said West. “The enriching experiences encourage children and adults to reengage in and rediscover the natural world.”

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Hocking Hills 44th annual Winter Hike

Hocking Hills, OH - Hocking Hills State Park is famous for its brilliant autumn colors and is gaining notoriety for its equally exquisite winter landscape. Hikers and nature lovers will enjoy the park’s rugged beauty during the 44th Annual Winter Hike on January 17, 2009.

Hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts and their families will bundle up, rain or shine (or snow), to hike the six-mile trail between Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park. Hikers may arrive at the Old Man’s Cave parking lot starting at 9 a.m. and tour groups will depart continuously until 11 a.m. The hike takes approximately five hours. Transportation from Ash Cave to Old Man’s Cave will be provided by park officials.

“I’ve hiked the trail numerous times and each time it looks different. The scenic wonders of Hocking Hills have a striking beauty after being touched by winter’s hand,” said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. “The Winter Hike is a great opportunity for people with cabin fever to get out - with kids and cameras in tow - to explore the natural world.”

Dan West On the Winter Hike

Hikers are reminded to dress for the weather. Layer clothing, including socks, and don’t forget hats, gloves, boots and scarves.

Logan Kiwanis Club will help warm hikers with a hearty bean soup and cornbread lunch at Cedar Falls, mid-way point of the hike. Logan Lions Club will serve coffee, cocoa and doughnuts at Ash Cave. Donations are encouraged for the refreshments.

For those who plan to overnight and rest in the comforts of Hocking Hills State Park’s vacation cottages on January 16, there will be a naturalist-led program and refreshments in the park’s dining lodge, near Old Man’s Cave. Doors open Friday at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. program.

To make a reservation for a Hocking Hills State Park cottage or one of Ohio’s other state park cottages or locations, visit www.ohiostateparks.org.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

SnowTrails Opens with “Tube for Food”

Snow Trails Tube and terrain park opens in Mansfield this wekend with 40″ of base and a free 2 hour tube pass with the donation of a non-perishable food item. More info at the Snowtrails site.

At the SnowTubes, Enjoy an 1100′ run and a conveyor carpet to get you to the top. The Sobe No Fear Terrain park offers multiple features for advanced snowboarders.

Have a safe and Happy New Years Eve!

Linesville and the Carp Get a Reprieve

NPR Broadcast a story Today on the Linesville Spillway’s decision earlier this year to ban Bread Tossing. Seems that having 500,000 visitors a year and a brand new visitor center wasn’t enough. People actually had the gall to toss Doughnut, Cakes and Crackers also. So, how does the Pymatuning State Park ranger crack down on illegal Cake Tossing? Obviously by banning Bread. Oh, And installing official fish pellet vending machines. (See Debra, Youngstown isn’t the only area with provincial officials abusing their power for stupid, illogical and or greedy reasons.)

The Upshot: Citizens were outraged and the bread stays until next year when it’ll get reviewed. Score one for Common Sense and the average person!

Listen to the full NPR Story on the Linesville spillway here.

Ohio Deer Harvest Dec 20-21

COLUMBUS, OH - Hunters killed 16,382 deer on December 20-21, during the weekend of gun hunting, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

The extra weekend of gun hunting was first offered in 2006 in response to hunters’ request for additional weekend days to pursue white-tailed deer, the state’s number one big game animal. In 2007, hunters took 17,710 deer during those two days.

Counties leading the state in deer killed over the weekend included: Tuscarawas - 868, Harrison - 724, Licking - 594, Guernsey - 534, Holmes - 522, Coshocton - 514, Ashtabula and Washington - 426, Jefferson - 394 and Belmont - 389.

A total of  218,890 deer have been harvested so far this season when combining the adult and youth gun seasons, early muzzleloader season and the first nine weeks of the archery season. Hunters took a total of 232,854 deer during all of last year’s hunting seasons.

Hunters can continue to enjoy deer hunting December 27-30, during the statewide muzzleloader season, and through February 1, 2009 as the archery season continues.

Hunters have been encouraged to kill more does this season and donate any extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The Division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH) to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at http://fhfh.org/.

Hunters who wish to share their successes can submit a photo of themselves and the deer they took during this year’s hunt. The photo submission process is easy and once the photo is posted, it can be e-mailed to a friend. Go to wildohio.com and click on New! Submit Your Deer Photos and More.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Mill Creek January Hikes

Unless you’re a skier, winter weather in Northeast Ohio really limits our options. Luckily, we have Mill Creek to keep up a monthly schedule of outdoor hikes:

Sunday, January 4th 2 PM
Photography Walk-Whether Santa brought you a new digital camera or you have a well-used film version, bring what you have to this leisurely exploration of the Mill Creek Gorge and environs. Icicles and other icy formations should provide a unique photo opportunity. Meet at Lanterman’s Mill parking lot. Moderate difficulty, 2 miles.

Wednesdays,January 7 & 21 9 AM.
Join us for the health of it and experience the many benefits of walking.
January 7—Meet at Golf Course overflow parking lot. Easy rating, 1 or 3 miles.
January 21—Meet at MetroParks Bikeway Trailhead at MetroParks Farm. Moderate difficulty, 2 or 4 miles.

Friday, Jan 9th 8 PM
The Snow Moon-Many Native American tribes referred to this month’s moon as the Snow Moon. We hope that it will be a white evening on this wintry hike. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty with hills, 2 miles.

Sunday, Jan. 11th 2 PM
Winter Trees-Do you know that you can identify trees without their leaves? Find out how on this hike along the Old Tree Trail. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Moderate difficulty with hills, 2 miles.

Sunday, Jan. 18th 2 PM
Animals in Winter-Critters have a variety of strategies for surviving winter. During a short presentation you’ll learn about their fascinating behavior. Afterward, we’ll hike to look for signs of wildlife activity. Meet at Ford Nature Center. Hike may be difficult due to winter trail conditions, 3 miles.

Gift the Gift of Lodging: Ohio State Park Gift Cards

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio State Park gift cards have always been great holiday gifts for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy stays in state park campgrounds and cottages, and starting next month, the gift cards will be accepted by eight of Ohio’s luxurious State Park resort lodges as well.

Effective January 1, 2009, Ohio State Park gift cards may be redeemed at Ohio’s resort lodges, including Burr Oak, Deer Creek, Hueston Woods, Maumee Bay, Mohican, Punderson, Salt Fork and Shawnee. (Geneva excluded). Gift cards can be used forovernight stays as well as dining room meals and gift shop merchandise.

“Ohio State Park gift cards are one-size-fits-all kind of gifts,” said Dan West, chief of ODNR State Parks. “Whether you are planning a winter retreat at a cozy lodge resort or planning ahead for the July fourth camping trip, you can’t go wrong with this gift card. The card can also be used for popular state park activities, like rounds of golf or boat rental.”

Shoppers who have already made their lists and checked them twice should treat themselves to something extra. After the shopping and wrapping are complete, celebrate with an Ohio State Parks gift card of your own.

Ohio State Park gift cards are available in any denomination. They can be purchased during regular business hours at any state park office or by calling (614) 265-6513. To purchase by mail, print the order form from the state parks web site, www.ohiostateparks.org,and mail it to the address on the form.

Information about all fall and winter specials at Ohio State Parks is also available on-line.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

Ohio Muzzleloader Season Dec 27th-30th

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio’s popular muzzleloader deer season is set to open statewide December 27-30, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. Last year, hunters checked 21,473 white-tailed deer during the statewide hunt.

A total of 178,838 deer have been harvested so far this season when combining the adult and youth gun seasons, early muzzleloader season and the first six weeks of the archery season. That compares to a total of 167,965 killed last year during the same time period. Hunters took a total of 232,854 deer during all of last year’s hunting seasons.

Prior to the start of the hunting season, Ohio’s deer population was estimated at 700,000. The Division of Wildlife expects as many as 265,000 hunters will hunt deer during the muzzleloader season.

Ohio deer hunters must possess the proper permits. Regardless of zone, method of taking or season, hunters may take only one antlered deer during the 2008-2009 deer hunting season.

Legal hunting hours during the statewide muzzleloader deer season are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Deer must be checked by 8 p.m. on the day after harvest, except those killed on December 30, which must be brought to a deer check station by 8 p.m. that day.

Ohio’s small game, furbearer and waterfowl seasons also will be open during the muzzleloader season. During those overlapping four days, small game hunters and deer hunters must visibly wear a coat, jacket, vest or coveralls that are either solid hunter orange or camouflage hunter orange in color.

Hunters have been encouraged to kill more does this season and donate extra venison to organizations assisting Ohioans in need. The Division is collaborating with Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry to help pay for the processing of donated venison. Hunters who give their deer to a food bank are not required to pay the processing cost as long as the deer are taken to a participating processor and funding for the effort lasts. Counties being served by this program can be found online at www.fhfh.org.

The white-tailed deer is the most popular game animal in Ohio, frequently pursued by generations of hunters. Ohio ranks 6th nationally in annual hunting-related sales and 4th in the number of jobs associated with the hunting-related industry. Each year, hunting has a $1.5 billion economic impact in Ohio. Hunting related retail sales in Ohio total more than $700 million.

Additional hunting regulations and maps of deer zones are contained in the 2008-2009 OhioHunting Regulations. This free publication is available where hunting licenses are sold and from the Division of Wildlife by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE or on the Internet at wildohio.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.