February 2, 2006

OHIO’S UNIQUE ECOSYSTEMS BENEFIT FROM STATE INCOME TAX CHECK-OFF
Donations help protect distinct natural features, plants and wildlife
in preserves across the state

COLUMBUS, OH - Five distinct geographic regions make up the Buckeye state, each with unique landscape features, plant communities and animal life. They are the result of Ice Age glaciers and ancient lakes that shaped Ohio’s gently rolling hills, tillable plains and steep, rocky gorges.

Outstanding examples of these regions can be found within the state’s 130 designated nature preserves, which shelter some of Ohio’s most fragile and rare ecological systems. Ohioans can help support and protect these living remnants of natural history by donating to the Natural Areas, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species Check-off Fund.

Ohio’s five geographic regions are known as: the lake plains and till plains, found in the north and west; the unglaciated Allegheny plateau and glaciated Allegheny plateau, which lie in the east; and the low bluegrass plateau, which covers a small triangular portion of the far south.

The Lake Plains: Once the bottom of a much larger ancient lake, this region now follows the Lake Erie coastline and widens west of Cleveland. The northwestern portion of this area, once called the Great Black Swamp, today features rich, black soils ideal for farming.

With its large oaks and assortment of native shrubs and wildflowers, Goll Woods State Nature Preserve in Fulton County provides a fine example of the lake plains. Visitors can enjoy a birds-eye view of the 321-acre preserve from an observation tower constructed partly with check-off donations. The preserve also features a 5-mile trail and parking area.

The Till Plains: This fertile region, located south of the lake plains, is characterized by gently rolling hills created by the glaciers that covered the northern and western parts of Ohio thousands of years ago. Some hills are 100 feet high and 6 miles wide. Campbell’s Hill, near Belfountaine, is the highest point in the state at 1,549 feet above sea level.

This hilly terrain can be enjoyed at Davey Woods State Nature Preserve in Champaign County. The 103-acre mature woodland features tuliptrees, sugar maple, ash and oak. It is especially noted for its gorgeous spring wildflower display. The site was purchased using donations made to the Natural Areas Check-off Program. The preserve features a 1.5-mile loop trail and a parking area.

The Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau: This southeastern Ohio region features deep valleys, high hills and winding streams carved by the meltwaters of prehistoric glaciers. The erosion-resistant sandstone that dominates the region has resulted in dramatic cliffs, gorges, natural bridges and waterfalls.

Ohio’s largest, natural rock bridge can be found in Hocking County at the 181-acre Rockbridge State Nature Preserve. Formed from Black Hand sandstone, the bridge spans nearly 100 feet and arches 50 feet above a rocky ravine. The preserve features a 1-mile trail and parking area.

The Glaciated Allegheny Plateau: Carved by glaciers, this region primarily in northern and western Ohio is less hilly and lacks the rugged quality of the unglaciated landscape. Its glacial past can be seen at a number of preserves featuring bogs, kettle lakes and hills of sand and gravel called “kames.”

The 42-acre Kent Bog State Nature Preserve in Portage County is an excellent example of glaciated landscape. Once a glacial kettle lake, the protected site is now a bog meadow with one of Ohio’s finest stands of tamaracks - a tree species much more common in Canada. Facilities include parking lot, recycled-plastic lumber boardwalk and interpretive signs. Land for this preserve was acquired with check-off funding. Other donation-supported improvements include the one-half mile boardwalk and signage.

The Bluegrass Region: Steep slopes of exposed limestone, dolomite and shale are characteristic of this area, a small, triangular region that reaches up into southern Ohio’s Adams County from Kentucky.

The 67-acre Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve, purchased using check-off funds, is an outstanding cedar barren prairie with 15 state-listed rare plant species, such as prairie false indigo, pink milkwort, blueheart and rattlesnake master. A half-mile trail leads visitors through the site, which is an excellent summer wildflower destination.

Helping to protect Ohio’s state nature preserve system is easy. A simple checkmark next to Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species on line 19 (IT-1040 EZ) or line 28 (IT-1040) of the state income tax return form can help ensure the future of Ohio’s rich natural heritage.

Those who are not eligible to receive a refund may send a check to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, 2045 Morse Road, Building F-1, Columbus, OH 43229. For additional information, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com