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Old-Growth Habitat Protected by Tax Donations

COLUMBUS, OHIO - Magnificent yet silent witnesses to Ohio's past, some reach more than 100 feet into the sky. They are the state's most mature trees, some as old as 400 years, protected within more than a dozen Ohio state nature preserves, thanks to contributions by Ohioans on their state income tax returns.

By checking the "Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species" box on their state tax income form, Ohioans can help the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) protect old growth trees and other unique natural features. Each checkmark designates a portion of a taxpayer's refund to help support state nature preserves, home to a wide-range of plant and animal populations, endangered species and fragile ecosystems.

Old-growth habitat can be found at more than a dozen state nature preserves, including Goll Woods State Nature Preserve in Fulton County, Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve in Wayne County, and Hueston Woods in Preble and Butler counties. These special places support an array of plant and animal life because of their unique habitats.

The 321-acre Goll Woods State Nature Preserve boasts an impressive trail system that leads visitors through a mature woodland, reminiscent of the ancient Great Black Swamp. Oak trees, some 200 to 400 years old, tower above the Goll Woods landscape, believed to be the least disturbed woodlot remaining in northwest Ohio. Other large trees found here include an abundance of bur, white and chinquapin oaks as well as cottonwoods. Such endangered plants as the three-birds orchid, Greene's rush and rock elm can all be found here.

Nearly 80 percent of the forest's canopy at Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve in southwest Ohio is comprised of beech and sugar maple trees. In early spring, the understory of this 200-acre preserve supports spicebush and paw-paw with beautiful wildflowers including squirrel corn, large-flowered and sessile trilliums, and May apple spilling across the forest floor.

A number of trees in the 206-acre Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve in northeast Ohio rise more than 100 feet tall, with diameters of 4-5 feet. Huge white, red and black oaks, shagbark hickory, bitternut hickory and American beech dominate the forest. Many trees are more than 400 years old. Because of donations to the check-off program, additional property was acquired here and at Sears Woods State Nature Preserve, which is located in Crawford County.

Other state nature preserves that boast old-growth trees, include Lawrence Woods in Hardin County, Fowler Woods in Richland County, Kyle Woods in Mahoning County, Sears Woods in Crawford County and Davey Woods in Champaign County.

Check-off dollars have helped improve accessibility for all Ohioans to these beautiful preserves and provide educational opportunities for school children. The check-off program also supports ODNR's ongoing effort to reduce invasive species at our nature preserves. Without that assistance, native plants would be pushed out, disrupting these unique ecosystems.

Thanks to Ohioans who have generously donated to the tax check-off program in the past. Continuing to protect and preserve the remaining vestiges of Ohio's rich natural heritage will forever enhance the landscape of the state.

Contributions to the Natural Areas, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species Fund can be made through the 2009 Ohio Income Tax form by checking line 25B of the 1040 form or line 18B on the 1040-EZ. Direct donations can be sent in care of the fund to the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, 2045 Morse Road, Building C-3, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693.

Another way to support Ohio's state nature preserve system is through the purchase of the new Nature Preserves conservation license plate. Plates may be purchased through a local registrar, online at oplates.com or by calling 1-888-PLATES3.

To learn more about Ohio's state nature preserves, visit ohiodnr.com/dnap.

The 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 ohiodnr.com.

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For more news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at ohiodnr.com
Contact:
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Communications
614. 265. 6860

Jason Fallon, ODNR Communications
614. 265. 6842