Syrup on the brain? Check out where to go
Is there anything better than a breakfast of pancakes smothered with maple syrup? You can find both at upcoming maple syrup festivals sponsored by the Ohio State Parks. One event will happen at Malabar Farm State Park, its 41st annual festival from 12 to 4 p.m. on March 4-5 and 11-12. Visitors can take a horse-drawn wagon to the Sugar Camp, see historical demonstrations, and enjoy music and food. For more information, call 419-892-2784. Over the same weekends Hueston Woods State Park will host its 51st annual Maple Syrup Festival with tours and hay rides. For details here call 513-524-4250.
Next comes a maple syrup event at Hocking Hills State Park at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 11-12. Call (740-385-6842), for more details. An event at Indian Lake State Park on from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18-19 also is on tap. There will be free wagon rides to the Sugar Shack and syrup for sale. Call 937-843-2717 for details.
ODNR taking survey about outdoor activities
Do you care about kayaking, hiking, or swimming? The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) wants to hear from Ohioans about the outdoor recreational activities they enjoy the most. Residents can share their opinions about their favorite activities and any others they would like to see in Ohio. Feedback from the survey will help park, nature preserves and forest managers set priorities for funding and improvements. The survey is now available through March 8 at ohiostateparks.org/research.
Outdoor lab applications being accepted
High school and college students who are interested in wildlife careers should know that applications are open for summer courses at Stone Laboratory, the Ohio State University’s island campus on Lake Erie. Students can apply for a wide range of college courses on topics from aquatic biology to zoology, and enjoy hands-on study, field trips and labs. Students can earn college credits and a 25 percent discount on classes. For a full list of courses, visit go.osu.edu/SLcourses.
Atlanta to host NRA annual meetings and exhibits
The 146th National Rifle Association Annual Meetings and Exhibits will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia from April 27-30. This four day event will be attended by 10s of thousands and features more than 15 acres of firearms displays and shooting and hunting accessories. For more information, including tickets, visit www.nram.org.
Ducks unlimited makes investment in Ohio wetlands
Ducks Unlimited has invested $2.6 million in Ohio wetlands conservation projects. They range from work on a 1,460 acre coastal wetland at the Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge that will provide everything from productive vegetation to fish access for spawning, and an Enhanced Great Egret Marsh Preserve that will improve coastal habitat on the Catawba Peninsula. There will also be new land acquired along the Big Darby Creek and 730 acres of the Bloomfield Swamp acquired and protected in Ashtabula and Trumbull County.
Turkey calls to be taught
Would-be turkey hunters interested in learning to call turkeys should attend a free informational workshop on from 1 to 4 p.m. March 12 at the Licking County Main Library at 101 West Main Street in Newark. Representatives from the Division of Wildlife will give information on the history of turkeys in Ohio, calls and calling techniques. For information on Ohio’s turkey seasons, visit wildohio.gov.
Dick Martin is a retired biology teacher who has been writing outdoor columns for 30 years. You can reach him at richmart@neo.rr.com.