Resources

This page is where you will have access to a variety of resources designed to give landowners some tips on managing and enjoying their outdoor resource.  Keep checking back as we build and add content.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Announced new DETOUR Trails App

There is a new app out there for trail enthusiasts! The DETOUR Trails app, developed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, was designed to help hikers find and explore thousands of trail miles crisscrossing the Buckeye State. Trails can be searched for by region, level of difficulty, activity, type, and distance. The app also offers featured routes and provides driving directions to trailheads. Trails included in the app are those managed by ODNR and other entities, such as Metro and County Parks, Cuyahoga National Park, and Central Ohio Greenways. There are plans to add more trails to the app in the future. Time to go exploring!

School of Environment and Natural Resources Now on YOUTUBE!

The OSU's School of Environment and Natural Resources has launched their own YouTube channel. Featured on the channel right now are Playlists featuring videos on undergraduate majors, the Environmental Professionals Network, and collaborative wildlife partnerships/initiatives. You can also find all the Ohio Woodland Stewards webinars posted there as well. Subscribe when you have a chance!

New Podcast - Natural Resources University

Natural Resources University is a podcast network focused on delivering science-based natural resources information to landowners and managers. The network includes 4 podcasts lead by various extension specialists. Each podcast focuses on natural resource topics relevant to landowners and managers -  deer, fire, habitat, and ponds.

Stinging Cats

There are many caterpillars that we all encounter throughout the year.  In this article OSU Extension's Joe Boggs talks about those caterpillars that you shouldn't touch!  This defense mechanism will catch your attention if you do touch.  Check out the 'Stinging Cats'.

2020 Gwynne Conservation Area FSR Schedule

Farm Science Review (FSR) is going to look very different this year - it's all online! We may not be out at the Gwynne Conservation Area this year, but the educational opportunities will be the same. With over 45 virtual presentations this year on spotted lantern fly, soil health, grazing management, invasive species control, tree ID, recreational lease hunting, pollinators and other beneficial insects, bats, owls, snakes, paw-paws, ginseng, and more - there is definitley something for everyone! Check out the complete 2020 Gwynne Conservation Area schedule, and starting Sept 22, 2020 - go to fsr.osu.edu and click on 'Conservation' to view the virtual presentations or join in on live Q&A sessions with experts. 

Ohio's Fence Line Law

Fence lines can be at the center of many landowner discussions.  Ohio State's Farm Office has a section that deals with this issue.  There is a fact sheet on the law itself (here) and another on those frequently asked questions that landowners have (here).  Check out these resources to answer your fence line questions.

Chestnut Chat Series

The American Chestnut Foundation is offering a Chestnut Chat Series that details their work towards a fundamental goal: to develop a blight-resistant American chestnut tree via scientific research and breeding, and to restore the tree to its native forests along the eastern United States.  They are offering live presentations but everything is recorded for you to watch when you have the time.  If you have an interest in the American Chestnut here is the place to start.  The series can be accessed here.

Project Nature Newsletters

"In the fast moving urban life, often we get so carried away and engrossed with our daily lives that we lose our connection with nature. We may not consciously realize it but our body and soul longs for that connection – whether it be in the form of a serene vista of a natural landscape, a natural body of water, or simply a sight of a pretty bird or a butterfly." ~Rajat Saksena

Rajat Saksena is the founder of the Project Nature, an initiative aimed at connecting people with nature no matter where we live - even in the hustling, bustling cities of Ohio. As part of his intitative, he writes monthly newsletters. This month's newsletter was on the Monarch Butterfly. He has also written articles on wildflowers, lichens, caves, and all many of wildlife! Find all of his newsletter articles here, or subscribe to the newsletter by emailing Rajat Saksena (saksena.6@osu.edu). 

 

Ohio's Native Trees in the Landscape

Join OSU's Kathy Smith as she takes a look at some of Ohio's native trees that work well in the landscape.  Many times we overlook our native's when thinking about planting trees in the landscape.  Here you can explore some options to consider.  Click the image to view the video.

Camp Canopy's Virtual Week of Learning

In light of this year's cancelled camp, Camp Canopy is going virtual! Camp Canopy is a week-long, resident camp for high school students interested in learning about forestry and wildlife. The camp directors have decided to host a series of education videos to keep campers' forestry and wildlife knowledge sharp. During the week of June 7 - 12, 2020, videos will be posted at 10 am, 2 pm, and 7 pm to the camp's Facebook page - @CampCanopy. Check our this article for more information, or click the picture for the full schedule of programs. 

Backyard Mushrooms

Join OSU's Erika Lyon as she explores the mushrooms that you can find in your backyard.  To access the video click on the image.

 

Landscaping with Natives

There is a lot of emphasis for landowners to use native plants when they landscape.  Join OSU's Amy Stone as she covers the topic and see what you need to know about having a successful project.  Click on the image to access the video.

 

 

The Path to Ohio State Maple Syrup

It started as a student management idea and has become a functional sugarbush that will enable Ohio State to do research and outreach for a variety of audiences.  Check out the story on Ohio State Maple Syrup.  Click on the image to watch the video.

 

A Tree's Journey: From Forests to Furniture

In 2017 and 2018 Woodland Stewards offered bus trips through Ohio exploring our forest resources and how they become important products that we use in our households every day.  This video 'A Tree's  Journey: From Forest to Furniture' highlights that process.  Click on the image to watch the video.

 

 

Building Ohio State: From Forest to the Renovation of the Thompson Library

Building Ohio State tells the story of the unique connections and history shared between The Ohio State University and Ohio’s forests. From its beginnings as a land-grant institution to the renovation of the Thompson Library, the University has been instrumental in promoting forest research and education and demonstrating sound management of Ohio’s forests.  In 2017 this was a live exhibit that was showcased in the Thompson Library gallery.  Now that exhibit has been turned into a digital exhibit.  Explore the exhibit contents and many of the documents that helped shape the live exhibit.  Access the digital exhibit here

 

Legacy Planning Stories

A collection of stories about fellow landowners like you, the legacies they are creating, and how they are planning for the future of their land.  To access the publication click here.  To access our other legacy publications click here.