Helping Oak Openings | Preserving Rare Orchids | Ohio's Ecosystems Benefit

Ohio's natural areas and endangered wildlife income tax checkoff programs have fostered the return of bald eagles, peregrine falcons and trumpeter swans to the state's skies and have helped preserve the habitats of rare plants such as the lakeside daisy and running buffalo clover.

With tax preparation season approaching, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is again urging taxpayers to remember these programs when filing their state income tax returns. Donations made through simple checkmarks on the state income tax form help ODNR protect natural areas and scenic rivers, reintroduce endangered wildlife and preserve wetland habitat.

Since 1984, checkoff programs have generated more than $23 million.

Last year alone, nearly 100,000 Ohioans contributed $714,244 to these funds: $368,542 for natural areas & preserves and $345,702 for wildlife habitat and endangered species protection.

Donations to the Division of Wildlife have:

• Restored bald eagle, trumpeter swan and peregrine falcon populations
• Helped reintroduce showshoe hares to Geauga and Ashtabula counties
• Assisted in placing thriving colonies of Karner blue butterflies in the Oak Openings of Lucas County
• Helped purchase critical habitat and fund programs for wildlife research and education

Donations to the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves have:

• Preserved additional habitat at many of the 130 state nature preserves including Kent Bog and Mantua Bog in Portage County; Chaparral Prairie in Adams County; Irwin Prairie and Campbell in Lucas County and Rocky Fork Gorge in Highland Count
• Funded trail construction and visitor facilities at state nature preserves including Conkle's Hollow in Hocking County; Sheldon's Marsh and North Pond in Erie County; Goll Woods in Fulton County; Blackhand Gorge in Licking County and Lake Katharine in Jackson County
• Helped fund the fight against invasive plant species in many of the state's nature preserves
• Helped fund publications and public awareness programs to educate Ohioans about nature preserves and scenic rivers

Ohioans can donate part or all of their state income tax refund by:

• Checking the appropriate boxes on lines 19 and/or 20 on the IT-1040 EZ forms or lines 28 and/or 29 on the IT-1040 form
• Sending a check to either the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves or the Division of Wildlife, Wildlife Diversity Account at ODNR Fountain Square Complex, 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229