COLUMBUS, OH - Gander Mountain stores in the Columbus suburbs of Reynoldsburg and Hilliard are partnering with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry to help property owners learn proven ways of attracting more wildlife to their lands through good forest management.

"By planting or encouraging the right tree species, woodland owners can significantly increase the amount of wildlife attracted to their property," said David Lytle, chief of the ODNR Division of Forestry. "We are pleased to partner with Gander Mountain in offering free, one-hour habitat seminars."

Seminars are set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb.16 at the Reynoldsburg store, 2644 Taylor Road SW, and at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 at the Hilliard store, 5388 West Pointe Plaza Drive. Call 877-247-8733 to register for one of the free seminars.

Selecting the proper type of tree for a particular location and soil characteristic is essential for a successful planting. The Division of Forestry's service foresters and nursery staff are available to help landowners in making the right choices.

Workshop participants can order a special offering of reduced rate Ohio Conservation Seedlings at the seminars. Seedlings may be picked up in March from the Gander Mountain store offering the seminar.

Seminar topics will include:

• Planting Trees/Shrubs That Attract Wildlife;
• Crop Tree Release (increasing acorn production);
• Selective Harvesting (creating pockets of cover);
• Creating Habitat Along Forest Roads (mini food plots);
• Planting Windbreaks (wildlife travel corridors); and
• Woodland Improvement Practices.