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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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TAX CHECK-OFF PROGRAM WORKING TO PROTECT OHIO’S WILD ORCHIDS
Taxpayers urged to donate portion of state income tax refund to the Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species Fund
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Nodding Ladies Tresses
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Showy Orchid
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COLUMBUS, OH - From the moist, sandy flats of the Oak Openings Region in the northwest to the mature woodlands of the southeast’s Hocking Hills, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is striving to protect and preserve the complex beauty of the state’s wild orchid populations.
“Of the nearly 50 orchid species, more than half are listed as rare, endangered, threatened or potentially threatened,” said Tom Linkous, chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. “Five species native to Ohio have not been seen in more than 20 years and are presumed extirpated in the state.”
Ohio’s range of orchid habitat is extremely diverse, with at least one species found in every one of the 88 counties. By checking the Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species Fund box on their 2005 state income tax return, Ohioans can help ODNR protect these plants for future generations to enjoy, Linkous added.
Many species of wild orchids are thriving in the state’s system of 130 nature preserves, where they are sheltered from habitat destruction.
Among the most common are nodding ladies-tresses, showy orchis and ragged-fringed orchids. These species are common throughout Ohio.
Nodding ladies-tresses, which grow 8 to 10 inches high with white flowers, generally bloom in late summer or fall in moist meadows and bogs, as well as thin, rocky soils. Among the best places to view these flowers is the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve in Ottawa County, which was purchased entirely with check-off funds.
Among the first wild orchids to bloom each year are pink lady’s-slipper with large pink (and occasionally white) flowers that begin to show in late April and early May. Southern Ohio is their favorite range. Lake Katharine and Conkle’s Hollow state nature preserves offer the best viewing spots, with protective trail and boardwalk projects supported by check-off funding.
By mid June, many of Ohio’s orchid species are in full bloom, with showy lady’s-slipper, large round-leaved orchids and grass-pink orchids abundant.
Showy lady’s-slippers are the largest of North America’s wild orchids with spectacular 2-inch pink and white flowers. Cedar Bog Nature Preserve in Champaign County is one of the best places to view this orchid, which thrives in wet meadows and fens.
Large round-leaved orchids are shy and frequently hard to find. Only a few plants in any one colony bloom in a given year. Some years, the plants do not bloom at all. They grow 2 to 3 inches high with greenish flowers and are generally found in oak-hemlock woodlands, such as Clear Fork Gorge State Nature Preserve in Ashland County.
Central and northern Ohio bogs, fens and sand flats are home to grass-pink orchids. They grow up to 24 inches high with rose-pink blooms. Kitty Todd Nature Preserve in Lucas County and Cranberry Bog State Nature Preserve in Buckeye Lake in Fairfield County are among the best places to view this rare species. A boat dock and boardwalk at Cranberry Bog, constructed with check-off funding, allow visitors to view these special plants.
Helping to protect Ohio’s special plants and animals, such as wild orchids, is easy through the state income tax check-off program. Taxpayers who are not eligible to receive a refund may send a check to the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves at 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43229. For additional information, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com.
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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com
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For Further Information Contact:
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves
(614) 265-6520
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860
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