April 17, 2006

OHIO’S GREAT OUTDOORS ARE A GREAT WAY TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

COLUMBUS, OH - Getting out into the great outdoors is the best way to celebrate Earth Day as it marks its 36th annual observance on Saturday, April 22. Ohioans have many opportunities throughout the state, including at several of Ohio’s state parks, to enjoy the spring weather and give back to their natural resources, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

The first international Earth Day was held on April 20, 1970. The outgrowth of a student-led campus movement, Earth Day was soon embraced as a worldwide celebration of our natural resources.

“Earth Day has become an important symbol of our commitment as Ohioans and as a nation to learning about and caring for the environment,” said ODNR Director Sam Speck. “This is an opportunity not only to recognize the great strides we’ve made in protecting and preserving our environment, wildlife populations and their habitats, but also to appreciate the great work we have ahead of us.”

Speck noted that thanks to the efforts of ODNR’s wildlife biologists and botantists in recent decades a variety of wildlife and plant species have been returned to the Ohio landscape.

Wildlife species that were rarely seen in Ohio 36 years ago, such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and walleye, are now abundant and thriving. Other species are also reaching modern-day records in populations, including the bald eagle, river otter, peregrine falcon, and osprey.

Since its creation in 1975, the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves has established 130 nature preserves and 21 scenic river segments. Other efforts continue to control erosion, curb water pollution and protect Lake Erie.

This Earth Day, consider the following events as a way to enjoy nature and give back to the environment:

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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com

For Further Information Contact:
Andrea M. Strle, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882