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February 15, 2006
TAX CHECK-OFF DONATIONS HELP PROTECT NATIVE OHIO PLANT COMMUNITIES
IN STATE NATURE PRESERVES
COLUMBUS, OH - The rare plants and delicate ecosystems of Ohio’s 130 state nature preserves are constantly threatened by invading, non-native plant life, which may destroy the biodiversity and integrity of these protected natural sites.
Contributions to the state income tax check-off fund for Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species help the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) control these destructive alien invaders.
The ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves uses check-off monies to fund management programs at dozens of state nature preserves such as Irwin Prairie in Lucas County, Davey Woods in Champaign County, and Sheldon Marsh in Erie County where invasive plants threaten to overtake native flora and force them out of existence.
“Because invasive plants are fast-growing and reproduce at a high rate, they can quickly reduce or eliminate native plant species and alter the ecology of a site,” said Tom Linkous, chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves. “This change may also have an adverse effect on animal species found there.”
 Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve is a 187-acre wet prairie community that is home to numerous rare plant and animal species. Invasive glossy buckthorn has become a major threat to the preserve’s native plant communities. In 2001, the division undertook a large-scale effort to restore native prairie habitat to areas where the buckthorn had become dominant. In the years since, a 6-acre area that was virtually all buckthorn has returned to a community of prairie plants. Many rare species have appeared in the new areas as a direct result of these habitat management activities.
 Davey Woods State Nature Preserve is one of the most popular spring wildflower viewing areas in west central Ohio. Large-flowered trillium, twinleaf and dutchman’s breeches grow in abundance in the 103-acre preserve, that also features mature tuliptrees, sugar maples, ash and oak trees. Invasive garlic mustard threatens to overtake portions of the preserve and quell the bountiful wildflowers that bloom there. Eradicating this invasive species means hours of hand weeding and follow-up maintenance, since garlic mustard seeds remain viable in the soil for several years. Tax check-off funds underwrite efforts to pull the garlic mustard and keep this preserve a haven for native wildflowers.
 Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve on the shores of Lake Erie draws thousands of migrating songbirds to rest and feed there in the spring and fall. The preserve encompasses 463 acres of coastal wetland where invasive purple loosestrife threatens the native smartweeds, broad-leaved cattails and sedges. Tax check-off funds have supported the purchase of equipment to eliminate purple loosestrife in the preserve so that native wetland plants can once again thrive.
Helping to protect Ohio’s state nature preserves is easy. A simple checkmark next to Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species on line 19 (IT-1040 EZ) or line 28 (IT-1040) of the state income tax return form can help ensure the future of Ohio’s rich natural heritage.
Those who are not eligible to receive a refund may send a check made payable to the DNAP Special Account at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, 2045 Morse Road, Building F-1, Columbus, OH 43229. For additional information, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com
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