COLUMBUS, OH -- A bronze marker, recognizing Killdeer Plains State Wildlife Area as a well-preserved remnant of Ohio's prairie grasslands, was dedicated today as part of the state's Bicentennial celebration, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The marker is one of 10 that ODNR, with the financial support of International Paper Company, is erecting around the state. Each designates an important feature of Ohio's natural history. Additional marker sites are Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Greene County, Big and Little Darby Creeks in Franklin County, Old Man's Cave in Hocking County, Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area in Ottawa County, Salt Fork State Wildlife Area in Guernsey County, Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve in Erie County, Clear Fork Gorge State Nature Preserve in Ashland County, Spring Valley Wildlife Area in Greene and Warren counties, and Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Ottawa County.
The marker is one of 10 that ODNR, with the financial support of International Paper Company, is erecting around the state. Each designates an important feature of Ohio's natural history. Additional marker sites are Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Greene County, Big and Little Darby Creeks in Franklin County, Old Man's Cave in Hocking County, Killdeer State Wildlife Area in Wyandot County, Salt Fork State Wildlife Area in Guernsey County, Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve in Erie County, Clear Fork Gorge State Nature Preserve in Ashland County, Spring Valley Wildlife Area in Greene and Warren counties, and Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Ottawa County.
More than 200 similar markers, each associated with an important aspect of Ohio's 200-year history, are going up in this Bicentennial year as part of the Ohio Heritage Marker Program.
Killdeer Plains State Wildlife Area is a well-preserved remnant prairie grassland like those that were once scattered across western Ohio. It is one of the rarest types of wildlife habitat in the state. Killdeer Plains is home to a diverse population of plants and animals - many of which are rare or otherwise endangered.