BLUEBIRD FINDS HOME ON NEW OHIO STATE PARKS LICENSE PLATE
COLUMBUS, OH A bluebird has landed on a new specialty license plate benefiting outdoor education programs and nature centers at Ohio State Parks.
“With the purchase of these attractive new bluebird license plates, motorists can help build greater public awareness and appreciation of Ohio’s great outdoors,” said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. “Naturalist programs offered in most state parks each summer contribute significantly to the enjoyment of a park visit. We intend to expand these educational services with the help of proceeds from the sale of bluebird license plates.”
As with other specialty plates of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the bluebird plate costs an additional $25 above the price of a standard license plate, with $15 of that amount going to Ohio State Parks nature programs.
Nearly 200,000 visitors attended naturalist programs offered in the state parks last summer. State park naturalists provide a variety of outdoor education and recreation programs in the parks such as nature hikes, youth fishing clinics, and the opportunity to both observe and conserve native Ohio wildlife. Revenue from the bluebird license plate will bolster these programs and provide needed supplies and equipment for expanded environmental education programs in the parks.
Bluebirds have inhabited Ohio for centuries and have been common and widely distributed throughout the state since the 19th Century. Volunteers in Ohio State Parks play a large roll in providing and maintaining nesting boxes at state parks to accommodate nesting bluebirds. Park naturalists will be teaming up with volunteers to further expand this effort.
The bluebird plates are available March 23 through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles on the Internet at OPLATES.COM, by calling toll-free 888-PLATES3 (752-8373), or at any deputy registrar’s office.