At times, it may have seemed this day would never get here – the opening of Great Council State Park in Xenia, the former “Old Chillicothe,” a vibrant Shawnee town founded in the 1770s and led by Chief Blackfish. But finally, the day has come. All the hard work of countless ODNR staff and others will be on full display for all to appreciate at a June 7th grand opening.

Great Council State Park is another special property in ODNR’s portfolio – unique in its honoring of Native American history while fitting right along with numerous other properties in its ode to nature and preservation of Ohio’s greenspace, wildlife, history and more. The story of this park began with a conversation between Gov. Mike DeWine and our Director Mary Mertz. Raised in Yellow Springs which is about 10 miles up the road from Xenia, the governor and First Lady Fran DeWine expressed a desire to have something to recognize the rich Native American history and culture of the area.

With the seed planted, Director Mertz took it to our team at ODNR which consulted with three federally recognized Shawnee nations to lovingly cultivate and grow it into Great Council State Park. The Shawnee Tribe, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, and the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma has helped to ensure the park conveys an accurate and authentic record of life in the 1770s.

“Fran and I are excited to open a brand-new state park in Ohio that honors the state’s natural and cultural heritage,” Governor DeWine said. “Great Council State Park will feature an immersive interpretive center for visitors to learn about Ohio’s Shawnee and frontier history.”

In May 2022, Governor DeWine and First Lady DeWine joined ODNR to break ground on this one-of-a-kind state park. Great Council features a 12,000-square-foot interpretive center, a native plant prairie, and a half-mile loop trail.

“We wanted to do something extraordinary to tell this chapter of Ohio’s history,” Director Mertz said. “Great Council State Park accomplishes that goal by providing a large, immersive experience for people to learn about the legends that surrounded the area and the role Ohio’s natural resources played.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Great Council State Park Grand Opening

WHEN: 10 a.m. Friday, June 7

WHERE: Great Council State Park, 1575 US-68, Xenia, Ohio 45385

The interpretive center’s design pays tribute to Shawnee longhouses that served as central hubs and community centers for tribes in the 1700s. Inside, visitors will find a living stream with native aquatic life, exhibits that depict what life was like for the Shawnee and early settlers in the 1770s, and a theater.

The ODNR Division of Engineering oversaw the construction of Great Council State Park. The elements of the interpretive center were created through a partnership with the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft and the Ohio History Connection in consultation with local authorities including the Greene County Historical Society.

Director Mertz’ May update will be at 2 p.m. today, May 13. This month, she will talk with:

The Director also will answer an "Ask Me Anything" question submitted by a member of staff.

We are accepting applications for teenage conservationists to join the Conservation Advisory Council (ConTAC) through June 5, 2024.

Highly motivated students who are interested in natural resource conservation, outdoor outreach, wildlife, or simply making a positive impact in their state would make the perfect applicants for ConTAC.

“ODNR has spent the last 75 years creating a legacy of conservation,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “ConTAC is a way for teenagers to build upon that legacy and become future leaders who address issues that face our great outdoors.”

ConTAC gives students a chance to meet new peers from across the state with similar interests. Through monthly meetings and project work, members will develop and implement innovative and practical ideas that empower young people to protect and preserve Ohio’s natural resources. They will also provide feedback and make recommendations to enhance outdoor outreach. Council members also get the chance to explore careers in the natural resources sector and develop valuable networking and leadership skills.

Students must be entering grades 9-12 for the 2024-2025 school year to apply. Selections of the 2024-2025 ConTAC class will be made early summer 2024.

Questions can be directed to Will Armbruster at william.armbruster@dnr.ohio.gov.

As the busy season approaches, there will be countless families across Ohio sitting around campfires and sharing stories about their lives. We would like to invite all of you to come sit around our virtual campfire for ODNR Campfire Tales. Every week, we’ll invite you to snuggle up with a nice mug of coffee or cocoa to read a story of a member of our ODNR family, giving us all a chance to get to know each other better. We will soon start sharing these stories via email and on the ODNR Resource (intranet).

We need your help to identify great stories to share! Every single one of you has a story worth telling. Maybe it’s an inspiring one about beating the odds or overcoming adversity, or you have a hobby or do something else outside work people may be surprised or interested in learning about. Of course, your story may also have something to do with working at ODNR or what led you to work here. Whatever it is, make a suggestion through the link below either for yourself or another member of our ODNR family.

The Office of Law Enforcement needs your help to spread the word that we’re looking to fill about half a dozen entry-level dispatch positions.  

This role is key in providing up-to-date information to all of our Natural Resources Officers and Wildlife Officers. The positions are based at the Fountain Square campus on Morse Road. Dispatchers will be expected to: 

Those wishing to apply should visit careers.ohio.gov and select "search for State Government Jobs." On the job search page in the keyword search, enter Natural Resources Dispatcher 1.  

Battling invasive plants, stewardship workshops, and a frog serenade walk are some of the programs planned for two of Ohio’s northwestern state nature preserves in honor of the Oak Openings Region’s Blue Week. Blue Week is an event hosted each May, encouraging people to explore the biodiversity of the Oak Openings Region.

Geological Survey will be commemorating the department’s 75th Anniversary with a series of special hikes which start this Saturday, May 18 at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park in Portage County.

Join geologist Mohammad Fakhari for a hike through one of Ohio's most scenic and geologically interesting areas. Hikers will learn about the park's geologic and natural history while examining exposed rocks, and dive into how the area was shaped by glaciers during the most recent Ice Age. A naturalist also will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the fascinating flora and fauna found in one of ODNR’s original lands.

The hike will start at 1 p.m. Participants should meet at the main parking lot and dress appropriately for this moderate hike. Free and open to all ages.

The Natural Resources Women’s Network is inviting everyone to join in on a short hike at Slate Run Metro Park in Canal Winchester on this Saturday, May 18.

The 1.5-mile hike is a gravel trail rated as easy on AllTrails. The Network will meet up with everyone at 10 a.m. at the Shady Grove Picnic Area (39.758767, -82.838147).

You have until May 31, 2024, to have a biometric screening to earn up to a $150 reward toward the FY24 incentive in the Take Charge, Live Well app. Spouses completing a screening can earn up to a $100 reward.

You can complete your biometric screening, which requires blood workup for things like glucose and cholesterol levels, through a Quest Patient Service Center or your primary care provider. You can schedule an appointment with Quest through your Take Charge, Live Well app.

If you prefer to go to your primary care provider, be sure to download a copy of the required form and be sure your provider signs it. There is a number on the form where your provider can submit it, or you can choose to submit it yourself through the app.

Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those battling cancer. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. If you work at or will be at the Fountain Square campus on June 13, the Red Cross will be on campus conducting a blood drive. Those who give blood that day will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

Do you have something you wish ODNR had specific training on? Then please let us know! HR Training Manager Heidi Bailey will review all requests and seek existing training opportunities on the subject, create a new training, or Jona Ison with communications can setup a Lunch and Learn. Suggestions may be sent to Heidi by email at heidi.bailey@dnr.ohio.gov or Jona at jona.ison@dnr.ohio.gov.

Agencies across the state are asking staff to join the fight against hunger and collectively raise $75,000 for foodbanks by June 24, 2024. At ODNR, our goal is to raise $2,750. We can meet that goal if each one of us donates just $1.50!

Director Mertz has invited new Ohio Expo Center & State Fair Executive Director Adam Heffron to Fountain Square to introduce him to staff and provide an opportunity for him to present on changes we should know about as our fair planning kicks into high gear. Adam will be here at 1 p.m. this Wednesday, May 15 in the Assembly Center (E-1) at Fountain Square.

About Adam: In January, Adam was recommended by the governor and unanimously approved by the Ohio Expositions Commission to fill the vacancy left by Virgil Strickler's retirement and started the job in March. Heffron has served as the Executive Director of Alliant Energy Center, a multi-building entertainment venue located in Madison, WI, since 2022. Prior to his time in Wisconsin, Heffron has spent most of his career in the event and fair industry, serving at the Milwaukee World Festival, the Washington State Fair, the Wisconsin State Fair, Meet Minneapolis – Convention and Visitors Association, and the Minnesota State Fair. Additionally, he worked at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair in the Rental Department from 1994-1998.

Open enrollment for benefits will start this Thursday, May 16 to May 29, so be sure to mark it on your calendar, especially if you know you want to make changes. Additional details about open enrollment and if there will be any changes will be forthcoming.

If you’ve been at ODNR more than a few days, I’m sure you’re very aware the agency turns 75 this year. But do you know how the agency was formed and how it has evolved into the 12 divisions we have today? Join our very own Michael Veres and Philip Hutchison, Historical Program Administrators with the Office of Real Estate and Land Management, as they take you on a guided journey through 75 years of ODNR history and more.

Join us live in Assembly Center East (E-1) at Fountain Square from 11 a.m. to noon this Thursday, May 16 or on Teams.

Employee Development Fund (EDF) reimbursement requests for FY 24 must be submitted with all required documentation no later than May 31, 2024. This deadline is very important to facilitate the year-end processing of and to prevent extended delays. A list of required documentation for each type of submission can be found in the appropriate policy below.

Please do not submit reimbursement requests during the year-end processing window (June 1 and June 16, 2024).  Requests submitted during the year-end processing window will be denied; however, these requests can be re-submitted beginning June 17, 2024.

For questions related to year-end EDF processing please contact: dashrd.edfunds@das.ohio.gov

Do you have a special someone graduating soon? We want to share it with our ODNR family in the Weekly Resource. Submit a photo and information on your graduate by completing the online form linked with the button below. Submissions may also include those who graduated earlier in the current academic year and those graduating or recently graduated from boot camp or other military training. We will collect submissions through May 31.

All state employees and contractors have been added to the Statewide Learning Plan, Securing Ohio 2024-25. You should have received an email with details noting the series is three trainings and one policy acknowledgment that will take about 45 minutes to complete. Everyone is required to complete this annual training requirement by October 31, 2024.

To view and complete the Learning Plan:

For questions or issues related to completing these courses, please contact OhioLearn@ohiolearn.ohio.gov.

The Cardinal Award is a program exclusive to ODNR employees who want to recognize an individual or organization for their commitment to the wise use and protection of our state's natural resources. Since 1971, Cardinal Award winners have included volunteers, outdoor writers, educators, businesses, naturalists, farmers, biologists and outdoor sporting organizations. The deadline to submit nominations has been extended to 5 p.m. May 31, 2024.

Do you know someone our descendants should remember for his or her contributions to improving the quality of life in Ohio through natural resources management, environmental education or scientific achievement? Then let us know! Nominations for the Ohio Natural Resources Hall of Fame are being accepted through 5 p.m. May 31, 2024.

Celebrate 75 years of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources with every email you send. Staff can substitute the special 75th anniversary logo into their email signatures to mark this momentous occasion.

Just click one of the buttons below to copy it into your signature line.

Angela Bishop, human capital management manager in HR, participated in a bass survey with Division of Wildlife staff from the Inland Fisheries Research Unit.

Staff got to interact with scores of kids during the recent Toledo Mud Hens’ School Education Days.

Ground was officially broken on May 7 for the new welcome center being built at Lake Loramie State Park in Auglaize County. Upon completion, the space will house the new Nature Center and Heritage Museum for the park. Designed with future expansion in mind, additions to the center could include a camp check-in, a camp store, and a new access drive to the campgrounds. Additionally, an educational sensory garden is being discussed with the local friends of the park group. 

Natural Resource Officer Christopher Dice performs maintenance and cleanup on the bike trail at Little Miami State Park in Warren County from two F1 Tornados from the night May 7. Photo/Hayden Harrison, NRO

Molly Hunt with Geological Survey nabbed this picture of Marketing Manager Jason Fallon trying out the new photo stand-in display debuted at the recent COSI Science Festival.

Geological Survey Librarian Sylvia Halladay captured this shot of a gosling learning the ropes of the Fountain Square campus.

Miranda Thompson, an admin professional for the Division of Parks & Watercraft, captured a shot of this black rat snake at West Branch State Park in Portage County.

Researchers, ODNR staff and volunteers recently took part in the annual survey at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area in Wyandot County. The grassland habitat at Killdeer is important for several species of greatest conservation need including the eastern plains garter snake, smooth green snake, and massasauga rattlesnakes.

(Top) Wildlife Officer Matthew D. Smith of Huron County holds a massasauga rattlesnake captured for research during the annual snake survey.

(Bottom) Wildlife Officer Michael Ohlrich holds a smooth green snake during the annual snake survey while fellow officer Nolan Johnson looks at the camera.

Several ODNR staff represented the department at a recent Junior Achievement event in Toledo.

Have a photo to share? Click the button below!

What former canal feeder lake is considered by some to be Ohio’s first state park?

A.Buckeye Lake
B. Guildford Lake
C. Grand Lake
D. Lake Loramie
E. Indian Lake

As of December 2023, the official Ohio bird checklist has this many species:

A. 150
B. 250
C. 350
D. 450 

Coastal Management: Steve Holland, Janet Hannaway

Engineering: Julie Endicott, 
Chandler Diles

Forestry: Terry Tatman, Heather Sheets

Geo Survey: James McDonald, 
Madge Fitak

Law Enforcement: Jennifer Allen

Mineral Resource Management: Matthew Scott, Brett Porter

DNAP: Adam Wohlever, Emily Pellegrini, Jenna Winters, Jenna Winters, Christine Szymanski, Rebecca Donaldson

Oil & Gas: Thomas Hill, Christopher Grimm

OIT: Shawn Bleiler, Katie Phillips, Chris Freidhof

Parks & Watercraft: Kenneth Guy, Ann Miller, Hannah Njoki, Michelle Leiden, Valerie Mack, Julie Kozlowski, John Berg, Dave Parsons, Jason Whitman, Jacqueline Mustard, Lindsey Krusling, Jerry Pollock

REALM:Kimberly Hazley 

Wildlife: Jasmine Grossnickle, Chris Smith, David Warner, David Kohler, Jeffery Wenning, C Beatty, John Windau, Laura Kearns, Michael Saylor, William Babb, Kelly Schott

Craig Truax from the Mid-Ohio Food Collective helped us kickoff our annual Operation Feed campaign with a little information on how the collective helps fight hunger and increase access to healthy foods. For example, did you know they have farms and use a specific method to maximize growth in small spaces? 

Office of Law Enforcement Chief Doug Young:

Last month our office mentioned the upcoming National Police Week! On behalf of our Director, I want to express our gratitude to each one of you for doing your very best, every day, to uphold the values and responsibilities of an ODNR law enforcement officer. Your dedication to ODNR, your division, and to the public you serve is OUTSTANDING! 

It’s also a time to honor our fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. “All give some, some give all!” We will always hold tight in remembrance our fallen ODNR officers and keep their families in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom Cross, the executive director of the Adams County Travel & Visitors Bureau, sent an email showing appreciation for Wildlife Officers Chase McDonald, Gus Kiebel, and Micah Collier for their assistance in helping confirm Jaylynn Parker’s record-breaking 101-pound catfish.

Tom wrote he was personally appreciative of the officers, noting his previous role as the Outdoor Writers of Ohio State Record Committee fish chairman for 11 years. Without the role our officers played, he said it was unlikely Jaylynn’s catch would have been recognized as the new state record.

“The officer's added legality, identification, and credibility to her catch,” Tom wrote. “They did everything exactly right, and they were in the right place at the right time and added the indisputable evidence that pushed her record to confirmation. They should feel good about that, and I'm sure she is grateful, too.”

On Saturday, May 4, staff with the divisions of Wildlife, Forestry, Parks & Watercraft, Mineral Resources Management, Oil and Gas, and Geological Survey, setup for COSI’s science days. Marketing Manager Jason Fall expressed it was an awesome day and those involved “really made ODNR shine all afternoon.”

Safety Administrator Michael Normal with the Division of Parks & Watercraft wants to call attention to the entire team at Rocky Fork and Paint Creek parks, saying they “work hard every day to provide superior customer service to our park visitors. There is a strong culture of teamwork and commitment to safety!”

Geological Survey is very proud to share the news that our own Molly Hunt has co-authored a 4-H project book, Exploring Polar Science, which has passed national peer review, becoming available to over six million 4-H members across the country. Molly co-authored the book with Jason Cervenec from OSU’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center

Molly previously authored the project book Geology: Can You Dig It?  Molly created these books when she was 18 and 19 years old, becoming the first active 4-H member to publish a project book as first author in Ohio 4-H history. Both books are available to over 6 million 4-H members in the United States. Less than 40% of all published Ohio 4-H projects have received this national accreditation. Additionally, there are only two other state 4-H programs that have ever released earth science projects (Indiana and the University of Illinois).

“We are very proud to have Molly on our staff,” Chief Mark Jones said.

Molly is on the right in the photo below during the Earth Day event at COSI last month.

Wingfoot Lake State Park was recently recognized during the Medina County Special Olympics for work done in recent years to increase accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

ODNR Parks and Watercraft Manager Mike Studeny and naturalists Richelle Gatto and Carissa Decker had a wonderful experience at the event which featured more than 500 athletes participating in various track and field events at Cloverleaf High School. The stadium was packed with over a thousand cheering fans and supporters, and hundreds of volunteers assisted with the day. Mike, Richelle, and Carissa engaged with everyone curious about our ambassador animals and native animal pelts. 

Wingfoot Lake State Park was highlighted for recent additions including an ADA kayak launch, ADA-friendly fishing pier, and cultivating the nature center to be autism friendly. Joe Manos, an intervention specialist at Cloverleaf Middle School, said that having the support and partnership with ODNR allows his students to experience the outdoors, and the in-class education programs is a highlight in his class every year. 

Providing accessibility and inclusion is a strong commitment throughout the Division of Parks and Watercraft and a main priority for Manager Studeny as projects continue to be developed at Wingfoot and Portage Lakes State Parks.

Here's a list of links to our news releases and a selection of news clips featuring ODNR from the past week. Some media links may require a subscription.

Our latest news releases can be found here.