December 10, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Pickaway County Common Pleas Court ruled in favor of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) in a recent case where it was determined three people illegally took more than 300 trees from state-owned land. None of the defendants appealed the judge’s ruling. The court found John C. Knauff, Joseph Knauff, and Jonathan Knauff liable for trespassing, conversion, and unjust enrichment as a result of their unlawful taking. The three defendants admitted in court that they had entered the state-owned canal lands and cut down 315 trees.

August 19, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry invites the public to attend in-person open houses to learn more about the Annual Work Plan for State Forests. All three open house events will take place September 10 – 12. The Division of Forestry’s managers and foresters develop an annual work plan to guide specific management activities for 24 state forests in Ohio. This work plan encompasses more than 200,000 acres combined. The open house events provide opportunities for the public to ask questions and comment on Ohio’s plans for sustainable forestry, which include recreation, aesthetic value, treating invasive species, prescribed burning, and timber cruising and harvesting.

July 2, 2024, Press Release from the Lake Improvement Association: (GRAND LAKE ST. MARYS) - The Indian Lake region suffered significant tornado damage this spring. As a gesture of goodwill to our lake neighbors, Lake Improvement Association past president Keith Westrick reached out to see if there was anything the Grand Lake LIA could do to help, and they indicated they needed help replacing trees that were destroyed at Moundwood and Fox Island.

With snow on the way, many will be busting out the sleds and snowboards. With warmer temperatures than our last winter storm, Lima Parks and Recreation is encouraging everyone to come to enjoy Sled Hill at Faurot Park. They are reminding everyone to check their sleds and make sure they aren't cracked or broken to avoid injuries. Safety precautions are in place should a sledder hit any trees or poles on their way down.

The Delphos Canal Museum invites people to check out the “Colors of Christmas.” Their annual Celebrate Christmas display has been going on for about 24 years now.  There are close to 80 trees and over one hundred decorations to help brighten you holiday spirit.  The trees are decorated by local businesses, organizations, and residents with the theme “Colors of Christmas.   While the trees are eye catching, it’s the permanent historical displays that give people a peek into the past of Delphos and the surrounding area.

 Black Friday is a busy day at Blooms Garden Center, as many people came in find that perfect live Christmas tree for their home. They sell Fraser Firs, which is the bestselling Christmas tree in America, because  it holds it's needles the longest and has that great smell for the holiday season.   And people who like the added touch of a live tree at Christmas time come back year after year.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources held a summit in Bluffton to share information with professionals such as urban foresters, zoo employees, mayors, and arborists. Speakers gave presentations on matters that impact our parks, trees, and everything outdoors, such as ticks and oak wilt. Many of the attendees work for state-funded organizations and make our communities better places to live without us noticing their work.

The temperatures are falling and the leaves are starting to change. We talked with the experts to learn about the science behind it and when those colors should peak this year.