Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry

06/26/2026

Bear-corn (Conopholis americana)
This spring, keep an eye out for bear-corn, a unique plant that stands out in Ohio’s dry oak woods.

What it looks like:
Bear-corn appears as brownish, cylindric growths resembling fungus or conifer cones. It grows in tufts of thick spikes, each covered in shingled scales. Small whitish-yellow flowers peek out from beneath the scales.

Where to find it:
It’s statewide but more frequent in eastern Ohio, while rare or absent in many western counties.

How it grows:
Bear-corn thrives in dry oak-dominated woods and is found in association with oak species (Quercus).

Fun fact:
Renowned botanist Merritt Fernald described it in Gray’s Manual of Botany as resembling “old White Pine cones.” As the plant ages, it takes on the appearance of dried fungal growths.

📸 Have you spotted bear-corn in the wild? Share your photos!

06/24/2026

Happy !

Ohio is known for its strong agricultural industry, but did you know forestry is part of the agriculture sector? 🌳🌽 This is because trees can be cultivated and harvested just like other crops, only on a much longer time scale.

One early example of forestry being recognized as agriculture was the creation of the American Tree Farm System in the early 1940s. This marked a shift from the old practice of logging all trees on a parcel of land and moving on, toward sustainable forest management. Today, forestry remains a thriving part of agriculture, providing essential wood products that benefit both our daily lives and our economy. In Ohio alone, forestry contributes approximately 25% of the $124 billion that food and agriculture add to the state’s economy! 🍁💰

🌲 Learn more about the history of the American Tree Farm System here: https://foresthistory.org/digi.../american-tree-farm-system/

Ohio Forestry Association
Ohio Tree Farmers

06/23/2026

We love hemlocks, and you should too! Check out our website to learn more about hemlocks and the threats they face. https://shorturl.at/DXOCu

06/19/2026

🌳 Tree ID: Sassafras 🌳

One of Ohio’s most recognizable native trees, sassafras (Sassafras albidum) is known for its uniquely shaped leaves and spicy fragrance. Found throughout Ohio, it is most common in the acidic soils of southeastern Ohio, where it often grows along fence rows, abandoned fields, woodland edges, and old homesteads. A fast-growing pioneer species, sassafras spreads by root sprouts, forming dense thickets over time.

One of the easiest ways to identify sassafras is by its leaves. A single tree may have three different leaf shapes: an oval leaf, a mitten-shaped leaf with one lobe, and a three-lobed leaf. Crush a leaf or twig and you’ll notice its distinctive spicy, citrus-like aroma. In autumn, sassafras puts on a spectacular display of yellow, orange, scarlet, and deep red foliage.

In early spring, small yellow-green flowers bloom before the leaves fully emerge. Female trees later produce clusters of dark blue fruits that sit on bright red stalks, providing an important food source for birds and other wildlife. Mature trees develop gray-brown bark with deep furrows and interlacing ridges.

Historically, sassafras was prized for its aromatic bark and roots, which were used to make teas and extracts. Today, it remains an important native tree that provides food and habitat for wildlife while adding beautiful seasonal color to Ohio’s forests.

Have you spotted a sassafras this year? Look for the “mitten” leaves on your next hike! 🍃

06/17/2026

🌳🌳Join Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on Thursday, June 18th from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for the America 250 Legacy Tree Celebration, honoring a remarkable tree more than 250 years old! This free event will highlight the role of trees in American history while offering guests the chance to learn more about Spring Grove’s landscape and history. The event include a ceremonial ribbon wrapping, photo opportunities, and a fun contest! Following the ceremony, our Director of Horticulture and Arboriculture, Brian Heinz will lead guests on an educational hike. Spring Grove staff will be available at our Main Entrance to guide guests to the event location, but plan to arrive early to allow time to reach the event location. Bring a water bottle and stay afterward to explore the grounds (maps will be available).
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Site

06/16/2026

It’s ! Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between foresters, arborists, and our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. While they each impact their communities, these superheroes have different job duties.🕷
Foresters evaluate forests and manage them for optimal results. They sometimes conduct surveys to track changes and monitor forest management efforts. There are different types of foresters: urban foresters, land management foresters, service foresters, and forest health foresters. Job duties may vary within each type.
Arborists specialize in the care and maintenance of individual trees. They focus primarily on tree pruning, diagnosis, and pest/disease treatment and control.
Spider-Man doesn’t really have anything to do with trees, but we are sure he appreciates trees to swing from to catch the next villain.

06/15/2026

Happy Nature Photography Day! 📸🌲

We’re celebrating with a few favorite views from Ohio’s state forests. If you’ve captured a great photo in one of our state forests, share it in the comments. We’d love to see Ohio through your lens. Be sure to tag your favorite nature photographer, too!

Photo locations (in order):
📍 Fernwood State Forest
📍 Gifford State Forest
📍 Perry State Forest
📍 Shade River State Forest

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Teacher Field Days & Envirothon Workshop! 🌳🦋

Over the two days, educators had the opportunity to explore forestry, wildlife, soils, and aquatics through hands-on activities, field experiences, and conversations with natural resource professionals.

A big thank you to all of our presenters for sharing their time and expertise, and to the Ohio Envirothon team and SWCD partners for helping make this collaboration possible. Bringing together educators, agencies, and conservation professionals creates valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and share resources.

We appreciate everyone who attended and helped make the event a success! 🍃

06/11/2026

We all depend on our senses to gather impressions of the environment. Explore this PLT activity to enhance your and your children’s senses!

🟣🟩“The Shape of Things” encourages children to slow down, look closely, and discover how nature is filled with patterns and shapes all around us. From leaves to clouds to flowers, every outdoor adventure can spark curiosity. ✨

What shapes can you find outside today?

Learn more here: PLT Activity: https://www.plt.org/activity-resources/treesandme/activity-1-the-shape-of-things/
PLT Trees & Me guide: https://shop.plt.org/Shop/ProductDetails/treesandme