OHIO

OHIO
Bald eagle numbersare soaring higher
Ohio's bald eagle population continues to grow with 116 active nests identified so far this year, say wildlife biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. In 2004, a record 108 bald eagle nests produced 127 eaglets.
Of the 116 nests, 72 pairs have laid eggs and begun incubation. Eight new eagle pairs also have been identified so far. Three of the new pairs are in Sandusky County, two in Wood County, and one each in Henry, Lucas and Ottawa counties. The first hatch of eaglets for the year is anticipated to be March 14.
Active nests are located in the following 37 Ohio counties:
Ashtabula (3); Coshocton (1); Crawford (1); Defiance (2); Delaware (1); Erie (10); Geauga (3); Guernsey (1); Hancock (1); Hardin (1); Harrison (1); Henry (1); Holmes (1); Huron (2); Knox (3); Lake (1); Lorain (2); Lucas (6); Mahoning (2); Marion (1); Mercer (1); Morgan (1); Muskingum (1); Noble (1); Ottawa (16); Pickaway (1), Portage (4); Putnam (1); Richland (1); Ross (3); Sandusky (17); Seneca (5); Trumbull (6); Tuscarawas (1); Wayne (1); Wood (5); and Wyandot (7).
Anyone who observes eagle-nesting activity should contact the state wildlife officer for that county, a wildlife district office or call (800) WILDLIFE. Individuals are reminded that state and federal laws protect bald eagles and their nest sites. Any type of disturbance around a nest could cause the birds to abandon the site or discourage them from using the nest in the future.
Check for frogson nature walk
You can hear the chorus of spring and spend an evening with Ohio's toads and frogs March 26 at Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve in Lucas County. The event kicks off the 2005 Natural Areas Discovery Series -- a series of monthly events held from March through October, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
The toads and frogs program begins at 6:30 p.m. with a slideshow at Secor Metropark's National Center for Photography. Afterward, participants will drive to Irwin Prairie for a guided evening walk. To register for the event, call (419) 445-1775 by March 21.
Upcoming Discovery Series events include: an open house on April 23, at Miller Nature Sanctuary in Highland County to view spring wildflowers and the impressive geology of Rocky Fork Gorge, and a bird watching hike along Lake Erie's shore April 30 at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve. For a complete list of series events, visit the ODNR Web page at ohiodnr.com.
The Discovery Series programs are free and open to the public.
Seedling deadline April 8
The last day to order tree seedlings for delivery this spring from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry is April 8. More than 20 varieties of trees are currently available for bulk purchase, including white pine, Norway spruce, red maple, hemlock, sugar maple, pin oak, silky dogwood and bald cypress. Visit ohiodnr.com/forestry for seedling descriptions and availability.
The seedlings, available in groups of 25, are 1-to-2 years old and bare rooted. A minimum order of 100 trees is required. The Division of Forestry's service foresters are available to help landowners in choosing the right trees. Assistance is recommended for plantings on more than three acres. Properly managed, these seedlings can eventually provide watershed protection, aesthetics, wildlife habitat and timber production. Certain tax deductions also are available to property owners who establish woodlots on their property.
As a special offer, Austrian pine seedlings are available for the reduced price of 15 cents each. A minimum order of 500 seedlings is required. State foresters can assist property owners in establishing stands of Austrian pine by providing on-site consultations for planting and care.
ODNR Marietta Tree Nursery is the largest producer of tree seedlings in the state, selling more than 3 million trees each year for reforestation efforts.
For specific information about Division of Forestry programs, call (877) 691-8733 or visit ohiodnr.com/forestry on the Internet.
PENNSYLVANIA
Essay winners lauded
Sara L. Morneweck is headed for summer school, and unlike most youngsters facing that task, she just can't wait to get started.
Morneweck, 15, from Fredonia, Mercer County, is one of the grand prize winners of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's 2004 Hunter Education Youth Essay Contest.
As the top entry in the junior division (ages 12-15), Morneweck was awarded a scholarship to the Safari Club International's Apprentice Hunter Camp at the YO Ranch in Mountain Home, Texas. She also won first prize in the junior division of the Hunter Education Youth Essay Contest in 2002.
The theme for the 2004 contest was "Why I'm the future of hunting!"
The contest is open to youngsters who are Pennsylvania residents, have successfully completed a hunter-trapper education course and possess a current hunting or fur-taking license. Details for the 2005 Hunter Education Youth Essay Contest will be included in the 2005-2006 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, a future edition of Pennsylvania Game News magazine and on the agency's Web site at www.pgc.state.pa.us.