Chesterhill Ohio Trail Town

03/15/2025

Just a reminder! Ohio is in its Spring Fire Season.

There have already been many Ohio wildfires this season!

Ohio law states that most outdoor debris burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in March, April, and May.

If you choose to burn within the permitted hours, use a 55-gallon drum with a weighted screen lid to provide an enclosed incinerator. And remember, “Only you can prevent wildfires!”

For more information on the burn laws: https://ohiodnr.gov/.../woodland-management/open-burn-laws
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03/10/2025

Email from Ohio's Hill Country Heritage Area March 5 | 2025   Come celebrate with us! The Winding Road Marketplace (McConnelsville) is turning ONE, and we’re throwing a celebration to thank the suppor

03/10/2025

Have you thought about backpacking, but don't know where to start? Have you been wanting to backpack, but feel intimidated about going with seasoned backpackers? The NCTA Western Michigan Chapter has an excellent opportunity for you: a one-night, guided backpacking trip at the end of May in Newaygo County. The group will hike 3-4 miles both days.

First, head over to the Sparta Library on March 24 for a presentation on hiking and backpacking. Then, if you're planning to attend the guided trip, come back on April 15 for an orientation. Find additional details on the calendar at northcountrytrail.org/events.

📸 Jaklin Family | Western Michigan Chapter of the North Country Trail Association

03/08/2025

Today's the day! Registration for the Allegheny 100 Challenge opens at 12:00 p.m. (Eastern). It'll close next Friday, March 14, or sooner if the event's capacity is reached. Act now to secure your spot!

northcountrytrail.org/a-100

Are you planning on participating? How many miles are you going for?

📸 Tina Toole | NCTA Allegheny National Forest Chapter U.S. Forest Service - Allegheny National Forest

03/08/2025

Grab your baskets and your best mushroom-hunting skills—it's Morel Mushroom season! Bring the whole family along for a fun-filled, nature-packed adventure. To learn more, visit bit.ly/morelfest and join us April 25 - 27th!

03/05/2025

Just a reminder! Ohio is now in its Spring Fire Season 🔥 🔥

Ohio law states that most outdoor debris burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas from 6AM to 6PM in March, April and May.

If you choose to burn within the permitted hours, use a 55-gallon drum with a weighted screen lid to provide an enclosed incinerator. And remember, “Only you can prevent wildfires!"

For more info on the burn laws: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/woodland-management/open-burn-laws

02/23/2025

02/16/2025

🤩 ⭐ We're excited to share something AMAZING - we partnered with Governor Mike DeWine to create the Buckeye Trail Anywhere guide! 🤩 ⭐

This awesome new resource will allow people to experience the Buckeye Trail from anywhere, including classrooms or the comfort of their homes. The downloadable and printable guide encourages people to track their movement, in the form of steps or miles and experience the 1,440-mile trail across the state.

As miles add up, participants reach "checkpoints" that provide information about Ohio’s rich geography, ecosystems and heritage. These checkpoints in the guide will include info on what you’ll find along the way, whether it's a state park, a state nature preserve, town or historic location.

Download the “Buckeye Trail Anywhere” materials here: http://ohiodnr.gov/buckeyetrailanywhere

Ohio State Parks
Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves
Ohio Division of Wildlife
Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry

02/16/2025

CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! 📸

Share your vision of Morgan County at the McConnelsville Visitor's Center's upcoming exhibition. Whether you capture our historic downtown, the peaceful Muskingum River, or the heart of our community life, we want to see through your lens.

Selected works will be displayed on March 7 at the Ohio's Winding Road one year celebration in McConnelsville!

Morgan County, Ohio Tourism

02/16/2025

Ohio Field Notes*

In Ohio's Fields and Forests - Winter Trees that Show a Hint of Spring by John Watts

February is still winter; however, there are hints that the season is progressing towards a change. Temperatures tend to moderate and cloudless, blue sky days entice us to put on boots for a hike. This is a great time of year to visit and enjoy the beauty and majesty of some of Ohio’s largest trees. One that comes to mind is the Logan Oak. This White Oak is located in the old Logan Cemetery on North Mulberry across the street from the Trinity Lutheran Church. Many have written about this local Logan, Ohio landmark. While it is not the State Champion White Oak, it is still an impressive tree. Measured at 70-feet tall, 22-feet in circumference (266 inches), with an average crown spread of 100-feet, the Logan Oak has been estimated to be between 500 and 600 years old. Give that some thought. Even being conservative, this tree began its life around the year 1500-1525 A.D.! Ohio is home to 14 National Champion Trees, meaning they are the largest of that species that have been found and recorded in the United States. To view a listing of the largest of each tree species in Ohio, visit the Ohio Division of Forestry’s webpage: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/forestry/champion-trees/champion-trees

So, what’s the hint of spring? In this photo are a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks sitting in the tree. They are not side by side, but time of year initiates a start to the court shipping season. Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks begin pairing up by the end of February. Nesting is usually underway by mid to late March. Look carefully and see if you can find the pair.

*(Ohio Field Notes - Story and Photos by John Watts, retired resource manager with the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, shares monthly posts from the field. John is a member of the ONAPA Board of Directors. See https://www.onapa.org/onapa-field-notes.html for more of John's articles and photographs.)

Photo - Logan white oak

01/26/2025

How do you use the Buckeye Trail? Support the Buckeye National Scenic Trail feasibility study efforts by answering this question and more at bit.ly/BuckeyeNST

01/26/2025

According to the U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest, the nearly 200 miles of hiking trails within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are maintained entirely by partner organizations. That includes the North Country Trail Association.

Volunteers spend countless hours each year removing downed trees, nipping overgrown brush, planning and executing projects, applying for and administering grants, recruiting volunteers, and much more. In addition to the routine maintenance of Wilderness hiking trails, the NCTA Kekekabic Trail Chapter rerouted "the Kek" around Seahorse Lake, and built a new connector trail between the Kekekabic Trail and Magnetic Rock Trail.

The NCTA appreciates the Superior National Forest's recent recognition of this partnership - and we extend thanks right back! Check out the NCTA Events Calendar if you'd like to get involved in the Northern Minnesota trail system: northcountrytrail.org/events

📸 by Dan Dueweke | Kekekabic Trail hikers

09/25/2024