With just one simple checkmark, you help protect Ohio’s nature preserves, scenic rivers or endangered species.

With tax preparation season upon us, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is urging you to remember these programs when filing your state income tax returns.

Your checkmarks hard at work

Donations to the Division of Wildlife have:

• Restored bald eagle, trumpeter swan and peregrine falcon populations
• Helped reintroduce snowshoe hares to Geagua and Ashtabula counties
• Assisted in placing thriving colonies of Karner blue butterflies in the Oak Openings of Lucas County
• Helped purchase critical habitat and fund programs for wildlife research and education

Donations to the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves have:

• Preserved additional acres at many of Ohio’s 127 state nature preserves including Kent Bog and Mantua Bog in Portage County; Chaparral Prairie in Adams County; Irwin Prairie and Campbell in Lucas County and Rocky Fork Gorge in Highland County
• Funded trail construction and visitor facilities at state nature preserves including Conkle's Hollow in Hocking County; Sheldon Marsh and North Pond in Erie County; Goll Woods in Fulton County; Blackhand Gorge in Licking County and Lake Katharine in Jackson County
• Helped fund the fight against invasive plant species in many of the state's nature preserves
• Supported publications and public awareness programs to educate Ohioans about nature preserves and scenic rivers

Since 1984, the check-off programs have generated more than $21 million.

Last year alone, more than 124,000 Ohioans contributed $930,295 to these funds: $510,872 for nature preserves, scenic rivers and endangered species and $419,423 for wildlife habitat and endangered species protection.

Ohioans can donate part or all of their state income tax refund by:

Checking the appropriate boxes on lines 16 and 17 on the IT-1040 EZ forms or lines 24 and 25 on the IT-1040 form

Sending a check to either the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves or the Division of Wildlife, Wildlife Diversity Account at ODNR Fountain Square Complex, Columbus, Ohio  43224