COLUMBUS, OH -- In a continued effort to promote wildlife diversity, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife will once again distribute free packets of special flower seed mix that will enhance wildlife habitat.
"You don't have to go to the country to find abundant habitat for wildlife," said SaraJean Peters, ODNR urban wildlife education officer. "Backyards in communities across Ohio already provide attractive "homes" for wildlife. And simply planting a small patch of flowers is like adding a major "addition" to that home."
The free packets contain a mix of cosmos, zinnia and Mexican sunflower seeds. All three plants produce nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. In addition, seed produced by these flowers attracts chickadees, goldfinches, cardinals, and other seed-eating songbirds.
This annual offer promotes the Backyards for Wildlife project, a program designed to encourage Ohioans to provide wildlife habitat in backyards across the state.
To receive a free packet of seeds, call 1-800-WILDLIFE. The offer is good through June 15, 2001 or until seed supplies are exhausted. The project is funded by the state income tax checkoff for the Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Fund.
For Further Information Contact:
SaraJean Peters, Urban Wildlife Education Officer
ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-1015
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882