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Magnificent yet silent witnesses to Ohio’s past, some reach more than 100 feet into the sky. They are the state’s most mature trees, some as old as 400 years, protected within more than a dozen Ohio state nature preserves, thanks to contributions by Ohioans on their state income tax returns.
The strong limbs of these old trees provide unique habitat for plants and animals in state nature preserves such as Goll Woods in Fulton County, Johnson Woods in Wayne County and Hueston Woods in Preble and Butler counties. They protect some of the best remnants of Ohio’s forested past.
By checking the “Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species” box on their state income tax form, Ohioans help the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) protect special places, such as mature woodlots. Each checkmark designates a portion of a taxpayer’s refund to help support state nature preserves, home to a wide-range of plant and animal populations, as well as endangered species and fragile ecosystems.
Early spring is one of the best times to visit these preserves and see some of Ohio’s oldest trees, which are easily identified before their greenery creates a canopy that will darken the forest floor. Until then, colorful wildflowers benefit from the sunlight streaming through the still-open canopy.
Nearly 80 percent of the forest’s canopy at Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve in southwest Ohio is comprised of beech and sugar maple trees. The understory of this 200-acre preserve supports spice bush and paw-paw with beautiful spring wildflowers, such as squirrel corn, large-flowered and sessile trilliums, and may-apple, covering its floor.
 The 321-acre Goll Woods State Nature Preserve boasts an impressive trail system that leads visitors through a mature woodlot, reminiscent of the ancient Great Black Swamp. Oak trees, some 200-400 years old, tower above the Goll Woods landscape, believed to be the least disturbed woodlot remaining in northwest Ohio. Other trees flourishing here include bur, white and chinquapin oaks, as well as cottonwoods. State-threatened plants such as three-birds-orchid and rock elm can also be found among the large trees.
Check-off dollars have helped improve accessibility for all Ohioans to these special places. Funding supports a variety of critical activities including land acquisition, trail improvements and educational opportunities for visitors.
Some trees in the 206-acre Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve rise more than 100 feet, with diameters of 4 to 5 feet. Huge white, red and black oaks, shagbark hickory, bitternut hickory and American beech dominate this old-growth remnant. A portion of the preserve, where some trees are more than 300 years old, was acquired with funds from the check-off program.
Other state nature preserves featuring mature tree stands include Lawrence Woods in Hardin County, Fowler Woods in Richland County, Kyle Woods in Mahoning County, Sears Woods in Crawford County, Clear Fork Gorge in Ashland County, Gross Woods in Shelby County and Davey Woods in Champaign County.
Thanks to Ohioans who have generously donated to the tax check-off program, the state’s rich natural heritage can be protected and enjoyed today and for future generations. Continuing to protect and preserve the remaining vestiges of Ohio’s rich natural heritage will forever enhance the landscape of the state.
Those who wish to donate a portion of their state income tax refund should check the box on line 24 (1040) or line 16 (1040EZ) on the state tax return form. Those who are not eligible to receive a refund may send a check to the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves at 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229. For additional information, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com.
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