TAX CHECK-OFF DONATIONS HELP PRESERVE THE STATE’S
UNIQUE GORGE FORMATIONS AND HABITATS
COLUMBUS, OH - Taxpayers can help preserve some of Ohio’s most unique geologic formations, as well as the plants and animals that call these places home, with a simple checkmark on their state income tax form.
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 Clifton Gorge in Greene County, Conkle’s Hollow in Hocking County and Caesar Creek Gorge in Warren County, as well as other impressive geological sites. Each checkmark designates a portion of a taxpayer’s refund to help protect and improve these state nature preserves, home to a wide-range of plant and animal populations, as well as endangered species and fragile ecosystems.
The Little Miami State and National Scenic River cuts a deep, two-mile swath through the 268-acre Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve - one of the most spectacular gorges in the state. Hemlock, red baneberry, Canada yew and mountain maple cling precariously to the gorge’s north-facing slopes. In the spring, a variety of spectacular wildflowers, including the uncommon snow trillium, brighten the hiking trail that winds along the northern rim. Over the years, check-off funds have improved trail access and added interpretive signage to enhance visitation at Clifton Gorge.
Sheer cliffs of Black Hand sandstone rise more than 200 feet above the floor of Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve in the Hocking Hills Region, home to a picturesque valley and numerous waterfalls that change character with the change of Ohio’s seasons. Visitors can view two very different scenic habitats by hiking either the Rim Trail or the Lower Gorge Trail in the 87-acre preserve. Numerous fern species flourish within the dark, moist recesses along the Lower Gorge Trail. In spring, pink lady’s-slipper orchids, mountain laurel, creeping phlox and partridge-berry color the Rim Trail.
In the recent past, trails at this preserve have undergone extensive upgrades, thanks in part to check-off donations. New kiosks, signs, restrooms and staircase now greet the 150,000 annual visitors that come to Conkle’s Hollow.
Two miles of historic and picturesque Caesar Creek flow through the 483 acres of Caesar Creek Gorge State Nature Preserve in southwestern Ohio. Visitors can spot a variety of fossils in the gorge’s 180-foot-high limestone walls, which were created by volumes of glacial meltwater pouring through the bedrock.
Rare plants, including sweet Indian-plantain, large summer bluets, glade mallow and Carolina willow call the gorge home. Hillsides above the gorge are heavily wooded with beech, maple, hickory and oak. Many of the aquatic insects and small fish such as the darters found here indicate excellent water quality, and the stream and its banks support a wide variety of plant and animal life.
The trail system, know as Caesar's Trace, was designed to allow visitors to explore and experience the preserve's various features. Tax check-off funds have improved visitor access to the preserve by supporting trail maintenance and signage, as well as an improved restroom facility and parking lot.
Other state nature preserves featuring gorge landscapes are at Blackhand Gorge in Licking County, Clear Fork Gorge in Ashland County, Greenville Falls in Miami County and Sharon Woods Gorge in Hamilton 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. 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 tax form. Those who are not eligible to receive a refund may send a check, payable to the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, to 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229. For additional information, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com .