Put your stamp on Ohio conservation

I am often asked, "What can I do to support wildlife conservation?" While some think the answer will be a complicated mix of planting, cutting, burning and clearing, it's actually not that hard. Of course, volunteering your time with groups like Pheasants and Quail Forever, Black Swamp Bucks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation and other active conservation organizations are great opportunities that do involve a little dirt and sweat. You can also attend one of the fundraisers or banquets that help pump a little cash into their worthwhile projects. There is still another way that won't break the bank or get your hands dirty. It can be as simple as purchasing a Wetland Habitat Stamp or a Wildlife Legacy Stamp. The proceeds go into the operating costs of the Division of Wildlife's projects, which encompass habitat improvement, fish stocking, nongame animal projects, education and a myriad of other important undertakings. An additional bonus of the stamps is that they carry a collectors' appeal, as does the artwork used to create them. A recent online search found that a mint 1983 Wetlands Habitat Stamp by John A. Ruthven, which sold for $5.75, is now valued at $85. If you have a collection, or would like to complete one, it might be worth visiting www.brookmanstamps.com to discover what your investment in conservation might be earning. The winner of the 2022 Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp Design Competition held on Feb. 19 is Jeffrey Klinefelter. A native of Etna Green, Indiana, he's proving that he's not just another starving artist — he's a mowing contractor by day to keep the refrigerator full, but I'll bet those days may soon be behind him. When he's not trimming grass, he has managed to win over 30 wildlife art competitions including the Indiana, California, Massachusetts, Nevada and Ohio stamp contests. Klinefelter graduated from Herron School of Art with a BFA from Indiana University. Judges selected Klinefelter's painting of three lesser scaup from a field of six original pieces of artwork. Second place was a tie between John Roberts of Michigan for his painting of American wigeon; and Frank Dolphens of Nebraska for his painting of green-winged teal. Klinefelter is a six-time winner, most recently in 2019. Klinefelter's painting will be displayed on the Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp that is issued in the fall of 2023. The Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp program has raised $10.9 million for wetland conservation since 1982. Proceeds from stamp sales help fund vital wetland habitat restoration projects in Ohio. These habitats are important to many resident wildlife species, including state-endangered trumpeter swans, wetland birds, amphibians and migratory species. The cost of a Wetlands Habitat Stamp is $15. The Wildlife Legacy Stamp is based on a photo competition of native Ohio wildlife. For $15, you'll receive the collectible stamp, window cling and commemorative card. Deborah Morrison of Bowerston, Ohio, won the 2020 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Contest with an image of a male Northern Cardinal. Fourteen dollars of every $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp sold are invested in the state's Wildlife Diversity Fund. This fund supports habitat restoration, wildlife and habitat research projects, creation of wildlife educational materials, and efforts that restore and conserve endangered and threatened species. No state tax dollars are contributed to this fund. You can visit www.wildohio.gov and select "buy and apply" from the top bar. Add to your own collection or buy a gift. One acquaintance started buying the wetland stamp for his newborn son in 1983. That young man, now 39, has a complete collection of Ohio Wetland Habitat Stamps and is now doing the same for his daughter. What a nice legacy. So, you can sit back and relax with your favorite book and still support conservation in Ohio. Of course, I've got 220 trees and a dibble bar looking for a strong back … "No one has ever become poor by giving." — Anne Frank Along the Way Ever wonder what goes on inside a fish hatchery? The Division of Wildlife manages six that raise and stock more than 40 million fish each year. Sport fish raised for stocking in public waters include cold-water fish (rainbow trout, steelhead and brown trout), cool-water fish (saugeye, walleye, yellow perch and muskellunge), and warm-water fish (hybrid-striped bass, channel catfish, blue catfish and bluegill). The division will be hosting open houses at four of its state-run fish factories to give you a chance to learn about the complicated process. Hatchery open houses are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at these locations: • March 26 — Saint Marys State Fish Hatchery, 01735 Feeder Road, St. Marys. • April 2 — Hebron State Fish Hatchery, 10517 Canal Road, Hebron. • April 9 — Castalia State Fish Hatchery, 7018 Homegardner Road, Castalia. • May 7 — London State Fish Hatchery, 2470 Roberts Mill Road, London. Staff will be available to give tours and answer questions about fish production and fisheries management. Rainbow trout releases will take place across Ohio during March through May. Rainbow trout are raised at state fish hatcheries and measure 10-13 inches before they are released by the Division of Wildlife. The daily harvest limit for inland lakes is five trout per angler. This is a great way to introduce young people to the outdoors. Releases include: • April 1 — Lamberjack Lake, Fostoria. • April 4 — Shelby Reservoir No. 3, Shelby. • April 15 — White Star Quarry, Sandusky County Park District. • April 18 — Lima Lake, Lima. • April 22 — Malabar Farm Inn Pond, Malabar Farm State Park. • April 30 — Crossroads Industrial Ponds, Bucyrus. • May 7 — Giertzt Lake, Hancock County Park District. Step Outside • The Division of Wildlife's free HuntFish OH mobile app for Android and iOS users is available through the app store. Users can purchase licenses and permits, as well as view wildlife area maps. • Today: 30th annual Hancock County Pheasants Forever Banquet and Fundraiser, Old Mill Stream Centre, Hancock County Fairgrounds. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner catered by Oler's Bar and Grill at 6:15. Contact Mark Plesec at meplesec@coopertire.com • Today and Sunday: Gun Show, Maumee Valley Gun Collector's Association, Wood County Fairgrounds, Bowling Green. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. • Today and Sunday: Indian Lake Development Corp.'s 35th annual Maple Syrup Festival, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (ends at 1 p.m. Sunday). Event includes sugar bush tours, demonstrations and a pancake and sausage breakfast. • Sunday: 75-Bird Trap Shoot, UCOA, 6943 Marion Township 243. Practice opens at 11:30 a.m., with the program at 12:30 p.m. Contact Sandy Thomas at sandthm@aol.com for details. • March 26: Seneca County Pheasants Forever Banquet and Fundraiser, Meadowbrook Ballroom, Bascom. Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner at 7. Visit www.SenecaCountyPheasantsForever.org or call 419-934-3891 for more information. • March 28: Deadline for submissions to 2022 Ohio State Parks Photo Contest. For information, visit https://www.discoverohiostateparks.com/2022 • April 2: Black Swamp Bucks Unlimited Annual Fundraiser and Banquet at The Cube, 3430 N. Main St. Doors open with a social hour at 3 p.m., with dinner catered by The Bistro at 5:30. Event includes live and silent auctions, games and an array of prizes including firearms, hunting and outdoor-related equipment, artwork and a 2022 Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV. For tickets, visit https://blackswampbucks.com/banquets/ • April 2: Longtails and Ales Pint Night, hosted by Hardin County Pheasants Forever, Kenton Elks Club, 157 Franklin St., Kenton. Event begins at 6 p.m. with drinks and prizes. If you are interested in hunting, bird dogs or just making a local impact on conservation, this event is for you. • April 5: Spring Trap League begins, UCOA. This six-week team event will be held at 4:30 p.m. For information, contact Sandy at 419-722-2441 or Kevin at 419-722-5063. An added seventh week will be a fun shoot. Abrams is a retired wildlife officer supervisor for the state Division of Wildlife in Findlay. He can be reached at P.O. Box 413, Mount Blanchard, OH 45867-0413 or via email at jimsfieldnotes@aol.com