Ohio Mixed Bag: Wildlife Forever’s fish art contest now officially open

White Bear Lake, Minn. – The 2025-26 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest from Wildlife Forever is officially open for entries.

This annual program invites youth from around the world to dive into science, art, and storytelling while reeling in knowledge about fish and aquatic habitats. Since 1997, more than 86,000 young artists from 46 countries have taken part, helping to fuel the next generation of outdoor stewards.

The free contest is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and each year, thousands of vibrant entries come in from across the globe.

The 2025-26 contest is open until Feb. 28, 2026. Resources, guidelines, and entry forms are available at www.FishArt.org. Questions can be emailed to VMangio@WildlifeForever.org.

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New Marker At Pleasant Valley Widlife Area Honors History Of Location

Chillicothe, Ohio — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) dedicated a new historical marker at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Area that honors the role Camp Sherman had in training Army soldiers ahead of World War l. Camp Sherman, which was located near Chillicothe, opened in September 1917 and was one of 16 U.S. Army training centers at the time.

A new ODNR historical marker, located at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Area, honors Camp Sherman’s history.

“Ohio played a key role by training thousands of soldiers during World War l and it’s important we recognize this piece of history,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.

More than 1,000 buildings were constructed to house and train the earliest recruits in 1917. It’s estimated that 120,000 soldiers passed through Camp Sherman by the end of the war in November 1918. Camp Sherman was dismantled in 1921 after being used as a decommissioning center for returning troops.

Over the years, the campus has been used for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital and was named a National Historic Park. The ODNR Division of Wildlife acquired a portion of the grounds through the Federal Sikes Act in 1960, promising to conserve the area by promoting wildlife and natural habitat.

Today, Ohioans can hunt, hike, and bird in a place that was full of pacing troops, speeding vehicles, and booming artillery just over a century ago.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Area is 1,469 acres of mostly open fields and woodlands. The area holds numerous species of mammals such as white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, and squirrels. Five bald eagle nests are in close proximity to the area. The area is part of a global conservation story where former military sites throughout the world have become biodiverse hot spots.

Department Of Interior Expands Hunting Opportunities On Refuges

Washington, D.C. — The Department of the Interior recently announced 42 new hunting and sport fishing opportunities across more than 87,000 acres within the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

This final update more than triples the number of opportunities and quintuples the number of units opened or expanded compared to the previous administration, underscoring a strong national commitment to outdoor recreation and conservation.

“Hunting and fishing are more than just traditional pastimes, as they are also vital to the conservation of our lands and waters, our outdoor recreation economy, and our American way of life,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.

The USFWS is opening or expanding opportunities for hunting and sport fishing at 16 units within the National Wildlife Refuge System and one unit in the National Fish Hatchery System. These units are located in Alabama, California, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Texas and Washington.

The final update includes inaugural hunting opportunities at Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge and the formal opening of hunting opportunities at Grasslands Wildlife Management Area, as well as inaugural sport fishing at North Attleboro National Fish Hatchery.

New Visitor Center Opens At Mohican State Park In Northwest

Columbus — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio DNR (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz recently celebrated the grand opening of the new Mohican State Park Visitor Center.

The new visitor center enhances Mohican State Park’s reputation as one of Ohio’s premier outdoor destinations, according to the ODNR. With miles of hiking trails, views of the Mohican State Scenic River, abundant fishing, a historic lodge, and other outdoor recreational opportunities, the park draws visitors from across Ohio and beyond.

The 5,205-square-foot building features a central exhibit hall showcasing the park’s natural and cultural history. Two wings extend from the main space, offering restrooms, a retail area, an indoor fireplace and seating area, and an interactive children’s space. Entry points at both ends provide easy access from the nearby campground and main parking area. A secure vestibule allows for off-hours use of restrooms and drinking fountains.