COLUMBUS — While shopping for friends and family this holiday season, why not consider giving the gift of the great outdoors?
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources can help with gift ideas for everyone in the entire family.
Ohio State Parks gift cards
An Ohio State Parks gift card makes a good gift for anyone who enjoys Ohio’s scenic landscapes. Gift cards may be redeemed for camping, getaway rentals, cottage rentals or in most of Ohio’s scenic state park lodges.
They may also be used for golfing at Ohio State Parks’ six public courses or for boat rentals at many state park marinas. Available in any denomination and with no expiration date, gift cards may be purchased online at ohiostateparks.org, at any state park office or by calling 866-644-6727.
Rewards card
While purchasing gift cards, don’t forget about signing up for an Ohio State Parks Rewards Card. Points are awarded for each $1 spent on overnight rentals (i.e. campsites, cottages, getaway rentals and lodge rooms), golf, retail items and rental items including day-use facilities (excluding seasonal boat dock rentals). Points can be redeemed for camping, cottage and getaway rental overnights as well as stays at eight of our scenic Ohio State Park Lodges.
Wildlife gift certificates
Ohio offers countless hunting and fishing opportunities for every level of outdoorsmen and women. Gift certificates are available at wildohio.com and may be used toward fishing and hunting licenses, turkey or deer hunting permits and Ohio Wildlife Legacy stamps.
Gift certificates can be purchased for any amount and are valid for one year from the date of purchase. Gift certificates can only be purchased and redeemed online.
Ohio Wildlife Legacy stamps
The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp is available for purchase online, by mail or at any ODNR Division of Wildlife district office.
The 2013 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp depicts a black-capped chickadee. Ninety-three percent of proceeds from the sale of the $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp support a wide range of wildlife diversity projects, such as habitat restoration, educational outreach, land acquisition and endangered species research.
Extras
People who purchase a stamp will also receive a lapel pin and a commemorative card suitable for framing. Buyers may personalize and print a certificate of appreciation to accompany the gift stamp at wildohiostamp.com.
Ohio’s conservation efforts have been funded largely by hunters, anglers and trappers through the required purchase of licenses and permits. The Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp provides an additional funding opportunity to support conservation for wildlife watchers, campers, photographers, hikers and others who embrace wildlife causes.
Wild Ohio magazine
Wild Ohio magazine features articles and photos about fishing, hunting, conservation, species profiles, habitat improvement and more.
Wild Ohio magazine is published by the ODNR Division of Wildlife six times per year with 36 full-color pages. Go to wildohio.com and click on the Wild Ohio Customer Center to purchase a membership.
Cost
The cost for six issues, including a monthly calendar and a magazine for kids, is $5 online for individuals with a valid hunting or fishing license or the most recent Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp. The cost is $10 for all other members.
Order a one-year membership now to receive the January/February 2014 edition.
