Northwest Ohio

Well killing a couple birds with one stone, this blog is going to be a little off pace. Here in Ohio, we are a part of the Black Swamp area, also home to the Oak Openings region. During settling, a massive plague ravaged the area and nearly 2/3rds of everyone died. In this region, there are more rare species of plants and animals anywhere else in Ohio. We have lost the caribou, wolf, cougar, black bear, and a whole slew of other species. Originally, Lucas County was a giant swamp. It was drained for the use of its rich soils and converted to farmland, which now serves as the end of America's cornbelt. There is little in the way of elevation change here, and the mosquitos are outrageous. The area is still a giant swamp in the spring with standing water everywhere. The water never goes away and the mosquitos breed are out except for a few months during the winter. Parks here offer a great opportunity for people to experience what the environment used to be prior to the areas settling. Oak trees stand mightily above all the other trees, squirrels bicker with each other while the hawks wait for them to make a mistake and expose themselves. Without much elevation change, your eyes tend to start focusing on what makes up the environment. Species that have learned how to deal with the pressure we have put on them are extremely resiliant. Even with very little of the original habitat left, the continue to thrive, and we actually consider them to be over-populated. People generally run or walk their dogs in the parks within the city limits. The parks outside the city get less traffic, but the people living around the parks still visit to run or walk their dogs down the designated paths. Leaving the path is pretty hard. The vegetation is extremely dense. Thankfully I'm not allergic to poison ivy as it grows everywhere. Bugs come in all shapes and sizes, from a tiny little mite, up to a large 10 inch praying mantis. They all live together in these parts were it is always a race against time to build the best nest, find enough food, and get ready for the winter. Spring, summer and fall always are full of life. Even in winter when things settle down, there are still animals that call this place home. This environment is also where I call home. I would not have it any other way. Spring brings loads of water and nourishment and great fishing. The abundant supply of water is a wonderful to be around in the summer heat, and the oak trees keep you cool when you get out. Sounds and colors of fall signal a flurry of activity as the weather cools as old man winter heads in. As fall ends the activity starts to end and the animals begin to settle down for the ensuing months. With the harsh winter chill set in place, humans and animals alike stop going outside. Staying warm in the comfort of their homes, the beauty of the winter is often overlooked. Like a white wedding dress, without the snow, the link between the seasons would not be happily married. These seasonal changes keep so many people, but learning to find the harmony in them will never let you leave.