During the month of November, we have many things to celebrate. Early in the month we celebrate our right to vote by casting ballots. We celebrate our freedom by honoring veterans. We celebrate (or groan and complain about) the end of daylight saving time. This month brings us days like World Kindness Day (Nov. 13), National Cancer Awareness Day (Nov. 7), and National Cinnamon Day (Nov. 1)-yum. We celebrate fall weather, football, and comfort foods. But the biggest celebration of November comes in the form of gratitude. We Ohioans have a lot to be thankful for. I thought I’d spend this month’s column focusing on nature’s blessings to the Buckeye State.
We have the number one state park system in the nation. That’s right Ohio state Parks were voted the best state parks in 2025 beating out fellow finalists Florida and Wyoming. Ohio boasts 76 state parks and all of them are free! OSP offers around 9,500 camp sites, 1,200 miles of trails, and over 7,000 educational programs each year. In addition to our state parks, Ohioans can enjoy eight national parks plus many wonderful county and local parks and trails.
Our healthy ecosystems are also worth celebrating. Bald Eagles were removed from Ohio’s Endangered Species List in 2012. Each year we see more and more surviving chicks and thriving adults. This year 1,009 Bald Eagle nests were reported, up from 964 nests in 2025 (8 of them are in Portage County)! Other species like Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Fishers, Black Bears, and Bobcats, are making a comeback, some with human assistance, some without.
In 2019 the Cuyahoga River (once famous for burning) was recognized nationally as ‘An Area of Recovery’ indicating that it meets requirements of the Clean Water Act and that species that had once vanished from the watershed are returning with sustainable populations. In fact, most of our rivers are cleaner. In 2020-2021 water quality standards were met or exceeded in 89% of Ohio’s rivers. Comparing that with 18% in the 1980s gives us another reason to celebrate.
Since 2015 the number of certified organic farms across The Buckeye State has increased. These farms have to follow strict guidelines regarding agricultural practices including pesticide and fertilizer use. The increase has moved us in the ranks from 8th to 7th in the U.S. More Ohioans have been growing some of their own food lately too. In response to rising grocery bills and consumer awareness, culinary gardening is increasing, especially in urban areas.
Here are a few more reasons to celebrate!:
According to the EPA Ohio’s air quality has improved significantly since 2000.
2025 saw a significant drop in rabies across the state from 2024. There were no cases in Portage County.
Ohio’s deer seasons have been strong topping 200,000 checked deer each season for the past four straight.
So, be sure this month to count the natural blessings that The Buckeye State has given us. As always, get outside and celebrate Ohio.