October 2009

• Winners of the OEC's 40th Anniversary Photo Contest!
• 2009 Environmental Achievement Award Winners
• State Budget Woes Continue: What You Need to Know
• Other News & Events

Photos Showcase Beauty of Ohio

Competition was fierce in the OEC's 40th Anniversary Photo Contest. Entrants submitted digital photos in two categories: "My Ohio" and "What Green Means to Me." The photograph at left is Bridge at Lake Isaac, by Michelle Murphy, which earned First Place in "My Ohio." Check out all the winners here. Which one is your favorites?

Join us on November 14 at the Columbus Athenaeum as we commemorate 40 years of the Ohio Environmental Council and honor the winners of the 2009 Environmental Achievement Awards. Members of Project WET (Wetlands Education Team) from West Geauga Middle School, pictured, will be recognized with the Sarah J. Mielke Youth & Education Award. For the complete list of winners and event details, click here. Hurry, tickets are selling fast!

State Budget Woes Continue: What You Need to Know about HB 318

The Ohio House of Representatives just approved one of the few plausible patches to help balance the now unbalanced state operating budget. From the OEC's perspective, lawmakers should make absolutely no further cuts in environmental conservation or public transit funding. Read more and let us know what you think.

• Still room for you to join us at the Lake Erie Management Plan (LaMP) Public Forum on November 6-7 in Erie, PA. Workshops will discuss improving water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities in Lake Erie watersheds.
• Learn about Ohio's "diamonds in the rough" - our precious vernal pools. Watch a new video that explains what these seasonal wetlands do and why they are so important for your community.
• What goes on behind the scenes at the OEC's Ohio Environmental Law Center? Read a legal intern's story about his experience. 
• Discover the OEC's new interactive event calendar where you can copy events to your calendar, invite others, and more!