ODNR Parks & Watercraft
2023 Sustainability
Performance Report
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
page 2
WE NEED TO RECOGNIZE THAT TO EMPLOY
SIMPLE, SENSIBLE CHANGES IN PARK
OPERATIONS AND VISITOR EXPERIENCES. BY
MAKING MEANINGFUL CHANGES, WE WILL
PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE BEAUTY AND
HEALTH OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES FOR
FUTURE GENERATIONS, WHILE OPERATING
MORE EFFICIENTLY AND REDUCING COSTS.
Director Mary Mertz
Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1
Building the Foundation for Sustainability .......................................................................... 4
The Future is Bright! ............................................................................................................... 7
2023 Performance Assessment ................................................................................................... 8
Energy Eciency ..................................................................................................................... 8
Water Conservation .............................................................................................................. 10
Waste Management and Reduction ................................................................................... 12
Transportation ...................................................................................................................... 16
Maintenance and Engineering ............................................................................................ 18
Habitat and Resource Protection ........................................................................................ 20
Education and Outreach ...................................................................................................... 22
ConServe Ohio Certied State Parks ......................................................................................... 24
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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ConServe Ohio
Sustainability is a balancing act that aims to meet the needs of people today without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. In 2022, the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) launched the ConServe Ohio initiative as a
call to action for sta and visitors to implement sustainable best practices across ODNR
properties. These practices, such as conserving water and reducing waste, make a smaller
impact on the environment and help protect nite natural resources for future use.
The ODNR Division of Parks & Watercraft responded to the ConServe Ohio call by
creating the Ohio State Parks & Watercraft Sustainability Plan. The plan identies
goals to guide park sta on their path to increasing sustainability and explains how
progress will be measured. Parks will work to improve their sustainable practices and then
report their progress at the end of each year to achieve recognition as a bronze, silver,
gold, or platinum level ConServe Ohio Certied State Park. Because Ohio’s state parks are
vastly dierent, pre-established criteria ensures equitable measurements of certication
for each park.
Building the Foundation
for Sustainability
In early 2023, the Sustainability Reporting Guidebook was provided to park sta.
This guidebook is a directory of practices representing the baseline criteria for operating
parks sustainably and eciently. It helps sta plan and
track their park’s sustainability-related projects and
initiatives throughout the calendar year.
The end of 2023 marked the second year of reporting
sustainability practices, and results show that Ohio State
Parks continued building a strong foundation for the
ConServe Ohio initiative throughout the year. The agency
secured resources such as vendor contracts to provide sustainable
products (e.g., compostable tableware, waste bags, coolers, etc.) in
camp stores, as well as a contract with a utility
management software provider to assist with
tracking water and energy consumption in park
buildings across the state.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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Our Vision
TO EMPLOY SIMPLE, SENSIBLE CHANGES
IN PARK OPERATIONS AND VISITOR
EXPERIENCES. BY MAKING MEANINGFUL
CHANGES, WE WILL PRESERVE AND
PROTECT THE BEAUTY AND HEALTH OF
OUR NATURAL RESOURCES FOR FUTURE
GENERATIONS, WHILE OPERATING MORE
EFFICIENTLY AND REDUCING COSTS.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
page 7
Other groundwork during the year included raising public awareness of the ConServe
Ohio program via social media posts, scheduled events, and with branded signage in and
around facilities. At the Ohio State Fair, thousands of visitors engaged in an activity where
they committed to reducing their environmental footprints. As a token of appreciation,
participants received native plant seeds to cultivate at home, promoting pollinator
habitats.
The year ended with park sta beginning the creation of Sustainability Action Plans
unique to each park. These plans outline specic projects and outcomes intended to
protect the environment, save money and resources, and support the community.
The Future is Bright!
As ODNR and Ohio State Parks celebrate their 75th
Anniversary as established entities in 2024, the dedicated
sta of these agencies are blazing a trail for the next 75
years and beyond with the ConServe Ohio initiative. As a
sustainability movement, ConServe Ohio represents Ohio
State Parks’ commitment to protecting the environment.
The purpose of ConServe Ohio is to shift our collective
mindset to being environmental stewards rst, and
recreationists second. Continuing to empower park sta
and the public with relevant information and resources
to practice sustainability is critical to sustaining long-term
behavior change.
This report provides highlights of projects implemented in 2023, recognizes the parks to
be awarded ConServe Ohio certication, and identies our next steps to continue growth.
Sustainability goals for 2024 and beyond include benchmarking and monitoring utility
usage at parks statewide, reducing waste, adopting greener transportation methods,
and increasing sustainable methods and materials in park maintenance and engineering
projects. Additionally, sta and visitors will be provided with more opportunities
for engagement in sustainability practices via informational resources, educational
programming, and participatory events.
Learn more about Ohio State Parks
ohiostateparks.gov
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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82
%
have installed LED lights in
high traffic areas to save on
energy usage.
81
%
use timers or motion sensors
for indoor or outdoor lighting.
40
%
have smart or programmable
thermostats that adjust
temperatures automatically for
occupied vs. unoccupied areas.
2023 Performance
Assessment
In 2023, 68* Ohio State Parks participated in the ConServe Ohio assessment. The
following is a summary of measurements and practices implemented at state parks,
organized by strategic categories for sustainability. Goals and next steps for improvement
in 2024 are also identied under each category.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Reducing the amount of energy used by electricity can help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and lower utility bills. Ohio State Parks are encouraged to use energy-ecient
appliances and incorporate renewable energy solutions wherever possible.
*Two parks did not participate because they are managed by local municipalities and counties: Tinker's Creek and Quail Hollow. Four state-
managed parks were excluded from the certication process because they have little to no amenities and thus less opportunities for implementing
sustainability practices in the guidebook. They are Madison Lake, Nelson-Kennedy Ledges, Adams Lake, and Catawba State Parks. However, we
recognize these parks for oering naturally beautiful areas and encourage practicing sustainability whenever possible.
70
%
have a replacement plan to
ensure Energy Star or equally
efficient appliances are
purchased when installing new
or replacement appliances
automatically.
52
%
have solar-powered lights or
other solar-powered mechanisms
in appropriate areas.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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GOAL: Benchmark and monitor state parks’ energy usage and
implement solutions to reduce consumption.
Next Steps:
• Implement the use of utility management software that monitors energy
consumption and cost at parks statewide and supports the development of
measurable benchmarks.
• Identify state parks or locations within a park where energy consumption is excessive
or wasteful and determine solutions to reduce usage.
• Adjust policies and procurement best practices to ensure statewide acquisition of
energy-ecient or renewable energy solutions whenever possible.
• Communicate to campers and visitors the importance of conserving energy in state
parks to reduce negative environmental impacts.
Ohio State Park Highlights
Next time you’re at East Harbor or Caesar Creek State Parks, take a closer look at their
windmills – they’re not just decoration! The windmills have a line underground that runs
into nearby ponds to wind generated aerators. The aerators makes air bubbles in the
water when the wind blows, providing an oxygen-rich environment in the pond without
the use of electricity.
The “Big House” at Malabar Farm State Park uses geothermal technology for heating,
cooling, and humidication. This system helps preserve the contents inside this old house
and museum. Geothermal heat pumps use constant temperatures near the surface of
the earth to heat and cool buildings. The pumps transfer heat from the ground (or water)
into buildings during the winter and reverse the process in the summer. Unlike gas or
electricity, this renewable energy saves money and doesn’t pollute the environment.
YOU CAN HELP CONSERVE OHIO
• When visiting state parks, turn o electronics, appliances, and heating and
cooling systems in RVs when no one is using them.
• Use a reective tarp or space blanket to keep your tent cool in the summer.
• Bring LED or solar ashlights and a portable solar charger to power
electronic devices.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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WATER CONSERVATION
Conserving water at state parks saves money and diverts less water from lakes and rivers,
which keeps the environment healthy and helps maintain supplies during periods of
drought. Ohio State Parks are making facility upgrades and changing landscape practices
to conserve this precious resource.
GOAL: Benchmark and monitor state parks’ water usage and
implement solutions to reduce consumption.
Next Steps:
• Implement the use of utility management software that monitors water consumption
and cost at parks statewide and supports the development of measurable
benchmarks.
• Identify state parks or locations within a park where water consumption is excessive
or wasteful and determine solutions to reduce usage.
• Adjust policies and procurement best practices to ensure statewide acquisition of
water conservation solutions whenever possible.
• Communicate to campers and visitors the importance of conserving water and
keeping state park rivers, lakes, and streams clean to reduce negative
environmental impacts.
79
%
have touch-free sinks and
toilets, which saves on
excessive water use.
70
%
have installed fixtures (faucets,
toilets) that are low-flow or have
stringent flow rates.
61
%
increased irrigation of the
landscape by replacing grass
with native, drought-resistant
plants that require little to no
watering.
30
%
use a rainwater collection and
irrigation method like a rain
barrel or rain garden.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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Ohio State Park Highlights
Barkcamp, Beaver Creek, and Findley State Parks are just a few of our parks that are
saving water and money with rain barrels. Collecting rainwater is a great source of free
water to use when watering parks gardens and potted plants. This practice can save state
parks over a thousand gallons of faucet water each year.
Mr. Richard Gamble, a neighboring resident of Guilford Lake State Park, generously
donated approximately 12 acres of wetland to be part of the park and protected by the
State of Ohio. Wetlands are areas of land where water saturates or covers the soil. They
are known as “nature’s kidneys” because of their ability to lter impurities and nutrients
from water. Research has proven that wetlands can be one of the most eective and cost-
ecient ways to signicantly improve water quality. This is why it’s important keep the
wetlands in our state parks and other public areas healthy and clean.
YOU CAN HELP CONSERVE OHIO
• In state park restrooms, make sure faucets are turned o when not in use,
and notify parks sta of leaks and running toilets.
• Help keep state park waters clean! Suntan oils, bug repellent, and soaps that
dissolve in water can pollute lakes, rivers, and ponds. Check product labels
and leave water-soluble items at home.
• Never litter. Plastics and trash that ends up in water hurts wildlife and can
release toxic chemicals that pollute our drinking water.
• Use less pesticides and fertilizers on your lawn to help keep waterways clean
for humans and wildlife.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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WASTE REDUCTION
It is important that we reduce, reuse, and recycle as much
as possible in state parks. The garbage and waste that ends
up in landlls creates water and air pollution. Plastic is
especially problematic because it can be dicult to recycle
and does not naturally biodegrade. Ohio State Park sta are
working to use less, increase the availability of recycling, and
provide more sustainable products for visitors in our gift
shops and camp stores.
Using reusable water bottles, dishes, utensils, and coolers is
ideal, but sometimes park visitors need additional supplies.
Parks are selling more environmentally friendly supplies at
camp stores to provide visitors with sustainable options.
Every time a visitor purchased a sustainable item instead of
plastic, they helped us reduce our environmental impact!
43
%
provide recycling options to
park visitors.
45
%
provide fishing line recycling
bins near popular fishing areas.
58
%
have water bottle filling
stations available to park
visitors to reduce use of plastic
water bottles.
61
%
use environmentally friendly
and sustainable plates, cups,
and cutlery at park events,
instead of disposable Styrofoam
and plastic items.
100
%
of composite materials used
to make state parks’ signs at
the Barkcamp sign shop are
made with recycled plastics. At
the Dillon sign shop, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) signs and a
portion of laminate signs are also
made with recycled materials.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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GOAL: Implement solutions to reduce waste production and
increase the rate of recycling across all Ohio State Park
operations.
Next Steps:
• Adjust policies and procurement best practices to ensure statewide acquisition of
waste reduction solutions whenever possible.
• Identify solutions to provide public recycling options in as many state parks as possible.
• Create a strategy to eliminate the distribution of single-use plastic bags in camp stores.
• Develop public communications campaigns encouraging the reduction of waste and
increase in recycling.
Ohio State Park Highlights
East Harbor and South Bass Island State Parks both oer busy sh cleaning stations,
where anglers clean their day’s catch. But you won’t nd those sh entrails going in the
trash after they’re dropped in waste barrels at the station. Both parks collect the sh
entrails (and other dead sh and roadkill) daily, take them to large compost piles, and
cover them with wood chips created from trimmed tree limbs. The wood chips keep the
smell to a minimum as the material naturally breaks down. After turning the compost
over and letting it sit another season, the organic matter can be used as topsoil and to
nourish ower beds.
Findley and West Branch State Parks, as well as the Ohio State Parks & Watercraft
headquarters in Columbus, have been saving the environment from one plastic bag at
a time by participating in the NexTrex Recycling Challenge. For every 1,000 pounds of
stretchy plastic material collected, participants become eligible to receive an outdoor
bench crafted from recycled materials. It’s not an easy goal to reach, but keeping plastic
out of the landll is always a win!
Ohio State Park amenities like water bottle lling stations help reduce single use plastic
waste and encourage hydration for both people and their furry friends. Thanks to a
generous donation from Vesper Energy, a valuable sustainability partner with the Ohio
State Parks Foundation, John Bryan State Park was able to install two brand new water
bottle lling stations.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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YOU CAN HELP CONSERVE OHIO
• Bring a reusable water bottle with you on the trail. Every time you rell a
reusable bottle, you save money and keep plastic out of the landll.
• Reduce picnic waste by packing reusable utensils, mason jars, cloth napkins,
and homemade snacks.
• Need to pick something up in the camp store? If available, choose the more
sustainable option!
• Recycle right! When done properly, recycling helps conserve natural
resources and protects the environment. Understand what you can and
cannot recycle before adding items to the bin.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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TRANSPORTATION
Gas-powered vehicles are a large source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and produce
a lot of waste. Driving less or driving vehicles that use an alternative energy source can
help reduce GHG emissions and save money on gas. Ohio State Parks & Watercraft is
preparing for the future by planning for more electric vehicles (EVs) at parks and on the
road, as well as installing EV charging stations in areas that are used year-round and have
visitors that park for several hours at one time.
GOAL: Adopt greener transportation methods that reduce GHG
emissions and increase the infrastructure needed to
support these methods.
Next Steps:
• Work with ODNR eet coordinators to obtain hybrid and electric vehicles for state
park sta when replacing old vehicles.
• Develop a plan to install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at state parks
to meet demand as public ownership of electric vehicles grows.
• Assess the networks of state park trails to create more connections for walking
and biking.
6
%
Hueston Woods, Caesar Creek,
Hocking Hills, and Geneva have
level 2 electric vehicle chargers
available for public use.
97
%
regularly maintain vehicles
to ensure efficiency and
longevity.
37
%
have implemented a no-idling
policy in parking lots to reduce
emissions and gas use.
54
%
provide a map of cycling routes
and bicycle trails to visitors to
encourage walking or riding
between facilities.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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Ohio State Park
Highlights
Salt Fork State Park is next up to
receive an EV charger in the parking
lot of the brand-new Salt Fork
Eco-Discovery Center, scheduled
to open in 2024. Cars that run on
electric power do not pollute the air
like cars that run on gasoline. And
what better place to charge your car
battery than at beautiful Salt Fork?
Breathe in the fresh air, explore the
lake and forests, and have fun in
the Eco-Discovery Center while it
powers up!
While Ohio State Parks &
Watercraft is building EV charging
infrastructure needed to support
the use of electric vehicles, the next
best thing in green transportation – hybrid vehicles – are being purchased when replacing
older state vehicles. So far, 1 plug-in hybrid and 5 hybrid vehicles have been purchased to
replace older state vehicles.
YOU CAN HELP CONSERVE OHIO
• Walking and biking are fun ways to get around state parks. These forms of
transportation don’t pollute the atmosphere, and they’re great for our health.
• When you do have to drive around state parks, turn the engine o and don’t
let your vehicle idle while parked.
Learn more about Ohio State Parks
ohiostateparks.gov
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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MAINTENANCE & ENGINEERING
During the planning and execution of state park maintenance and engineering projects,
sustainable strategies will address planning, design, construction, and operations while
considering energy, water, indoor, environmental quality, materials selection, and
location.
GOAL: Implement solutions to increase the consistency of
sustainable procurement and practices in state park
maintenance and engineering projects.
90
%
reuse available materials or
use recycled products for park
maintenance and engineering
projects (e.g., fencing,
furniture, benches, etc.).
81
%
use locally sourced materials
for park maintenance and
engineering projects.
60
%
use high-quality materials
made of recycled or rapidly
renewable content for park
maintenance and engineering
projects.
93
%
properly clean up and contain
solid and liquid pollutant
leaks and spills including oils,
solvents, fuels, and dust to
prevent pollution of stormwater
runoff.
42
%
choose softer treatment
options for bank stability, such
as log placement and other
bioengineering techniques,
before considering the use
of traditional riprap when
managing shorelines.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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Next Steps:
• Work with the ODNR Division of Engineering to create “green” facilities during
construction and repair of state park buildings by incorporating sustainable solutions
where feasible.
• Adjust policies and procurement best practices to ensure statewide acquisition of
sustainable maintenance solutions whenever possible.
• Educate sta and volunteers about state park maintenance practices that help
protect the environment and improve recreational experiences (e.g., sustainable trail
creation, natural shoreline restoration, etc.)
Ohio State Park Highlights
In October 2023, Ohio State Parks & Watercraft broke ground and began building the
brand-new Eco-Discovery Center at Salt Fork State Park, which is set to open summer
2024. The ConServe Ohio initiative sparked the necessity for a nature center that educates
on the signicance of sustainable practices both presently and for generations to come.
The “green” building will include sustainable elements indoors and outside of the building,
including green roof and wall, permeable pathways, solar panels, a rainwater harvesting
system, and EV charging stations. A donation from KeyBank, a sustainability partner to
the Ohio State Parks Foundation, helped the interactive exhibits indoors come to life. The
exhibits engage visitors in a journey through Salt Fork’s forest ecosystem to discover how
everything in nature is connected and ends with visitors learning ways they can practice
sustainability to protect these valuable connections and natural resources.
YOU CAN HELP CONSERVE OHIO
• Never vandalize state park property or natural areas. From spray paint to
carvings in a tree or rock, vandalism is a terrible crime that reduces the
beauty and value of whatever is vandalized. Repairing the damage can also
be very expensive.
• Become a state park hero and volunteer. Ohio State Park volunteers can help
with litter pick-up, planting native vegetation, trail maintenance, and more.
• Contact the Ohio State Parks Foundation about becoming a partner in
sustainability to support more ConServe Ohio projects at state parks!
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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HABITAT AND RESOURCE PROTECTION
All plant and animal species depend on the availability of healthy habitats to survive.
Ohio State Parks is committed to protecting Ohio’s biodiversity and natural resources by
conserving habitat, fostering pollinators, and reducing non-native species on state park
lands.
Additionally, ODNR has a signicant role in the H2Ohio program with projects focused
on creating, restoring, and enhancing wetlands around Ohio. The National Park Service
estimates wetlands provide a home to at least one-third of all threatened and endangered
species. The H2Ohio Program has restored or created 15,682 acres of wetland habitat
in Ohio, and Ohio State Park sta has assisted with at least 21 H2Ohio projects, 11 of
which are complete. Altogether, the program has funded over 170 natural infrastructure
projects since 2019.
GOAL: Increase sta and public engagement in habitat
conservation and reduction of
non-native species on state park lands.
71
%
parks marinas have a Certified
Clean Marina that uses
innovative solutions to keep
Ohio’s coastal and inland
waterway resources clean.
84
%
reduce the frequency of
mowing for the benefit of
pollinators.
73
%
replaced mowed areas with
native plants and/or maintain
former mowed areas with native
plants that support energy and
water efficiency, pollinator
populations, biodiversity, and
healthy soils.
81
%
eliminated or reduced the use
of hazardous waste, fertilizers,
pesticides, herbicides,
fungicides, and other toxins in
park facilities and landscapes.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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Next Steps:
• Provide resources and education to
state park sta regarding how to create,
manage, and maintain native habitats.
• Identify potential habitat restoration
projects on state park lands and pursue
grants and other sources of funding to
support restoration work.
• Increase partnerships with volunteers,
organizations, and other agencies to
support habitat conservation and non-
native species control on state park lands.
Ohio State Park Highlights
Just a few years ago, Beaver Creek State
Park contained the remnants of an old,
abandoned strip mine, which was created by
someone digging a pit in the land for coal.
Strip mines damage the land by leaving steep drop-os and stagnant pools of water that
can be vectors for disease and interrupt the natural water course. The recent Abandoned
Mine Land Reclamation Project at Beaver Creek helped restore the land to its original
contours, eliminate stagnant pools of water, and reforest the construction area by
planting thousands of trees.
In Spring 2023, Deer Creek State Park partnered with the ODNR Division of Wildlife to
conduct a controlled burn near the Road 5 parking areas, which have been closed as sta
transform them into native pollinator habitat. As more state park sta become trained in
controlled burns, a sustainable land management practice, they can conduct additional
burns in the future to control populations of invasive species and maintain healthy, native
habitat throughout the park.
YOU CAN HELP CONSERVE OHIO
• Plant native at home! Wildowers and other plants native to Ohio provide
great support for pollinators such as bees, butteries, and birds.
• Respect natural areas and stay on state park trails. Going o trail can
damage plant and animal species.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
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EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Being sustainable means balancing a healthy environment, economic vitality, and social
equity. Ohio State Parks recognizes that these issues are interconnected and that to be
truly sustainable, it is important to engage a diversity of audiences in the stewardship of
our natural resources. Ohio State Parks will work to engage Ohioans across the state in
practicing sustainability at parks and at home.
GOAL: Increase public engagement in sustainability eorts
via promotion of educational programs, events, and
volunteer opportunities.
Next Steps:
• Develop naturalist-led sustainability programming and events to teach youth how
they can help conserve natural resources for future generations.
• Engage visitors in practicing sustainability at state park events by encouraging less
waste, more recycling, and conservation of water and energy.
• Foster partnerships with volunteers, organizations, and other agencies to support
regular sustainability practices on state park lands.
66
%
formed a sustainability
committee or regularly meet to
plan sustainability projects.
94
%
display a ConServe Ohio
poster in strategic locations
in the park.
75
%
educate visitors on how they
can live a more sustainable
lifestyle.
43
%
have a volunteer or partnership
garden (i.e., herb, pollinator,
vegetable, etc.).
58
%
have a volunteer or partnership
park or beach cleanup program.
28
%
have a volunteer or partnership
recycling program.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
page 23
Ohio State Park
Highlights
For those interested in learning
more about conservation
and making their home more
sustainable, Caesar Creek State
Park is the place to be on Sundays.
The “Sustainability Sunday”
naturalist programs include a
variety of topics from recycling,
composting, rain barrels, creating
native habitat, and so much more!
Be sure to check state park nature
program schedules for more fun
sustainability programs.
For the rst time in 2023, Ohioans were encouraged to sign up to run, walk, roll, or
paddle to complete the Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K to support tree
planting and forest protection eorts at Ohio State Parks. Proceeds support tree planting
and forest protection eorts like invasive plant and forest pest management and early
detection surveys. In 2023, $9,100 was raised to help plant more trees in state parks!
YOU CAN HELP
CONSERVE OHIO
• Set an example for others by making
sustainable choices. When making
choices to protect our environment,
no action is too small.
• Encourage others to help ConServe
Ohio. Remind others of the
importance of our natural resources
and encourage them to shrink their
footprints too.
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
page 24
ConServe Ohio
Certified State Parks!
Ohio State Parks reported their current sustainable practices at the end of 2023 to
assess the progress of their sustainable practices, and we are proud to celebrate their
achievements! The following 43 parks have been recognized as ConServe Ohio Certied
State Parks at the bronze, silver, or gold level.
Celebratin Ou
ODNR Parks & Watercraft 2023 Sustainability Performance Report
page 25
Alum Creek State Park
Delaware State Park
Caesar Creek State Park
Hueston Woods State Park
Barkcamp State Park
Dillon State Park
Beaver Creek State Park
Findley State Park
Portage Lakes State Park
Wingfoot State Park
Great Seal State Park
Lake White State Park
Tar Hollow State Park
Grand Lake St. Marys State Park
Kelleys Island State Park
Conratulation!
Sycamore State Park
Muskingum River State Park
Lake Milton State Park
West Branch State Park
Deer Creek State Park
Indian Lake State Park
Malabar Farm State Park
Buck Creek State Park
Cowan Lake State Park
East Fork State Park
Lake Loramie State Park
Little Miami State Park
Rocky Fork State Park
Stonelick State Park
Burr Oak State Park
Jesse Owens State Park
Lake Logan State Park
Salt Fork State Park
Wolf Run State Park
Geneva State Park
Guilford Lake State Park
Headlands Beach State Park
Jeerson Lake State Park
Lake Alma State Park
Pike Lake State Park
Scioto Trail State Park
East Harbor State Park
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
ohiodnr.gov
