The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife has garnered significant recognition, securing six national awards at the Association for Conservation Information’s (ACI) 2025 awards competition. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) in a recent announcement, these accolades highlight the Division's commitment to providing exceptional wildlife and conservation information through various media forms.
Among the top honors, 'Wild Ohio' magazine clinched first place in the magazine category, lauded for its quality photography, design, and informative content. Earning praise from ACI, a nonprofit composed of natural resources communicators, the Division's publication was distinguished as the nation's premier fish and wildlife agency-produced magazine. Alongside the magazine, the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp” impressed the judges, taking first in the one-time publication category, despite the judges were not explicitly mentioned in the Division’s accolades.
The Division's expertise was further evident in the magazine wildlife article category, where "Form and Function, Ohio’s Various Bird Nests" took home the first-place award. Other awards included a second place for the 'Ohio’s World of Wildlife K-2 Identification Guide' in the education category, as well as third place distinctions for both the 'Wild Ohio Calendar' and the 'Warblers of Ohio Field Guide' in the calendar and book/report publication categories, respectively.
The collective success of the ODNR Division of Wildlife at the ACI awards reflects an overarching dedication to conservation education and outreach. Having been named the top magazine by a fish and wildlife agency is a testament to the Division's role in crafting engaging and informative resources that resonate with both the public and conservation professionals. The 'Wild Ohio' editions from 2024, committed to excellent project execution, were particularly recognized for their ability to capture the beauty and diversity of Ohio’s wildlife habitats and species.
ACI’s annual competition remains a benchmark for state, federal, and Canadian wildlife agencies to showcase their work in the realm of conservation communication. With these six awards, the ODNR Division of Wildlife cements its place among the forefront of agencies in advancing public knowledge and appreciation of wildlife and natural resources.
