Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Native Ohio Butterfly Subject of 2016 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Photo Contest

COLUMBUS, OH - A native Ohio butterfly is the featured species for the seventh Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Photo Contest, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

Butterflies come in a countless number of colors. Whether taking flight or resting on a leaf, these splendid insects always appear beautiful and deserve to be showcased on the 2016 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp.

There are thousands of species of butterflies living in countless habitats all over the world, making the capacity to photograph them endless. Butterflies often have intricate designs on their wings in addition to different color combinations. In order to photograph a butterfly, people need the right equipment, plus a lot of patience. Head out in the early morning for slow-moving butterflies and later in the day to capture more activity.

The 2016 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp will feature the winning photo submission of a native Ohio butterfly. People can learn more about Ohio Native Butterfly Species by visiting wildohio.gov. Entries will be accepted Aug. 10-23, and the winner will receive $500. The selection of the winning photo will be made in September 2015. The contest is open to Ohioans age 18 years and older. Visitwildohio.gov for complete contest rules.

Entries must be submitted in a horizontal format only. The winning photographer is not eligible to enter photos in Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp Contests for two years.

The 2015 contest featured a bluebird. Jim Mundy of Cincinnati submitted the winning photo of an eastern bluebird. The photo appears on the 2015 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, which went on sale on Saturday, March 1.

Previous stamps featured a Baltimore oriole, eastern amberwing, spotted salamander, black-capped chickadee and midland painted turtle. The program has helped fund diversity conservation projects in Ohio as $14 out of every $15 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp purchased goes to support Ohio's Wildlife Diversity Fund. Money from this fund is used for land acquisition, habitat restoration, educational outreach and endangered species research.

Stamp collectors and conservationists are also able to purchase the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 stamps for a limited time. More information about the Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp and other wildlife-related topics can be found at wildohio.gov.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

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For more information, contact:
Matt Eiselstein, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860
Kendra Wecker, ODNR Division of Wildlife
614-265-7043