Seismic events in Southeast Ohio reach high in 2025
By Laynee Eslich | Feb. 10ODNR reported 173 tremors in the past year in Southeast Ohio. Nine earthquakes have been reported in the region since the start of 2026.
ENVIRONMENT
Bald eagle comeback results in four nests in Athens
By Fiona Petticrew | Feb. 9The American bald eagle population is thriving in Ohio, with around 964 confirmed nests. Wildlife professionals discuss their comeback and explain how they are being protected in Ohio.
Pike County nuclear site experiences cleanup, new development
By Finn Smith | Jan. 22The Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, a historic producer of U.S. nuclear energy, is undergoing mass decontamination and decommissioning. Local organizations are now working together to initiate new projects on the site to bolster energy production and create local jobs.
EPA approves new insecticide, conservation groups sue
By Finn Smith | Jan. 20The EPA recently approved a new pesticide known as isocycloseram. The chemical’s approval has drawn backlash from conservation groups who claim there is a risk of long-term health effects.
400-pound black bear reported by hunters, bear presence increasing
By Kaitlin Hogg | Dec. 2There was an increase in black bear sightings in recent years, due in part to the fact hunting black bears is illegal in the state of Ohio, paired with the growing public interest in protecting the animals.
ODNR sued over approval of two injection wells
By Finn Smith | Dec. 2Two injection wells approved in Washington County have caused concern among local Marietta officials, residents and environmental groups for potential danger to nearby drinking water sources. ODNR approved the wells with outdated regulations, prompting a lawsuit by Buckeye Environmental Network.
Growth of data centers poses environmental threats for Southeast Ohio
By Finn Smith | Nov. 18The growing number of data centers in Ohio is raising concerns due to their reliance on fracking. Experts say the increase in fracking could place environmental burdens on the Southeast region of the state.
Survey reveals hundreds of bee species across Ohio
By Kaitlin Hogg | Nov. 4An Ohio State University survey conducted through the Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership has identified nearly 500 bee species across the state, offering new insight into the diversity and vulnerability of Ohio’s native pollinators.
Spotted lanternfly could pose threat to Ohio vineyards
By Finn Smith | Nov. 4The spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect native to parts of Asia, has made its way into the U.S. and is causing concern in Ohio. The insect has a particular interest in feeding on grapevines, worrying vineyard owners across the state.
Jet stream shift brings cold snap, ends Ohio’s fall warmth
By Alex Passero | Nov. 3A southward shift in the jet stream brought freezing temperatures to Athens last week, ending weeks of unseasonable warmth and signaling a shift toward typical November weather.
Open burning regulations go into place this fall
By Laynee Eslich | Oct. 29Ohio currently has the driest land in the modern history of the state, increasing the risk of wildfires. Open burning regulations have been put into place to lessen wildfire probability.
Natalie’s Notes: Jane Goodall’s legacy must be preserved
By Natalie Saddler | Oct. 14Jane Goodall was not only a conservationist but a humanitarian with scientific breakthroughs, specifically in primatology. The world must continue her legacy, especially now with the ever-growing climate crisis affecting wildlife conservation.
Trump legislation poses critical threats to Wayne National Forest
By Finn Smith | Oct. 14An executive order signed by President Trump in March directs the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to increase logging across the U.S. by 25%. Land that resides within the Wayne National Forest is included in the Department of Agriculture’s outline of viable land for logging.
Northeastern Ohio dam removal project breaks ground
By Finn Smith | Oct. 10Free the Falls, a project to remove the Gorge Dam in Summit County, officially began recently, following years of discussion on the matter. The dam has not served a purpose for over 30 years and has contributed to mass contamination of water in the dam pool. The EPA is currently removing all sediments before the removal of the dam structure can begin.
Lead abatement funds cut, exposure remains a concern
By Fiona Petticrew | Oct. 3Ohio cut lead abatement funds and the Lead-Safe Home Fund but raised the lead tax credit to $40,000, putting more responsibility on property owners to fix lead risks.
Bikeway to connect Athens to Chauncey, Baileys Trail System
By Alex Passero | Oct. 3ODOT is building a new bike path connecting Athens to Chauncey and the Baileys Trail System.
Kissing bugs found in Ohio, experts not concerned
By Zoe Weyand | Sep. 29Kissing bugs known to spread Chagas Disease, a deadly parasitic infection, have been found in Ohio, but there have been no reports of the disease. However, there are ways to prevent contact with the bugs.
Ohio park services face job cuts, increasing future uncertainty
By Avery St. George | Sep. 26Many are concerned about the economic impact job cuts could have on Southeast Ohio, which relies on revenue from visitors to wildlife areas. Bryden said tourism and spending from park-goers bring in a lot of benefits that are instrumental in improving the region.
Landmark conservation effort protects portion of Appalachian corridor
By Finn Smith | Sep. 9Nature Conservancy and Athens Conservancy recently obtained 2,973 acres of land in the Appalachian corridor from private landowner Betty Lowe. The two organizations will work together to protect and sustain the land, while providing locals with opportunities to experience the outdoors.
HB 399 to prevent fracking under state parks, Lake Erie
By Finn Smith | Sep. 2Democratic Reps. Tristan Rader and Christine Cockley have introduced a bill in the Ohio House that would prevent ODNR from issuing permits for oil and gas drilling on state parks and Lake Erie
