Protesting at the Statehouse with Don't Frack OH!

Last weekend my husband and I dug some cardboard out of our recycling bin, slathered on the sunscreen and packed our lunches to join other concerned Ohioans in Columbus for the "Don't Frack OH" protest.  We tried to make our protest signs snarky but informative since we know that the easiest way to grab someone's attention is through humor and great visual aides (being teachers we have lots of experience with this).  We had numerous onlookers chuckle at our signs and lots of "atta-boy" and "atta-girl" comments.

On the Ohio Statehouse Steps

The protest was to draw attention to the recent legislature that passed regarding fracking in Ohio-- SB 315.  Some of the main components of the legislation included disclosing (but not really..?) the chemicals in fracking injection fluid, as well as a gag order for medical doctors regarding issues concerning fracking.  My husband and I have been concerned about fracking since we first found out about it and while most topics become less scary the more someone becomes educated about the topic, I've found the exact opposite with fracking.  I've basically found that the Ohio State Government (i.e. Kasich, numerous representatives & senators) is doing all it can to court the gas industry (and you can check out the political donations from the gas industry and see how this tit-for-tat mentality has been playing out). 

Josh Fox, director of Gasland, speaking at the Don't Frack OH! protest

Josh Fox, the director of Gasland made an appearance at the rally and spoke both before and after the march from Arch Park to the Statehouse.  He was even harrassed by a seemingly disturbed man to the point that the police had to usher the man away from Fox.

Inside the Ohio Statehouse with the Don't Frack OH! protesters

While much of the protesting included chants, walking and listening to testimonies from homeowners living near fracking sites, I felt particularly invigorated in that my husband and I were able to contribute our concerns through a handful of interviews conducted by various media sources.  While I know how important it is to physically be present to voice concerns and protest with the facts in hand; knowing that my concerns were heard made the trip even more worthwhile.

Early spring roundup- observe, preserve & promote

I've been busy with my fingers in many pies recently, so I haven't been up-to-date with my latest enviro-adventures, but I'll try to atone for this a bit. Here's what's been going on in my enviro-world:

1. I recently flew to Florida with my mother to check out some new wildlife areas, catch up with a few friends, and relax for four short days. This included kayaking the Indian River (Vero Beach) and checking out the first National Wildlife Refuge ever established, Pelican Island NWR (picture on left- my mother and me at Pelican Island NWR).

2. A robin build a nest in our bird feeder and then laid four blue eggs. My husband and I named her Roxy. She's pretty relaxed with us being just on the other side of the patio doors (even with them open), but she attacks any grackles who come to feed at the bird-food dish a few feet from her nest.

3. I collected some trash that was annoying me. It was along the woods/ wild-area near the apartments and some fast food places. I collected three shopping bags full before the sun went down and I decided to return another day. Shortly hereafter, my husband and I thought we saw someone exchanging drugs for money near a drainage pipe near the area I'd cleaned up, but come to find out, he was feeding stray cats. I'll take stray cats over drug-drops any day!

4. I've been keeping busy with some "consulting" for Mohican Advocates and Floraquest. Both of which I'm super excited about. I'm excited about the learning opportunities coming up with Floraquest and the educational advances Mohican Advocates has made. Along the lines of Mohican Advocates-- I recently read an article in the Lancaster Gazette about beginning public fracking meetings and I can't help but wonder if Lancaster has a fracking "resistance group" to help pave the environmental way and to coordinate with other "resistance groups" as seen in Mansfield, OH; Youngstown, OH; and Athens, OH.

5. Lastly, I spent last Saturday at the Shreve Migration Sensation. I attended some of the speakers-- Butterflies, "Bird of the Month," and "Sparrows". I got some great info, saw some water birds new to me (coots and ring-necked ducks). I also talked with numerous people about the opportunities to observe, preserve and promote with Mohican Advocates, Floraquest and the Greater Mohican Audubon Society.

I hope you're getting out to take advantage the unseasonably warm weather as well. There are lots of opportunities to do so in your area-- whether it's by visiting a bike trail, a state park, or if it means taking a walk down your street. Get out and enjoy!