is for Aspen

-There are two types of Aspen: Bigtooth and Quaking.

-Both types of Aspen are native to Ohio, but Bigtooths prefer moist soil, and Quaking Aspens prefer dry soil.

-The Quaking Aspen is the most widely distributed tree in North America.

is for Black Bear

-The black bear is the most common species of bear in North America.

-Black bears are not only black! They can be chocolate brown, cinnamon brown, blue-black, and, surprisingly, white!

-An adult black bear can weigh between 150 and 700 pounds.

is for Chestnuts

-There are two types of chestnut trees: American and Chinese.

-The American chestnut tree's nuts were a big part of Native Americans' and Pioneers' diets.

-Chestnuts are enclosed in a spiny husk, which splits open during autumn and releases the seeds.

is for Deciduous Trees

-A deciduous tree's leaves change color and fall off at the end of the tree's growing season, usually during the autumn or winter.

-Deciduous trees are defined as woody, perennial plants which have a single main stem, and grow over 20 feet tall.

-Most deciduous trees have broad leaves, but there are some that have needles.

is for Evergreens

-Evergreens are trees that keep their leaves all year round and are "forever green."

-Evergreens replace their leaves or needles gradually throughout the year, instead of loosing them all at once.

-Trees that are coniferous, or produce cones, are usually evergreen.

is for Fox

-There are two types of foxes in Ohio: red and gray foxes.

-Foxes are nocturnal, which means they are active at night, but sometimes they can be seen out during the day.

-Baby foxes are called kits.

is for Gray Squirrel

-Gray squirrels are much more social than their cousins: red and fox squirrels.

-Gray squirrels eat seeds, nuts, the fruits of various trees, and even eat some insects.

-Gray squirrels were one of the most populated groups of wildlife in Ohio when the state was being settled.

is for Hemlock

-Hemlock is only found in the Eastern part of Ohio, namely Appalachia.

-The hemlock tree's enemy is a tiny insect called a woolly adelgid, which damages the tree.

-After the cones on a hemlock tree release their seeds, the seeds man stay on the branches for several years.

is for Indian Cucumber Root

-The Indian Cucumber Root can be eaten, and it tastes and smells like a cucumber.

-Native Americans used to dig up the root for food.

-It is not recommended to dig up the root presently because it is a rare plant.

is for Jack-in-the-Pulpit

-Another name for the Jack-in-the-Pulpit is Indian turnip.

-This plant is a perennial, meaning it will live year after year, and it will live over 25 years.

-Jack-in-the-Pulpit plants require shade and a moist environment.

is for Katydid

-The katydid's scientific name is pterophylla camellifolia.

-Katydids breed in fall then lay their eggs on bark and branches of trees, and the eggs will hatch in the winter.

-The wings of a katydid look like leaves which makes them great for camouflage and hiding from predators.

is for Longtail Salamander

-The longtail salamander likes wet banks, and it can usually be found under large rocks, logs, or by streams.

-The tail of an adult longtail salamander takes up over have of its body.

-The larvae of this salamander may take up to two years to change into an adult.

is for Morel Mushrooms

-Morel mushrooms are edible, and many people all over Ohio and the rest of the U.S. go hunting for them in the spring.

-Morels are not considered true mushrooms, instead they are classified as Ascomycetes.

-Morels are among the first mushrooms to grow after a forest has had a fire the year before.

is for North American Deer Mouse

-When North American deer mice are disturbed they may drum their front paws up and down on a hard surface as a warning for other mice.

-These mice are about the same size as a regular house mouse.

-Ohio has classified the North American deer mouse as a species of concern, which means that this mouse may become threatened with extinction.

is for Oak Tree

-There are many different types of oak trees which are all grouped in either the red oak group or white oak group.

-The white oak tree is one of the most important hardwoods because of how heavy and tough the wood is, and it has been used to make beams, railroad ties, and furniture.

-The burr oak is the tallest out of all the oak trees, reaching a height of 90 feet.

is for Poison Ivy

-Poison ivy grows in different ways, including as a vine, shrub, or in a trail.

-All of the parts of the plant release a toxic oil when bruised, which causes swelling and blistering on a person's skin if touched.

-In the Netherlands, poison ivy is planted along walls for decoration.

is for Question Mark Butterfly

-Question mark butterflies are one of the longest living butterflies, living up to eight months.

-The adult question mark butterflies, who are alive during autumn, hibernate through the winter in hollow logs.

-The butterfly gets its name from the silver marks on its hindwings, which look like question marks.