Wildlife History Timeline 1803, 1903, 2003

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Map Series (1803-1903-2003)

This Wildlife History Timeline is available as a poster from ODNR.  You can download the form from ODNR to order the poster. The Spring 2003 edition of Wild Ohio Magazine contains the map series shown to the right.  This magazine also contains pictures of people in the past and present hunting, fishing and cooking.

​Students can analyze the photographs in the magazine to determine if they are from the past or present.  The class can discuss what might be learned about the past by looking at the photographs (transportation, clothing, finding and cooking food, recreation).
 
The Spring 2003 edition of Wild Ohio Magazine provides a series of maps of Ohio from 1803, 1903, and 2003.  Analyzing the maps can lead to conversations comparing and contrasting the way basic needs of living things were met in the past and present.

1. Begin by looking at the map of Ohio from 1803. Ask students what they notice on the map. 
2. Use the graphic organizer to make a list of the types of characteristics shown. Students should mention the amount of forest, the diversity of animal* species, and the types of transportation routes. This map shows the majority of Ohio covered in forest, a wide range of species, and Indian paths.
3. Before looking at the 1903 map, predict how each category might change (types or amounts could increase, decrease, or stay the same). Record predictions on the graphic organizer.
4. Look at the 1903 map and check your predictions. 
   1. Students may be surprised to see the dramatic decrease in the amount of forest, and the amount and diversity of species.
   2. Students should provide evidence from the map to support their verification of their predictions.  (For example, there were bears shown in Ohio in 1803 but there are no bears shown in 1903.)
   3. There are now canal systems connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio River, and the addition of the National Road. 
   4. Reservoirs and lakes shown on the 1903 map are man-made. Though Portage Lake is a natural lake, it includes man-made additions.
5. List the characteristics of Ohio in 1903 in the graphic organizer.
6. Before looking at the 2003 map, predict how each category might change (types or amounts could increase, decrease, or stay the same).
7. Look at the 2003 map and check your predictions. 
   1. Students may be surprised to see the increase in the amount of forest, and the amount and diversity of species.
   2. Students should provide evidence from the map to support their verification of their predictions. (For example, there were bears shown in Ohio in 1803, not in 1903 but bears are shown again in 2003.)
   3. The canal systems are gone. The interstate system has been added, with I-70 closely following the National Road. 

 
* When using the term “animal” in a scientific context, this category includes all animals - fish, insects, birds, humans, etc. Though classification systems vary, most recognize plants, animals, bacteria, protists and fungi as different groups of living things.