Nature Conservancy Launches 'Natural Treasures of Ohio' Challenge, Inviting Residents to Visit the State's Natural Areas

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Nature Conservancy in Ohio and Honda of America Mfg., Inc. launched their highly anticipated summer challenge, Natural Treasures of Ohio, giving Ohioans great opportunities to explore natural sites in Ohio and the chance to win a 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid. The challenge runs now through August 8 at nature.org/naturaltreasuresohio or Facebook facebook.com/ohionatureconservancy.

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The Nature Conservancy and Honda developed the challenge as a way to help showcase some of Ohio's beloved natural areas, and encourage learning about different natural features of the state.

For a chance to win, Ohio residents visit one or more specially selected areas and upload a photo of themselves with that site's designated landmark.  Participants can locate nearby treasured areas and site-specific details online. One grand prize winner will receive the 2012 Honda Insight Hybrid and five second place winners will receive $500 REI gift cards.

In addition to entering to win, participants are encouraged to explore the properties through a series of fun, family-friendly activities which can also be found online. Activities range from an adventurous game of "I Spy" in the Windows of Wildlife viewing area at Toledo's Side Cut Metropark to a leisurely stroll through Cincinnati's Mount Airy Forest arboretum.

"Whether you're a patio dweller, backyard camper or a frontier explorer, we have selected various accessible areas for Ohioans to experience the outdoors within their own comfort levels," said Josh Knights, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Ohio. "Natural Treasures of Ohio highlights the diversity of the Buckeye State's extraordinary natural areas, showing families that experiencing nature is closer and easier than you think. We believe that if Ohioans discover and come to know these areas, they'll be inspired to help us protect them."

Since 1958, The Nature Conservancy has helped protect more than 55,000 acres of the most vital freshwater and forest habitats in Ohio.

"This is a unique way for Ohioans to experience the natural beauty that our state has to offer," said Rick Schostek, Honda of America senior vice president. "We invite everyone to enjoy the environment with friends and family through Natural Treasures of Ohio — a collaboration we are honored to host for Ohio residents."

About The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is the leading organization working around the world to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Since 1958, the Conservancy has protected more than 55,000 acres of the most vital freshwater and forest habitats in Ohio. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the web at www.nature.org/ohio

About Honda in Ohio
Honda operates a number of operations in Ohio that include four manufacturing plants, a major R&D center for the development of new products, and other operations that support the manufacturing, development and sales of Honda and Acura products for American customers. The company's environmental vision calls for realizing the freedom of mobility in an environment where people can enjoy life in a sustainable society.  To this end, Honda has eliminated virtually all waste going to local landfills from its plants, and is continuing initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions and other greenhouse gases throughout its operations. For more information about Honda, visit www.hondanews.com and www.ohio.honda.com.

SOURCE The Nature Conservancy