Glen Helen Specialty License Plate before Ohio Senate

State Senator Chris Widener (R-Springfield) and the Glen Helen Ecology Institute announced today that the state transportation budget, House Bill 114, will include a provision allowing for the creation of a Glen Helen Nature Preserve specialty license plate.

The state offers over 200 specialty license plates that include a picture designed by the organization and the name of the organization. Specialty plates are only authorized through legislation and can be bought when renewing or changing license plates. The Glen Helen plate costs $25, which includes a $15 donation to the Glen Helen Ecology Institute.

“The Glen is a special place in Greene County. People of all walks of life visit the preserve to learn about the natural history of our community, to experience the beauty of nature, or to exercise along the hiking trails,” Widener stated. “The specialty license plate will be a great promotional tool as well as provide additional donations to keep educational and conservational programs alive.”

The Glen Helen Ecology Institute initiated a license plate design contest last year. The new design, pending approval from the State Comptroller, will feature a design by the late-Ohio nature artist Charley Harper, who is well known for his wildlife artwork.

According to Executive Director Nick Boutis, “We are grateful for Senator Widener’s ongoing support of this legislation. Ohioans purchasing a Glen Helen license plate can feel good knowing that they are directly supporting our land conservation and environmental education efforts.”

Glen Helen is a 1,000-acre nature preserve of woods, waterways, prairies and fields laced with 25 miles of trails in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. The Glen Helen Ecology Institute is owned by Antioch College and exists to protect the Glen for present and future generations by engaging in land stewardship, education, community outreach and service and research.