A biome highlights the interaction among plant and animal populations and soil, water and air. Latitude is a major factor defining biomes but not the sole determinate, there is a strong relationship between the distribution of climates with latitude, and homogenous vegetation bands. Tundra, boreal forests/taiga, savanna, wetlands, aquatic, temperate broadleaf and mixed forests are all examples of biomes.

In northwest Ohio we live in a region that is somewhat unique. Just to the north in Michigan and Canada we have boreal forests, just to the east we have eastern woodlands, just to our west we sit on the edge of the great tall grass plains and finally to our north we have the shores and wet lands associated with the great lakes.

Much of the northern border of Ohio is occupied by Lake Erie and this plays a significant role in the weather for many of its' nearshore communities. Just as the altitude of a mountain can effect the climate of a region, so can the effects of a vast body of water such as lake Erie. On any given day look at a temperature map of northwest Ohio, on many days you might see a 100 temperature difference between areas on the shores of lake Erie and the southern portions of the region. This effect can impose both benefits and burdens to those who must work with the land.

In addition to the climate effecting in our environment, human impact also has been a significant determinate. The vast area of wetlands, once known as the "Great Black Swamp" has been drained to make room for civilization. Terrain once friendly to native species has been altered, making their survival difficult. For native plantings to be successful landscapers must plan and recreate native conditions for them.

 

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