In Paulding County, Ohio, all the members of the Thomas family share a deep admiration for nature and the environment. Sarah Thomas and two of her five daughters have nearly half of their combined 261 acres dedicated to conservation usage. Terri Thomas has enrolled more than 25 acres in wetlands that attract migratory birds and water foul like ducks, geese, and wild swans. Her sister, Tracie Thomas, has enrolled over 40 acres in wetlands and plans to involve her sister Tonya in the business of creating wildlife habitats.

Terri, Tracie, Tonya, and their mother Sarah plan to expand their enrollments in the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Lake Erie Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) in Ohio. They are intending to plant hardwood trees that will add diversity to the habitat and serve as a haven for deer and other animals that access the wetlands for water. The Thomas Family wants to provide future generations with bountiful wetlands and woodlands that foster a natural balance of flora and fauna. Tracie Thomas's daughters, Shayla and Trinity Thomas, in time will receive the full benefits of the Thomas Wetlands which grow with each passing year. Bird watchers and naturalists routinely survey the wildlife activity at the Thomas Wetlands, and record their sightings online at: http://bijou36.tripod.com/paulding.htm.

A wetland denizen.

The youngest members of the Thomas family enjoy waterfowl attracted to the CRP wetland restoration acres.

CRP wetland acres attract migratory birds.

Wetland vegetation provides aquatic habitat.