Protecting and restoring our regional greenspaces for the benefit of all
Our region is home to a wide variety of greenspace — such as forests, parks, and heritage farmland — that benefit public health, boost our economy, perform important natural functions, and improve our individual and collective quality of life. Green Umbrella's Greenspace Alliance brings together committed stakeholders to conserve and expand the region’s natural places, support biodiversity and connect people to the land.
Our Strategy
Increase the amount of protected greenspace, especially in and around underserved communities
Encourage policies and actions that conserve and restore greenspace and prioritize nature-based solutions to climate and health impacts
Educate and advocate for greenspace, emphasizing its communal value and promoting best conservation practices
2025 Working Groups Overview
Research and Implementation
This working group focuses on developing conservation-management research topics, field sites, advice, and more to provide students and academic staff with the opportunity to develop research projects relevant to the needs of Greenspace Alliance partners.
RPP/Policy Implementation
This working group focuses on expanding awareness and improving the integration of our Regional Prioritization Plan (RPP) locally.
Grants
This working group focuses on identifying funding and planning for collaborative landscape-scale projects, along with smaller-scale or urban projects.
If you'd like to become more involved in the Greenspace Alliance by joining a Working Group, email claire@greenumbrella.org.
The Greenspace Alliance Leadership Team
Susan Brown
Conservation Education Specialist at Boone County Conservation District
Cory Christopher
Director of Conservation at Cincinnati Nature Center
Margaret Minzner
Senior Environmental Planner at Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments
Jack Stenger
Director of Conservation at Cardinal Land Conservancy
Jessica Spencer
Director of Natural Resources at Great Parks of Hamilton County
Bob Temple
Founder and past Board Member of Green Umbrella
Explore the Regional Prioritization Plan (RPP) Now
The Greenspace Alliance uses its Regional Greenspace Prioritization Plan to guide collaborative work.
The Regional Greenspace Prioritization Plan identifies areas with high value as protected greenspace. It focuses both on spaces that are currently high quality and should be protected, and on areas that could provide significant health and community benefits because they serve populations at high risk of environmental injustice. The plan was developed collaboratively by Alliance partners using extensive data related to human and environmental indicators.
Meet a Greenspace Hike Series
Each month, the Greenspace Alliance invites hikers to explore a different local greenspace, ranging from forest preserves to hidden urban parks. Below are blog posts highlighting the most recent hike locations. Lace up your boots, follow along, and plan to join us on the next hike!
Shaped by Glaciers, Protected by Humans
Published May 21, 2026
Spring Ephemeral Hiking Series
Published March 12, 2026
An Oasis within the Sprawl
Published February 5, 2026
Resources
Green Umbrella's Greenspace Alliance is sponsored by:
Champion Sponsors
Become a sponsor of Green Umbrella's programs and events!
The organizations below have signed onto the Regional Prioritization Plan
Want to Get Involved?
Our Greenspace Alliance meetings are currently virtual and held on the fourth Monday of the month at 1:00pm. Contact our Greenspace Manager at claire@greenumbrella.org for more information or to get involved.
Want to Explore The Outdoors?
Our region is home to beautiful parks, outdoor recreation centers, and numerous public greenspaces. Find out more ways you can get outside and enjoy the outdoors today.
This program was financially assisted by The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee and the Conservation Catalyst Fund of the Network for Landscape Conservation.