I have been hiking most mornings, enjoying the solitude of nature and immersing myself in the woods as the sun slowly starts its ascent over the horizon. The funny thing about winter is that many view it as a time of death and darkness; however, in my morning strolls along snow-covered paths, I have had the opportunity to witness so much life! With every step, I observe the footprints of small animals as they scamper from place to place. I’ve seen the small divots where deer’s noses have pressed into the snow to search for sustenance. I have stared in awe at the imprints of wings from birds swooping down to catch their prey and I have identified the dens of creatures who pop their heads out and embark on a little stroll themselves. Today, I even came across a skunk! (Do not worry, our
|
| |
|
meeting was amicable and we both went our separate ways – neither Skunk nor Claire was harmed in this meeting). |
I feel as though these footprints in the snow are a metaphor for the Greenspace Alliance. Our work, collaborating with so many different organizations, leaves a criss-cross of newly blazed trails where before, there was only blank space. I am excited to continue on this journey with all of you, even through the “dead” of winter. | |
|
| Cheers, Claire Carlson Greenspace Alliance Manager |
|
|
As part of our 2025 Work Plan, the Greenspace Alliance members decided to form three working groups to assist in achieving the goals outlined in the plan. Our three working groups are: |
-
Research and Implementation will focus on developing conservation-management research topics, field sites, etc., to provide students and academic staff with the opportunity to develop research projects relevant to the needs of Greenspace Alliance Partners.
-
RPP/Policy Implementation will focus on expanding awareness and improving the integration of our Regional Prioritization Plan locally.
- Grants will focus on identifying funding and planning for collaborative grant applications.
|
|
|
If you want to learn more about the working groups or would like to participate in one, please contact Claire for more information. |
|
|
Kenton County Parks and Recreation to expand recreation opportunities |
|
|
Kenton County recreational opportunities are slated to grow by 225 acres! In August 2020, the Kenton County Fiscal Court approved converting the property, previously a golf course, into a park. In 2021, a Master Plan was created to outline a framework for developing and administering resources, programs, and facilities. The property is now open to the public for passive recreation opportunities and work is underway to transform it in alignment with their plan.
|
| |
|
Volunteer with the Mill Creek Alliance |
|
|
Get your feet wet and your hands dirty at two volunteer events with the Mill Creek Alliance this February! On Saturday, February 15 from 1-4pm, head over to Heritage Park to harvest live willow stakes (and there may or may not be boats). Then on Sunday, February 16 from 1-4pm, install new willow stakes in the streambank at the water’s edge in Evendale and Reading. Make sure to bring/wear warm clothes, waders, and a change of clothes. Tools will be provided, but you can also bring your own. Learn more and register at the links below:
|
|
|
|
Adventures in Greenspaces |
Meet a Greenspace Hiking Series: Clingman Park Winter Hike |
|
|
February 21, 3:00 - 4:30 p.m., 2155 US Hwy 50, Batavia, OH 45103 |
Join the Greenspace Alliance and the Clermont County Park District at their Clingman Park property for a winter hike through the woods! These hikes are the perfect opportunity to climb out of hibernation, connect with fellow Greenspace Alliance partners, and explore new spaces. We will meet in the Clingman Park parking lot, which is also the location of Clermont County Park’s Administrative Offices. |
| |
|
Please note, if you are using Apple Maps to guide you, you might be taken to Pattison Park or Stonelick Township Cemetery instead of the Park. We recommend either using Google Maps OR as you’re on Hwy 132 heading to Owensville, take a left on Benton Rd. and then a right on US 50. Clingman Park will be on your left after ~0.25 miles. |
|
|
Greenspace Alliance Is Sponsored By: |
|
|
Green Umbrella leads cross-sector collaboration to accelerate climate action across Greater Cincinnati. |
| |
|
|
