A message from the Greenspace Alliance Manager: |
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As the spring rains dissipated and the summer heat steadily overtook the Ohio River Valley, I continued my forays into the woods. Dedicating the time to meander through the woodlands helps me to reconnect with my passion for conservation and the natural environment. In doing so, I was gifted with the opportunity to witness the slow metamorphosis of the woodland canopy and floor, as trees and plants transformed from small, brightly colored buds to canopies overflowing with dark green leaves.
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In a way, the Greenspace Alliance is in a similar transition period. We are closing in on one year with a Manager at the helm and a new excitement for the work yet to come. |
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Learn more about where the Greenspace Alliance is heading and what we’ve been up to below! |
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| Cheers, Claire Carlson Greenspace Alliance Manager |
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Protecting greenspace can come in many forms, but long-term planning is critical to all conservation and restoration initiatives. One of the ways to accomplish this is to utilize local Comprehensive Plans and Zoning Codes.
Greater Cincinnati has many tools to help communities understand and access these resources. At our June Meeting, OKI-Regional Council of Governments Senior Planner, Andy Meyer, emphasized the importance of cultivating relationships with local governments, in addition to sharing our knowledge and expertise on conservation practices with them. |
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It is now our priority as an Alliance to build on this momentum and answer: “How can we support the inclusion and prioritization of greenspace protection in long-term plans?” We began this discussion, with specific attention given to Comprehensive Plans and Zoning Codes, at our July meeting, and I look forward to continuing the conversation with Alliance members in August in preparation for our strategic meeting in September.
As a reminder, our virtual August meeting is on Monday, August 26th, and our September meeting is in-person at Green Umbrella’s office on Monday, September 23. Our September meeting will establish our long-term vision for increased land protection through the promotion and use of the Regional Prioritization Plan. More information will be provided to members in the coming weeks! |
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Led by Covington resident, Stan Nassano, June’s Meet a Greenspace hike was held at the Licking River Greenway. This underrated greenspace features paved and gravel paths that wind through wooded areas and neighborhoods. Thanks to all who attended!
Learn more about the Greenway here. |
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Upcoming Meet a Greenspace Hikes: |
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Establishment of the Earl and Hazel Jones Center for Conservation |
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| 92 acres of habitat along Gunpowder Creek will now be conserved thanks to Boone County Conservation District (BCCDKY). The property was acquired by the district early this year and features woodlands, a one-mile section of stream, pollinator habitat, and many species of sensitive plants and wildlife. Other prominent features include the ruins of the historic Crisler-Gully Mill site which was built in 1817. BCCDKY intends to use the site as a space for education and collaboration. |
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While their site is not open to the public at this time, it will be open those who join in on our next Meet a Greenspace Hike on August 16th from 3-4:30 p.m.! On this hike, we will view the mill ruins, meander through 1.5 miles of trail, and hang out by the creek. Hope to see you there!
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Northern Kentucky 2024 Tree Week |
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The Northern Kentucky Urban & Community Forestry Council is looking for tree-themed activities for community members to participate in during their 2024 Tree Week (October 11-20). No idea is too big or small for tree week, and you do not have to be a tree expert to host an event. Maybe you’re an artist and would like to host a tree-themed plein-air? Or a librarian who knows all the best tree books and crafts? Maybe you feel called to host a tree tour, tree poem night, or tree planting.
The possibilities are endless! If you’re in Boone, Campbell, or Kenton counties and you’re interested in hosting a tree-themed event, you can register it on the Tree Week website. |
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5th Annual Trash-A-Thon FUNDraiser Kickoff, Millcreek Alliance |
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Join Mill Creek Alliance and Mill Creek Yacht Club for the 5th Annual Trash-a-Thon FUNDraiser. The Trash-a-Thon kicks off on September 1, but volunteers will be picking up trash throughout September and October everywhere and anywhere in or along the Mill Creek and its tributaries to raise money for Mill Creek Alliance!
Register here to participate, and donations will fund Mill Creek Alliance restoration, education, and recreation programs. |
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August 15 - Southwest Ohio Regenerative Grazing Field Day, August 27 - Cover Crop Field Day, September 28 - Pollinator Fest, Butler Soil and Water Conservation District
August 17 - Work Party at Brush Fork Nature Preserve, Banklick Watershed Council
August 17 - Urban Stream Adventure, Mill Creek Alliance
August 23 - Birding Hike: Early Fall Migrant Shorebirds and Waders, Oxbow Nature Conservancy
August 24 - Maintain the Terrain: Doe Run Lake Cleanup, Kenton County Parks
September 5 - Open House, Clermont County Park District
September 13 - Meet a Greenspace Hike: Downtown Stairs Walk, Greenspace Alliance
September 21 - Run the Riffles, Mill Creek Alliance
September 21, October 5 - Invasive Plant Removal - Parker Woods, October 27 - Fall Woodland Walk, Northside Greenspace October 19 - Annual Upper Mill Creek Cleanup, Mill Creek Alliance |
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Green Umbrella leads cross-sector
collaboration to accelerate climate action across Greater Cincinnati. |
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