Once again, I find myself back in one of my favorite times of year, basking in the golden, dappled rays of early evening light as they flit down through the trees above. I often stand with my arms outstretched, like a summer flower reaching towards the sky, as I soak in these last rays of light before the clouds turn grey for the winter. These moments of peace present themselves as opportunities for pause, allowing me to fully embrace the present while inhaling the crisp and earthy scent of autumn.

Moments like this are not only important for individuals but also for collaboratives like the Greenspace Alliance. We are creating our own moment to come together and connect at the Greenspace Alliance’s Pause & Reflect Meeting on October 27 (more information below). I hope to see you there!

To me, this past year’s restructuring to create Working Groups within the Alliance was similar to the clearing of brush from a wily and overgrown woodland: it allowed us to get a lay of the land. Now that we have cleared debris and focused our efforts, we have a better understanding of where to realign our work next!

I look forward to this time of connection as we close out this year at the meeting on October 27, and I am excited to further cultivate our collective efforts in the coming year.

Cheers,

Claire Carlson

Greenspace Alliance Manager

Monday, October 27 from 1:00-3:00 pm

Kenton County Library, Latonia Branch

3911 Winston Ave | Covington, KY 41015

In June, the Greenspace Alliance switched to a quarterly meeting structure to maximize meaningful time together. This next meeting will be held on Monday, October 27, from 1:00-3:00 pm, with an optional luncheon from 12:30-1:00 pm, at the Latonia Branch of the Kenton County Library.

The meeting will be divided into two parts: a General Meeting and Working Group Meeting. The General Meeting will include a discussion on how we’d like to engage with local governments in 2026 and a “Year in Review” to reflect on our work in 2025. The Working Group Meeting will work on Working Group-specific initiatives and how we plan to proceed in the coming year.

This meeting is an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and “clear the path” for the Alliance as we head into 2026.

Celebrate their 40th Anniversary!

Thursday, November 13 from 6:00-9:00 pm

Whiskey City's Liberty Theater

229 Walnut Street | Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Oxbow Land Conservancy is celebrating its 40th anniversary this fall! For the past four decades, Oxbow has been a pillar of conservation in Southeast Indiana, protecting more than 1,600 contiguous acres along the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg. Each year, thousands of migratory birds and butterflies find sanctuary in this special place.

Join Oxbow for their 40th Anniversary dinner on Thursday, November 13, from 6:00-9:00 pm at Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The Celebration Dinner will include a dinner buffet, silent auction, guest speakers, and more! Please RSVP no later than October 30th. Dinner tickets are $30/person and include all of the food and festivities.

Over the past few months, the Alliance has been represented at four comprehensive planning meetings in the region (two in Dearborn County, Indiana, one with a planning commissioner from Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and one in Madisonville, Ohio). Additionally, Claire was asked to be a part of the comprehensive planning steering committee in Aurora, Indiana.

The Oxbow partners reconvened in September after receiving feedback on our application to the Landscape Scale Restoration Program. We began planning how to move forward with riparian restoration work sans funding. Additionally, efforts are being made to develop a grant database featuring potential regional projects so the Alliance is prepared to apply promptly for future funding opportunities.

Saturday, November 1 from 10:00 am-12:30 pm

4533 Glenway Ave | Cincinnati, OH 45205

Join the Common Orchard Project in creating a new public orchard in Price Hill! Activities include planting 10-15 trees and laying down black plastic to remove the grass. All tools and gloves will be provided. Bring a water bottle and wear appropriate outdoor clothing to dig holes and plant trees. Locally grown fruit and other snacks are provided. Register to volunteer here.

October 24, 3:00-4:00 pm 

Oxbow Nature Conservancy

17160-17278 Reardon Dr | Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

In honor of Oxbow’s 40th Anniversary, we are collaborating on the Greenspace Alliance's FIRST Indiana-based Meet A Greenspace Hike! The hike will take place on predominantly flat, unpaved trails and cover roughly 1-1.5 miles. It will be a beautiful opportunity to celebrate Oxbow during this momentous time! RSVP here to join!

Reply to this email to reach Claire, or for questions regarding membership, visit here or email membership@greenumbrella.org