UNDER THE UMBRELLA - 25 Communities Edition |
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Out of over 180 local governments in Green Umbrella’s 10-county region, only 3 communities have climate action plans. We want to increase that number significantly in the coming year. And we have been building the resources to make that happen. |
The 25 Communities Project is designed to bring the resources, collaborative connections, and expertise of Green Umbrella to 25 historically disinvested communities, to help them get started on the local climate action journey. Here are some of the ways we’ve supported our existing members in the past year: |
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Training and Tools: In 2024, we developed trainings for members to advance their expertise in sustainability planning, including how to reduce and manage waste, decrease the climate impact of their food purchasing, develop new and protect existing greenspace, and take advantage of clean energy funding. |
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Multiplying Opportunities: Green Umbrella members have the opportunity to apply for the Climate Action Fellowship program, which pairs local governments with a Climate Action Fellow that helps develop practical plans and solutions for a changing climate.
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Making Grant & Funding Access Easier: We work with members to identify feasible funding opportunities, and strengthen their grant applications, increasing the chances that their applications will be accepted. In 2024, we worked with Last Mile Food Rescue for a Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) grant, helping them to secure over $640k in funding.
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Communities that are historically disinvested are more vulnerable to climate change impacts. The 25 Communities Project will help these communities access the resources, funding opportunities, and technical support they need to take action on their most pressing climate-related challenges. |
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We need your help. As a regular reader of Green News, we know you care about local environmental priorities. Join us as a donor this December to help us bring the 25 Communities Project to life. Through December 31, your gift will be doubled through a generous challenge match, up to $20,000. Follow the link here to support Green Umbrella’s 25 Communities Project.
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Western Wildlife Corridor Establishes New Preserve |
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Western Wildlife Corridor established the 19-acre Sisson Nature Preserve in Sayler Park on land formerly known as the Pessler farm. Named after long-time volunteer Tim Sisson, it connects two existing preserves and features diverse wildlife and plant species. The land was protected with support from a Clean Ohio Grant and community fundraising. Western Wildlife Corridor aims to create a continuous wildlife corridor from downtown Cincinnati to the Ohio-Indiana border.
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513 Green Certification Program Expanding |
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Hamilton County Recycling R3source's 513 Green Certification program is expanding to include restaurants and retail establishments. Launched in 2019, the free program recognizes organizations practicing environmentally responsible behaviors, with metrics focusing on waste diversion, energy and water conservation, and employee engagement. 49 organizations in the county have been 513 Green certified so far. Pilot applications for restaurants and retail businesses are underway, with official applications launching next year.
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Red Bike Works Toward Longer Deal |
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In March of 2024, Red Bike’s board voted to shut down permanently after losing a major sponsor, but the community rallied to raise funding to keep the nonprofit going. Red Bike has funding to operate until April 2025, but it needs new commitments from public partners for long-term sustainability. A new funding plan includes potential contributions from local governments and corporate sponsors or tourist partnerships.
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One of Ohio's Largest Seed Nurseries to Get $11M Upgrade |
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The Shaker Trace Nursery in Miami Whitewater Forest, one of Ohio's largest native seed nurseries, is undergoing an $11 million restoration by Great Parks. The upgrades include a modern greenhouse, a seed processing and storage building, and renovations to a historic barn for educational programming and events. Designed by architecture firm Emersion Design and to be built by Pepper Construction (both Green Umbrella members), the project will be a net-zero energy site powered by solar panels and is set to be completed by fall 2025.
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For the 7th year in a row, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has been named the best zoo to see holiday lights in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Poll. The Festival of Lights features over 5 million LED lights, rides on the “Polar Express” train, the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, a gingerbread village, and more. The Festival of Lights is open now through January 5, 2025, and closed on December 24 & 25.
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Click here for the full Events Calendar. Members can submit events in the Green Umbrella online portal here. |
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Oxbow, Inc., a wildlife sanctuary and nonprofit land trust located in SE Indiana, is seeking an Executive Director to develop a strategic plan for achieving the mission and vision of the organization, as well as to build and maintain a healthy rapport with community leaders, governmental agencies, funders, and community members. A position description and information on how to apply can be found here.
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Have an event, volunteer opportunity, or job posting to share? Green Umbrella members can submit them via the online Membership Portal. To learn more about the benefits of becoming a member, click here.
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Green Umbrella leads cross-sector collaboration to accelerate climate action across Greater Cincinnati. |
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