Kick off the year with us at our first Green Drinks of 2026 on March 12 at West Sixth Covington Haus! This climate-focused happy hour is all about connection - bringing together members of our newest cohorts, including Food Policy Council members, Climate Action Fellows, Climate Research Incubator scholars, and neighborhood Climate Advisory Group members. Whether you’re new to the Green Umbrella community or a longtime partner, this is the perfect chance to exchange ideas and strengthen the regional climate network.

And bonus: West Sixth Covington Haus will donate $0.50 per beer purchased during the event to Green Umbrella!

Conservation professionals, government representatives, and community partners interested in advancing the health of our watershed are invited to join Green Umbrella’s Greenspace Alliance for a dynamic, one-day workshop on March 31, co-hosted by American Rivers. Together, we’ll explore how collaboration can remove roadblocks, unlock funding, and move water projects from vision to action. 

Participants will network, share challenges, problem-solve in real time, and take part in hands-on activities—including an interactive dam removal exercise. Organizations interested in improving water quality, reducing flood risk, and building resilient communities are encouraged to apply. Learn more here.

We are thrilled to announce the newest members of our Food Policy Council! Their passion, expertise, and dedication will help us drive meaningful change in our region. Together, they bring fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to advancing a resilient local food system. Get to know more about our new and returning Food Policy Council Members through our recent blog.

Mark your calendar for the first-ever Cincinnati Climate Week - June 8 to 14! In partnership with the Climate Week Network, Cincinnati Climate Week invites organizations throughout our region to host events that spotlight local solutions, share expertise, and inspire a more resilient future.

Interested in hosting a virtual or in-person event? Event submissions open in two weeks — now’s the time to start planning.

Featured Cincinnati Climate Week events:

June 12: Midwest Sustainability Summit
Our 13th annual Summit anchors the week. Register by March 15 to save $40 (Green Umbrella members save an additional $40). Art show and poster session submissions are open through March.

June 13: Green & Healthy Schools Symposium
Join educators, students, and community leaders for practical strategies inspired by the Green & Healthy Schools Guide. Early-bird registration now available.

The EPA used the Endangerment Finding to set regulations under the Clean Air Act limiting emissions from motor vehicles, power plants, and other pollution sources - and it was repealed on February 12. Green Umbrella interim director Van Sullivan spoke to WVXU about how this impacts our region. “As a region with relatively already poor air quality, reduced regulation of emissions will lead to more asthma crises,” Sullivan said. “We've seen this in creating higher emergency service demands.” Read the full article here.

Do you have an existing compost site or space for a new one? Hamilton County ReSource has issued a Request for Interest (RFI) to identify partners that can expand existing composting capacity or build new composting capacity in the region. Partners should have at least 6 acres of land that could host a food scrap composting facility, or operate an existing composting facility with potential for expansion. All sites should be within 50 miles of the center of Hamilton County. Learn more here.

In May 2025, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that a climate impact lawsuit filed by city and county officials in Boulder against two of the state’s largest oil companies, Suncor Energy and ExxonMobil, could move forward. The U.S. Supreme Court has announced it will hear the fossil fuel companies’ appeal of that decision. “Boulder is already experiencing the effects of a rapidly warming climate, and the financial burden of adaptation should not fall solely on local taxpayers,” said Aaron Brockett, Mayor of Boulder, Colorado, in a statement. “We are hopeful that the 

Supreme Court will not hamstring our right under Colorado law to seek the resources needed to build a safer, more resilient future.”

Dozens of other American cities, states, and tribal lands have filed similar lawsuits. This ruling will set a very impactful precedent in courts across the country.

March 21 from 1:00 - 3:30 PM

Join us at Camp Washington Perennial Farm for a hands-on workshop in grafting fruit trees. Participants will receive instruction in the different techniques for grafting Apple and Pear fruit trees from Chris Smyth, Common Orchard Project Director. The rootstock, scion wood, and tools needed to graft your own fruit trees will be provided, but feel free to bring your own grafting knife. Participants will leave with several newly grafted fruit trees to plant at home or in community gardens.

Proceeds from the workshop will benefit the Common Orchard Project’s ongoing effort to plant public fruit trees throughout Cincinnati and the surrounding region.

Click here for the full Events Calendar. Members can submit events in the Green Umbrella online portal here.

March 21 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Whether you’re a long-time supporter of the Common Orchard Project or brand new to our work, this is a great opportunity to connect with others in the community while helping care for and grow one of our shared orchard spaces.

We host volunteer days on the third Saturday of each month to support ongoing orchard and site development. Volunteers may help with seasonal tasks such as composting, planting, nursery work, and general site care. No prior experience is needed; everyone is welcome.

This is a hands-on, community-focused workday where you can learn more about the orchard and how the site is cared for while contributing to its long-term health.

The Ohio Environmental Council seeks a Southwest Ohio Regional Director to join our Field Advocacy Team. This role will focus on maintaining and growing environmentally centered programs and policies to ensure the region continues to advance towards a sustainable and equitable future. The role will also support policy advocacy efforts conducted by the OEC’s affiliated 501(c)(4) organization, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund. Learn more and apply here!

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.