The recent floods in Greater Cincinnati neighborhoods have caused building damage, physical injuries, and the death of a community member. They cost money, time, life, and the sense of security that climate impacts won’t reach us here. 

Our region – seated in the Ohio River Basin, along the Ohio River Valley, with many rivers running through it – is naturally susceptible to flooding, which makes the issue an increasingly severe threat to the health of our communities. In 2024, we released a PSA campaign on local health impacts from climate change. Read more about what local flooding means for the health of our community here.

Madison Road bridge on July 21, 2026 | Photo by: Nick Swartsell, WVXU

Last year was truly transformational for Green Umbrella. We reached incredible milestones that once felt impossible, and we did it with the help of our incredible donors, partners, and supporters (like you!). Check out the full report here and read about what we achieved together in 2025.

Only three local governments in our region currently have a sustainability plan. As a region, we still have a long way to go to make our communities more resilient for the changing climate, as the recent floods in Cincinnati neighborhoods have unfortunately proved.

Green Umbrella’s Climate Action Fellowship program pairs undergraduate and graduate students, as well as individuals looking to pivot careers, with local governments to develop practical plans and solutions for a changing climate. The governments receive research support, added capacity, and assistance in sustainability planning, while Fellows gain invaluable public sector experience, networking opportunities, and professional development support.

On Wednesday, August 12, the 2026 Climate Action Fellows will present their work over the summer along with representatives from their local governments/organizations. Together, they will share how they started or advanced their climate action planning processes and projects, covering topics including climate budgeting and procurement, engaging communities, and tailored projects related to data and metrics, greenspace and green infrastructure, transportation, extreme weather, and more.

Register to attend the showcase! It's free and open to the public. Following the showcase, there will be a Green Drinks networking reception at Somerset Bar in OTR from 5:15-7:15 pm.

When it comes to bounty, the Ohio River Valley is an incredible place for farmer’s markets. They’re your weekly destination for local produce, fresh eggs, locally-processed meat, just-baked-this-morning bread, flower bouquets, and more. There are markets all over the region, so many that you can pick a market for any day of the week.

Besides being excellent sources of food and fellowship, markets directly support food producers in our region. Green Umbrella’s Food Policy Council is making a tour of local farmer’s markets in August and September, starting with the Hyde Park Farmer’s Market on Sunday, August 2. Join us then and throughout the rest of the summer at your local market!

The Common Orchard Project installs and maintains public micro-orchards around the region. The orchards are intended to add needed greenspace, provide free food for the neighborhood, and foster community. The nature of this work requires patience, and waiting for that first bountiful harvest can take years. So when we hear stories like this one from Travis, an orchard steward at the Frederick Douglass Elementary orchard, we have to share our joy.

“I went to check on the orchard tonight and found a number of peaches ready to be picked. I had grabbed about 20 or so when a woman from the apartment complex across the street came over to chat and ask about the orchard. Apparently a group of people on the street have seen us coming and going from the apartments for the last couple of months, wondering what we were up to … They were elated when I told them they could take some for free. Before I knew it, word had gotten around, and at least 8-10 people from the neighborhood had come over to the orchard, asking me more questions and seeing if they could get some peaches for themselves. Many of them specifically mentioned how much they loved fresh peaches, and could wait to eat/cook/bake them.”

Climate migration refers to people who move – by choice or immediate need – based on climate-related issues like sea level rise, flooding or drought, wildfire or hurricane risk, and more. The Tri-State region has a reputation as a “climate haven,” a place where climate change is predicted to be less destructive compared to other areas. As climate change continues to disrupt daily life throughout the country, leaders throughout the Tri-State are starting conversations about how to welcome and support residents new to the region while also improving life for existing residents.

The City of Cincinnati is collecting experiences from Greater Cincinnati region residents who moved here due to climate-related impacts to better understand their experiences, needs, and challenges. Did you move to Cincinnati due to flooding, hurricanes, extreme heat, drought, sea-level rise, or other climate-related impacts? Share your story and take this quick 5–10 minute survey. Your feedback will help the City better understand the needs and experiences of newcomers, inform efforts to create a more welcoming, inclusive, and resilient Greater Cincinnati region, and elevate these stories in a meaningful and impactful way.

Take this quick 5–10 minute survey.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Paddlefest, an annual celebration of recreation on the river with nearly two thousand paddlers in kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. In honor of this momentous anniversary, event organizer Adventure Crew has launched the Ohio River Queen Competition. The Queen will be chosen from the four “Tributary Princesses,” those who won competitions from July 15-24 to represent the Little Miami River, Mill Creek, Licking River, and Great Miami/Whitewater Rivers.

“We’re excited to launch this fun new aspect of Paddlefest for our 25th anniversary,” said Shauna Steigerwald, communications and events manager for Adventure Crew. “We hope it generates excitement for the event, but we also want to raise awareness about the wonderful waterways in our region and the great work that local nonprofits are doing to protect them.”

Ohio River Paddlefest has long been recognized as the nation’s largest paddling celebration and a Cincinnati tradition. But this year, the event is going even bigger: Organizers will attempt to set the Guinness World Records title for “Largest Paddle Craft Party” during this year’s event on Saturday, August 1.

Photo credit: Ohio River Paddlefest

July 23 - 6:30-8:30 PM

Join Green Umbrella and Roebling Books for an evening of queer community conversations focused on climate issues.

Meet, mix, and mingle while sampling wine with Voyager Beverage and talking about books, the environment, and your favorite books about the environment. 

We will have two special guests:

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Have an event to share? Green Umbrella members can submit events here. To learn more about the benefits of becoming a member, click here.

Be part of an amazing crew of 200+ volunteers who help make Ohio River Paddlefest, the nation’s largest paddling event, a success! There are opportunities to volunteer at the Outdoors for All Expo, the pre-party on Friday, July 31, and at Paddlefest on Saturday, August 1. Volunteers are especially needed for the Green Team, which helps work towards the zero waste goal by directing attendees to dispose of trash, recycling, and compost appropriately. Sign up for a volunteer shift here.

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Recycling & Sustainability at Rumpke is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, growth, compliance, and long-term sustainability initiatives of the company’s recycling and environmental services operations. This executive leads recycling operations, sustainability strategy, commodity management, regulatory compliance, innovation initiatives, and customer sustainability partnerships across the organization. Learn more about this position 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.