Resources
Local to Cincinnati AND NORTHERN KENTUCKY
Below are resources both local and national that support education and action related to ecological landscaping, food production and land conservation/stewardship.
These organizations are helping rebuild our sense of place, ecological literacy and our local food systems.
EDUCATION
Cincinnati Wild Ones - promotes environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration and establishment of native plant communities. Wild Ones is a not-for-profit environmental education and advocacy organization.
Cincinnati Zoo -The mission and vision of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is dedicated to creating adventure, conveying knowledge, conserving nature, and serving the community. The zoo offers a great selection of classes for the home landscaper. Its botanical gardens are full of innovative planting palettes that could be brought into your own yard.
The Civic Garden Center of Cincinnati - The Civic Garden Center (CGC) is a non-profit horticultural resource whose mission is building community through gardening, education and environmental stewardship. They have great actionable classes throughout the year from professionals around the city. I get to teach classes here from time to time and always have a great time with an engaged audience ready to learn.
Gorman Heritage Farm - Gorman Heritage Farm is a 122-acre working farm and outdoor education center, which invites its visitors to explore and learn the history, methods and values of a working family farm in a natural setting. I spent four years working at Gorman as an Americorp Public Ally and as the market garden manager. It is a beautiful slice of land among suburbia.
Greenacres - Greenacres Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation established in 1988 by Louis and Louise Nippert. The Nipperts purchased Greenacres Farm in 1949 and wanted to preserve the land for the education and enjoyment of future generations.
Green Umbrella - Green Umbrella brings together businesses, nonprofits, governments, educational institutions and individuals to help Greater Cincinnati reach a lofty goal: To have the region recognized as one of the top 10 most sustainable metro areas in the nation by 2020.
Hamilton County Soil and Water - The Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District is a legal subdivision of the State of Ohio responsible for the conservation of natural resources within Hamilton County, Ohio. We have a special emphasis on soil and water with a focus on assisting landowners in planning and applying conservation practices on the land. A great resource for soil tests for your yard.
Midwest Native Plant Society - Their mission is to promote awareness of the importance of native plants and the wildlife that depend on them, within biologically diverse ecosystems and in our own home landscapes. They have a great annual conference and plant sale every year in July.
Tenth Acre Farm - Tenth Acre Farm is a suburban homestead on one tenth of an acre in Cincinnati, Ohio. Online it’s a top notch repository of actionable tips and education focused on using your yard in a ecological and productive manner. I know Amy and really enjoy reading her detailed blog posts on being a change agent in suburbia.
Turner Farm - Turner Farm operations promote connections between people of all ages and the land that feeds them, in body, mind and spirit. Through education and example, we nurture understanding of the rhythms of nature, and our place in the natural world, fostering recognition of personal responsibility for stewardship of the land and development of a nurturing community.
NURSERIES
Keystone Flora - A local nursery that focuses on native plants that thrive in the tristate area around Cincinnati, Ohio. They have a passionate staff and hard to find natives.
CONSERVATION
Campbell Conservancy - The purpose of the Campbell Conservancy, founded in 2001 as a non-profit corporation, is to work with local landowners to protect and conserve land with special natural, agricultural or scenic value for the benefit of current and future generations. Southern Campbell County is a rural landscape with historical and cultural significance located within 30 min of downtown Cincinnati. This organization is working diligently to ensure it does not become urban sprawl.
Hillside Trust - The Hillside Trust educates homeowners and businesses with hillside issues, consults with various municipalities and government planning commissions on land use regulations that pertain to hillside development and preservation and they also engage in land conservation on behalf of private land owners who want to see their land preserved and protected for present and future generations to enjoy. Our hillsides provide beautiful views and are in constant danger of being developed. The hillside trust is helping preserve the beauty and ecology of the Ohio Valley.
Cardinal Land Conservancy - Cardinal Land Conservancy is a land conservancy in southwest Ohio who's mission is to preserve natural habitats, waterways, agricultural lands, and open space in Southwest Ohio.
LOCAL FOODSHED ORGANIZATIONS
Edible Ohio Valley - is a quarterly magazine about the people that grow, raise, and produce food close to home. Find copies at local supporters in and around Cincinnati and Dayton Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southwest Indiana. The composition and storytelling of this magazine is top notch.
OEFFA - The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association was founded in 1979 and is a grassroots coalition of farmers, backyard gardeners, consumers, retailers, educators, researchers, and others who share a desire to build a healthy food system that brings prosperity to family farmers, meets the growing consumer demand for local food, creates economic opportunities for our rural communities, and safeguards the environment.
Southwest Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association - SWOEFFA is the Southwest chapter of the Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association (OEFFA), which works to promote sustainable, local, and organic agriculture that builds safe and healthy food systems, and preserves Ohio’s natural environment.
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) Organic Land Care (OLC) branch - This organization has been at the forefront of bringing organic practices to our landscapes. Our Land Organics is accredited through this organization.
Ecological Landscape Alliance - (ELA) - Advocating for responsible stewardship of land and natural resources in landscaping and horticultural practices. This is an umbrella organization for many forward thinking land professionals and we just so happen to be a member of it as well ;-).