The Sonder Brewing team after a day of invasive species removal
Additional corporate volunteer spots are available to aid in greater Cincinnati area parks habitat restoration
This year Ohio River Foundation (ORF) has been able to expand its habitat restoration work thanks to $100,000 in funding for its Invasive Species Removal Strike Force (ISRSF) activities in Greater Cincinnati. This program allows ORF to partner with additional volunteer groups and expand its service area to protect additional public spaces.
Funding for this program is provided in part by The Duke Energy Foundation, L.L. Nippert Charitable Foundation, and The H.B., E.W., and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee.
The ORF restoration team is partnering with corporate volunteers from all over Greater Cincinnati and has additional volunteering opportunities available. Volunteers will participate in hands-on restoration work to remove invasive plant species and, in some cases, plant native trees in removal areas. Additionally, participants are able to learn more about native and invasive plant identification and the importance of native plants in reestablishing the biodiversity that results in healthier ecosystems – including cleaner waterways.
The ISRSF combats invasive species on public lands in the 22-county area around Greater Cincinnati that makes up the focus region of the Ohio River Valley Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area coalition (ORV CISMA). ORF is the coordinator of the coalition that is made up of several organizations and local, state, and federal agencies.
“We’ve removed thousands of invasive plants from hundreds of acres of park lands, and we’re thrilled to be able to grow this program to improve even more public spaces while involving and educating more volunteers,” said Jessica Rice, ORF restoration program manager. “Removing invasives species and replacing them with natives is one of the most impactful ways to improve water quality. Native plant species act as important buffers for our waterways slowing water down, reducing erosion, sedimentation and flash floods, and trapping and absorbing harmful pollutants and nutrients.”
Ohio River Foundation has ongoing invasive species removal projects at several partner parks throughout Greater Cincinnati and is still signing up corporate partners for employee volunteer days. To reserve a spot for your company in 2024, contact Sara Brandts, ORF Volunteer Manager at sarabrandts@ohioriverfdn.org.