2021 Ohio River Foundation Restoration Highlights

In 2021 the Ohio River Foundation team continued to build out our education, restoration, and advocacy programs to fulfill our mission to protect and improve the ecology in the Ohio River watershed, a source of drinking water for more than 25 million people.

This year alone, ORF completed the largest habitat restoration project ever undertaken in Southwest Ohio, planted more than 10,000 trees, protected more than six miles of riverbank, and removed more than 75,000 invasive plants and trees. Additionally, the team continues to make great progress on our new restoration projects working with landowners to increase pollinator habitat and plant thousands of trees.

See below for more highlights from each of ORFs major restoration projects

• ORF protected a total of 10 acres from harmful invasives, with the help of volunteers. Including:
• 2 acres of previously treated area were monitored for non-native invasive species regrowth.
• 8 acres of additional park property were cleared of non-native invasive species.
• 32,000 invasive plants and trees were removed by ORF and volunteers.
• 100+ native trees, grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers were protected from soil degradation and overcrowding.
• ORF held 12 community volunteer events, attended by 75 volunteers logging 276 hours of volunteer participation.

• 10,000 native trees and shrubs were planted along three Ohio River tributaries: Little Miami River, Great Miami River, O’Bannon Creek.
• Three miles of riverbank were restored and protected from further erosion.
• Three miles of streamside habitat was created for birds, mammals, fish, and other aquatic species.
• ORF held six community volunteer events, attended by 62 volunteers logging 248 hours of volunteer participation.
• ORF completed the largest habitat restoration project ever undertaken in Southwest Ohio.