Loveland, Ohio – The Cardinal Land Conservancy staff at their future headquarters in Loveland, is in need of volunteer help clearing debris from two buildings. The work itself will involve clearing broken glass from carpet before cutting up the carpet to be removed and discarded. We will have tools, transportive machinery, and a dumpster on site.
“We recommend that volunteers bring heavy gloves and wear appropriate foot ware. If you have questions, you can direct them to Facilities Manager, Pat Hill via email or phone (513)535-3729″
Loveland, Ohio – For over 80 years The Grail has been active in Ohio and across the US. In that time, they have enjoyed partnerships and collaborations, supported activities, and shared resources and goals with MANY community-based and nonprofit organizations as well as local businesses.
YOU are invited to join the party as they celebrate these friendships forged through mutual respect and shared missions.
This will be a festival-style event with live music, Blossim Donuts food truck, and 20+ of our Friends will be there sharing their story—and what they do to make our world a little better.
These Friends represent the five key areas of The Grail: women, social justice, environment, faith, & art.
Loveland, Ohio – Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 26th, and Sunday, October 27th, for the HOPE Celebration weekend at Grailville. The women of The Grail, including Beth Murphy and Elizabeth Robinson would love to see you there. The remarkable Trina Paulus, author and artist of Hope For The Flowers, and a member of The Grail will also be there, ready to meet you.
There will be many diverting things to do and see at the HOPE Celebration. Enjoy Live Jazz, folk dancing, Morning and Evening prayers, and even getting your copy of Hope For The Flowers signed by Trina Paulus. There will also be other fabulous activities at the celebration like walking and seeing the scenery of Grailville in the fall and looking at the oratory inspired by Hope For The Flowers.
On the 26th, and 27th of October, the Celebration Weekend at Grailville will begin at 10 AM, at 931 O’Bannonville RD, Loveland, Ohio 45140. You can also come in any day during the week before the HOPE Celebration between 10 AM and 3 PM to see the oratory.
Exhibit also open weekdays until the HOPE Celebration Weekend. Stop in at the Grail office, small house, blue trim by the Oratory. They will be happy to let you view the Exhibit
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Hope for the Flowers” is Trina Paulus’ world famous story and book about Stripe and Yellow, two caterpillars who have traveled into well over 4 million hearts around the world. These Little caterpillars cross boundaries of culture, language, religion, age, with their challenge and hope that a loving world is possible.By risking the butterfly, we can fly and carry the love of one flower to another and discover the sweet nectar of every flower we are privileged to meet.”
HOPE Celebration WeekendEvents:All events Free and Open to the Public
• Grailville Oratory: Interfaith Morning Prayer Saturday and Sunday at 10AM
Interfaith Evening Prayer 6PM Saturday and 5:30 PM Sunday.• Grailville Oratory: Dynamic Exhibit of 36 large Panels of artwork telling the story of Hope For The Flowers.
• Exhibit opens each day 10AM with Morning prayer and closes after Evening Pray Saturday and Sunday
• Trina will be at the Oratory during Exhibit hours, each day to visit, greet, and sign books.
• Exhibit Presentation by Trina 3PM Saturday and Sunday
• Grailville Oratory All Weekend: HOPE Butterflies Aloft Installation
• Saturday, Oratory: Live Jazz by JC Heisler and Sons and Songs of Hope by Ellen Mershon
• Saturday, Oratory Yard 4-5:45 PM: For the young and young at heart: Community Folk Dancing with caller and Crafts.
• All Weekend: Enjoy being at Grailville, The HOPE for the Flowers Exhibit, meeting Author and artist Trina Paulus, The Butterflies Aloft Installation in our magnificent, renowned Oratory, beautiful Walking Trails and the splendor of Autumn at Grailville.
There was insufficient evidence to meet the standards for recommending criminal charges
(Read the District’s public response at the end of this story)
Loveland, Ohio – The Special Investigations Unit of the Ohio Auditor of State has released the results of a criminal investigation and special audit of the Loveland City School District based on “improper spending of public funds”. The investigation began in March 2020, after receiving complaints from a District resident. It was alleged that the District used operating funds in support of a levy campaign. After reviewing information from interviews and preliminary examination of records, a special audit was undertaken by the Auditor.
Background:
Dr. Amy Crouse was Superintendent during this time and Kevin Hawley was the Treasurer. The Board President was Art Jarvis; also on the Board at the time was Eileen Washburn, Ned Portune, Michele Pettit, and Dr. Kathryn Lorenz.
The District engaged in two one-year contracts with Allerton Hill Consulting (AHC), dated March 20, 2018 and March 19, 2019, to “assist with its communication needs and provide a strategic communication marketing and outreach plan”.
The first contract, costing $73,000, included an agreement that AHC would conduct a “satisfaction” survey using a third-party pollster. A second contract cost $60,000 as it did not include an agreement that AHC would conduct a survey.
The District summarily canceled the second contract on November 22, 2019. Among the objectives contained within each of these contracts, was a goal to “offer high-quality, long-term, strategic communications, marketing and outreach plan so the District is successful in future public initiatives”.
“This intimates services provided to aid the passage of a tax levy”, according to the Auditor’s report.
While there was no levy issue during the first contract period, the District did seek to pass ballot initiatives in both November 2019 and March 2020.
The 2019 ballot initiative was to pursue a 16.78-mill combined operating and permanent improvement/bond levy including buying approximately 110-acres of land – part of a property known as Grailville. Proposed was a new campus at Grailville for all Pre-K through fifth-grade students and other District wide facility improvements.
Pursuant to the initial AHC Contract, Fallon Research & Communications, Inc. (Fallon) was hired to conduct a survey in May 2018 of 303 randomly selected residents of the District. This contract cost $13,000 and was inadvertently paid twice by the District: once as part of the AHC contract and a second time directly to Fallon, resulting in a double-payment.
Additionally, the District subsequently hired Fallon to conduct a survey in March 2019 of 301 registered voters at a cost of $15,000. The first survey contained two general questions regarding how the District spends funds received from tax payers, while the second survey contained three questions that appeared to the investigators “partially designed to aid in the passage of a levy”. These questions provided different funding scenarios with detailed millage options to gauge the likelihood of community support if placed on the ballot.
Findings
Based on the special audit procedures and investigation, the Auditor of State confirmed noncompliance as well as a double-payment of survey costs by the District.
The audit report said, “We issued $13,000 in a finding for recovery for illegally spent funds as well as a management recommendation related to noncompliance regarding contracts partially advocating for the passage of a levy”
The full details of the finding for recovery and management recommendation are located in the Appendix below.
Prosecution
At the conclusion of the special audit and investigation, the special audit results were reviewed by an Auditor of State attorney, who determined there was insufficient evidence to meet the standards for recommending criminal charges.
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Loveland City School District’s public response
Joint Statement regarding Ohio Auditor of State finding
“Loveland City School District fully cooperated with the Auditor of State’s office and appreciates their work to ensure accuracy in financial reporting and district processes. The investigation relates to actions taken nearly six years ago under previous district leadership,” Loveland City School District Board of Education President Jonathan Eilert stated.
“The current board and administration have reviewed and discussed the statutory requirements surrounding levies to mitigate future issues. I appreciate the Auditor of State resolving this matter with no penalties towards the district or the previous leadership,” Superintendent Mike Broadwater said.
“The payment in question was resolved, to the district’s benefit, nearly three years ago. The district has put into place processes and software to protect against errant payments and remains committed to fiscal responsibility,” Treasurer John Espy said.
Loveland, Ohio – After several unanimous votes, the Loveland City School District Board of Education made decisions to acquire 15.76 acres of land on US-48 near Founders Drive from the Cardinal Land Conservancy. The purchase price is approximately $1.5 million. This is land the Conservancy recently purchased from the Grail. ([EXCLUSIVE FIRST RELEASE] Grailville land acquisition grant awarded to Cardinal Land Conservancy)
In a news release issued by the District, Board President Jonathan Eilert said, “This property is a strategic investment in the future of the Loveland City School District. We feel the property will continue to grow in value, support the development of the Conservancy for the entire Loveland community, and provide unique opportunities for outdoor education for our students.”
In the same release, Andy Dickerson, Executive Director of Cardinal Land Conservancy is quoted as saying, “The sale of this property will provide the revenue needed for the Cardinal Land Conservancy to restore several buildings on the site for public and private use and open the property as a public nature preserve. We envision walking paths, learning gardens, and future partnerships with mental health service providers that will be great resources for local families and nature lovers. We have a proven track record of partnering with school districts on environmental education programs, and we believe this sale will be a win-win for the Conservancy, the school district, and the community.”
According to the District, “The property purchase will not impact the district’s operating budget and will not impact the property tax bills of Loveland City School District residents. The property will be purchased using financing that is supported by the district’s Permanent Improvement fund, which is earmarked specifically for ongoing improvement projects. Operating funds will not be used for the purchase. There will be no impact on funding for student-focused needs like staffing or classroom programming. The district will not be asking for any additional taxpayer funds for this purchase.”
The property will be purchased using “financing” and one vote that the Board made was to seek proposals for the lowest interest rate possible.
The District also said, “This property helps secure the future of Loveland City Schools. Purchasing it will allow us to begin a long, thoughtful conversation with our community about district facilities. Any building project would require public support through a ballot initiative.”
The Permanent Improvement tax is a continuing levy and has no expiration date.
View the Board meetings where the decisions were made.
March 5 Work Session
Discussion starts. (4:40 minute mark)
March 19 Business Meeting
Two residents speak to support the purchase (2:11 minute mark)
Superintendent speaks about and endorses the property purchase. (27:30 minute mark)
Treasure discusses the Permanent Improvement Fund and debt service of the land acquisition. (1:07:42)
Board goes into Executive Session with Andy Dickerson, Executive Director of Cardinal Land Conservancy to consider the purchase of the property (1:13:40)
Board comes out of Executive Session and votes on the purchase of the Conservancy land and financing the purchase. (2:13:10)
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CONDITIONAL ACQUISITION AND PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE PURSUANT TO A PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
WHEREAS, this Board of Education (the “Board of Education”) of the Loveland City School District (the “District”) has identified an opportunity to purchase approximately 16-acres of real estate located on O’Bannonville Road currently owned by Cardinal Land Conservancy Inc. (the “Property”), which real estate, upon acquisition, is intended to be used for public educational purposes;
WHEREAS, this Board of Education is hereby authorized to negotiate and to execute an agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the seller of the Property, which agreement shall set forth the terms and conditions of the purchase and sale of the Property subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, including, without limitation, due diligence matters and the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent within the Purchase Agreement such as inspections, title matters, a satisfactory survey and appraisal, and obtaining financing enabling the District to purchase the Property (collectively, the “Conditions”);
WHEREAS, this Board of Education desires to proceed with the negotiation, and/or execution of the Purchase Agreement, and to undertake actions necessary to do so;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, Counties of Hamilton, Clermont and Warren, Ohio, that:
1. This Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent, the Treasurer, and the Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds, or their authorized designees (collectively, the “Authorized Representatives”), individually, or in any combination, to conduct reasonable due diligence with respect to the Property, to take reasonable actions in satisfaction of the Conditions and to negotiate the terms of a Purchase Agreement for the acquisition of the Property. In addition, the President of this Board of Education and/or any of the Authorized Representatives, individually or in any combination, are hereby authorized to execute the Purchase Agreement, either (a) upon satisfaction of the Conditions in anticipation of the execution of the Purchase Agreement or (b) as a prerequisite to conducting due diligence on the Property, providing the District with the ability to satisfy the Conditions in conjunction with the sale of the Property.
2. In conjunction with the execution of the Purchase Agreement, this Board of Education hereby approves the appropriation of the necessary funds in order to undertake commercially reasonable due diligence efforts to purchase the Property and related efforts in satisfaction of the Conditions. Upon execution of the Purchase Agreement and securing the acceptable financing for the acquisition of the Property, this Board of Education hereby authorizes the appropriation of the necessary funds for the purchase of the Property as provided for in the Purchase Agreement.
3. It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board of Education concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board of Education, and that all deliberations of this Board of Education and of any of its committees that resulted in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
4. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and immediately upon its adoption.
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RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT TO OBTAIN FINANCING FOR THE ACQUISITION AND PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AND AUTHORIZING OTHER MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
WHEREAS, this Board of Education (the “Board of Education”) of the Loveland City School District (the “District”) has identified an opportunity to purchase approximately 16-acres of real estate located on O’Bannonville Road currently owned by Cardinal Land Conservancy Inc. (the “Property”), which real estate, upon acquisition, is intended to be used for public educational purposes;
WHEREAS, this Board of Education has entered into an agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the seller of the Property, which agreement sets forth the terms and conditions of the purchase and sale of the Property subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, including, without limitation, obtaining financing that is satisfactory to the District (the “Financing Condition”);
WHEREAS, this Board of Education desires to proceed with satisfying the Financing Condition set forth in the Purchase Agreement, and to undertake actions necessary to do so;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, Counties of Hamilton, Clermont and Warren, Ohio, that:
1. This Board of Education hereby authorizes the Treasurer to take reasonable actions necessary to satisfy the Financing Condition and to secure financing for the payment of the acquisition of the Property, including, without limitation, the preparation and effectuation of requests for financing proposals, the negotiation of financing terms with an underwriter or solicitation agent, and to undertake other reasonable actions in connection with privately placed or publically offered bonds, notes, lease-purchase obligations, certificates of participation and/or other securities or obligations deemed most efficient and beneficial to the District. The Treasurer is further authorized to consult with the District’s municipal advisor and bond counsel in reviewing, analyzing and/or making determinations with respect to the structure, timing and terms of a proposed financing for the acquisition of the Property.
2. It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board of Education concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board of Education, and that all deliberations of this Board of Education and of any of its committees that resulted in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.
3. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and immediately upon its adoption.
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
Cardinal Land Conservancy Secures Future of Historic Grailville Site
Threat of development leads to protection in perpetuity
by David Miller
Loveland/Miami Township, Ohio – In sending a press release with this good news for the Loveland and Miami Township residents who worked so tirelessly preserving 89 acres of land at Grailville “in perpetuity”, Andy Dickerson with the Cardinal Land Conservancy said, “David, we’re getting ready to send this out, but I wanted to send it to you first. We just found out this morning… good news!”
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Andy Dickerson
After a yearlong effort in collaboration with The Grail and the Grail Land Preservation Group, Cardinal Land Conservancy has received favorable confirmation from the Natural Resources Assistance Council District 10 that its application is being recommended for funding to the Ohio Public Works Commission.
The $4.897 million grant through the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program will allow Cardinal to purchase 89 acres of the historic Grailville site in Loveland. Once used for spiritual growth, education, farming, and retreats, this property became a target for development in recent years due to its desirable location. Outspoken community members and former members of The Grail partnered with Cardinal to protect its scenic natural areas, historic buildings, and spiritual legacy.
For over 70 years, Grailville served as a retreat center and organic farm for The Grail, an international women’s organization focused on spirituality, ecology, and social justice. The property includes woodlands, wetlands, and productive farmland. Its historic buildings date from the 1830s and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The House of Joy at Grailville
The grant is the largest in Cardinal Land Conservancy’s 8-year history. It adds to the over 8,500 acres the land trust has already protected in Southwest Ohio. Cardinal holds and monitors 57 easements on private properties and the titles to 11 nature preserves to ensure the land is protected from development and maintained in a largely natural condition. Cardinal is based in Milford however hopes to relocate its offices to the House of Joy on the Grailville site.
Sharon Scovanner (Loveland Magazine file photo)
Loveland resident Sharon Scovanner with the Grail Land Preservation Group told Loveland Magazine yesterday, “Today was a big day. It looks like the funding is coming through which is just amazing. It feels amazing what we have been able to accomplish in these eighteen months.”
“The protection of this new nature preserve in Loveland will be a huge benefit for the community as Cardinal Land Conservancy will protect it in perpetuity, said Dickerson in the early news release to Loveland Magazine.
Cardinal will need to raise additional funds to restore select buildings on site for public and private use and eventually open the property as a public nature preserve. Dickerson says that restoration efforts will begin as early as possible. Cardinal also hopes to work with healthcare professionals to utilize this preserve as a place where they can meet patients and “prescribe” nature as a treatment for certain mental and physical health problems.
This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is from an August public hearing before the Clermont County Commission in which members of the Grail Land Preservation Group and the Grail advocated Commission support for securing the grant.
In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Andy Dickerson explained the details of the grant and what he was asking the Miami Township Trustees to do.
About Cardinal Land Conservancy:
Cardinal Land Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust serving 7 counties in Southwest Ohio. Its mission is to preserve waterways, native habitat, farmland, and open space in Southwest Ohio by working with individuals, families, and communities. For more information, visit www.cardinallandconservancy.org.
Batavia, Ohio – About 20 local residents, members of both the Grail and the Grail Land Preservation Group made the trek to Batavia and the Clermont County Commissioners meeting Wednesday morning to show support for a grant application that needs the support of the Commission. There was no vote because the resolution was not finalized, however, both President Bonnie Batchler and member Claire Corcoran listened attentively as Andy Dickerson from the Cardinal Land Conservancy made a presentation followed by several residents from Loveland and Greater Cincinnati espousing the benefits they see if the remaining Grail land is preserved as greenspace in perpetuity.
The hold up on having a resolution in front of the Commissioners was because Commissioner David Painter could not attend and it was expressed that there were one or two remaining questions before a vote was taken.
This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is Dickerson talking to supporters after the presentation was concluded. Dickerson expects a resolution will be voted on next week when Painter can attend.
Both the City of Loveland and Miami Township governing bodies have previously voted their unanimous support for the Cardinal Land Conservancy seeking a grant from the State of Ohio’s Clean Ohio Conservation Fund to purchase the remaining 89 acres of Grailville land. (Second step in securing grant money to preserve Grailville a success)
More at 11 as they say
Loveland Magazine will be publishing speeches from citizens as they passionately urged the Commission to support the grant application. You will hear their unique perspectives on why the Grailville land is so important as greenspace, and a tourism attraction for Loveland, Miami Township, and Clermont County. There were discussions of the positive financial impact on the area, and Grailville’s important cultural past that can be preserved and continue into the decades to come.
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Miami Township and Loveland, Ohio – “The members of the Grail Land Preservation Group in attendance were excited by the unanimous support of the Miami Township Trustees. The opportunity for open green space to be protected in perpetuity has been a desire for many group members,” said Loveland resident Sharon Scovanner.
The quest to get formal support from three government jurisdictions moved to step two last evening when the Miami Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to give their stamp of approval. Andy Dickerinson with The Cardinal Land Conservancy, based in Miami Township, appeared at the township meeting to explain the proposal and answer any questions. His appearance was probably unnecessary as both Ken Tracy and Mary Makley Wolff, as well as Township Administrator Jeff Wright spoke enthusiastically about the Grailville land remaining greenspace.
The Cardinal Land Conservancy and many Loveland and Miami Township residents are asking local governments to lend their support to a plan that could save 89 acres at Grailville as dedicated green space in perpetuity. Dickerson, on behalf of the Conservancy, is requesting votes of support for a grant application that would be submitted to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, to purchase 89 acres of the Grail property.
This is the site where Drees Homes was denied the zoning change they requested in 2022 after local residents filled Planning and Zoning chambers to urge that the site be protected. The Kentucky home builder had requested the land become a Special Planning District which could have allowed 209 homes on the site. The same parcel is also where the Loveland City School District proposed building a campus until the funding they wanted was denied by voters in 2019. The site is bounded by O’Bannonville Road and State Route 48 (Oakland Road).
After the re-zoning Drees requested was denied, local Grail members and other local residents coalesced to find the solution. The Grailville Land Preservation Group worked together to stop the zoning change Drees wanted.
If the grant application is successful, the 89 acres of land would be deeded as dedicated green space in perpetuity. The proposed purchase by the conservancy would be adjacent to the 100-acre Clermont County Park District property, which was also acquired from the Grail using Clean Ohio funding.
Scovanner added, “It has always been our hope that the land will be preserved to respect not only the legacy of the Grail and their members past and present, but to also be a gift to future generations. We appreciate our partnership with Cardinal and look forward to garnering support from the Clermont County Commissioners as the next step in the process.”
In this LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Andy Dickerson explains the details of the grant and what he was asking the Miami Township Trustees to do.
The request must still go before Miami Township and Clermont County leaders
David Miller is the Managing Editor of Loveland Magazine
by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – On Tuesday the Loveland City Council approved a request by the Cardinal Land Conservancy to put their mark of support on a plan that could save 89 acres at Grailville as dedicated green space in perpetuity. Andy Dickerson, on behalf of the Conservancy, appeared at the meeting requesting a vote of support for a grant application that would be submitted to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, for funding the purchase of the 89 acres of Grail property that is within the city’s corporation boundaries.
After their successful effort to convince Loveland Council to support the plan they worked on for a year, some members of the Grailville Land Preservation Group posed for a photo. Laurie Kiley, Kevin Kiley, Sharon Scovanner, Andy Dickerson, Elizabeth Murphy, Elizabeth Robinson, Mary Lu Lageman, Jamie Smith, and Loretta Rokey.
After Council unanimously approved the request Dickerson expressed caution because the Conservancy will still need the support of the Miami Township Trustees and the Clermont County Commissioners.
This is the site where Drees Homes was denied the zoning change they requested in 2022 after local residents filled Planning and Zoning chambers to urge that the site be protected. The Kentucky home builder had requested the land become a Special Planning District which could have allowed 209 homes on the site. The same parcel is also where the Loveland City School District proposed building a campus until the funding they wanted was denied by voters in 2019. The site is bounded by O’Bannonville Road and State Route 48 (Oakland Road).
After the re-zoning Drees requested was denied, local Grail members and other local residents coalesced to find the solution that was presented to City Council on Tuesday. Many of them sat in council chambers to hear the presentation.
The Grailville Land Preservation Group worked together to stop the zoning change for Drees. Four members of the conservation subcommittee of the larger group consisted of Lauren Enda, Kevin Kiley, Jamie Smith, and Sharon Scovanner.
Sharon Scovanner told Loveland Magazine today, “I want to make it clear that both the big group and our subcommittee were very important to our success. This was a case of many members of the community coming together with the goal of preserving the land. We are grateful that ‘corporate’ Grail agreed to provide a 25% match for the grant and to the local Grail women, several of who worked alongside us wanted to find a solution. Of course, we have been honored to partner with Cardinal to help facilitate an agreement that is good for the Grail and the community.”
If the grant application is successful, the 89 acres of land would be deeded as dedicated green space in perpetuity. The proposed purchase by the conservancy would be adjacent to the 100-acre Clermont County Park District property, which was also acquired from the Grail using Clean Ohio funding.
In this first LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Andy Dickerson explains the details of the grant and what he was asking the Council to do.
In this second LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, Council members ask questions and vote on the resolution of support.
In this third LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video, residents and Grail members spoke with cautious optimism about the first public step they made in announcing the plan they had worked toward since Drees first proposed building 209 homes on the site.
About Cardinal Land Conservancy
Their address is 790 Garfield Avenue in Milford.
Cardinal Land Conservancy is a private, nonprofit, 501c3 tax-exempt conservation organization, incorporated in September 1999 under the laws of the state of Ohio. Cardinal is a member of the Land Trust Alliance (LTA), a national organization, and Coalition of Ohio Land Trusts (COLT). Cardinal earned LTA accreditation in 2019 and uses LTA’s “Land Trust Standards and Practices” to guide our work as we grow. This accreditation confirms that Cardinal practices sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.
Cardinal Land Conservancy, formerly known as the Citizen’s Land Conservancy of Hamilton County (“the Conservancy”), is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) land preservation organization and land trust. Cardinal holds the title to 11 nature preserves.
Cardinal Land Conservancy is a land conservancy in Southwest Ohio whose mission is to preserve natural habitats, waterways, agricultural lands, and open space in Southwest Ohio.
We protect and restore natural lands with significant habitats that support native wildlife and create scenic vistas for public enjoyment, as well as agricultural lands suitable for the production of food, timber, or other cultivated or natural products. Cardinal acquires conservation interests in real properties which it then monitors and stewards in perpetuity. These include conservation easements, fee simple title, and other conservation interests which are acquired through donations and purchases guided by, and executed through, Cardinal. Once obtained, Cardinal monitors and otherwise stewards the properties and interests through regular oversight, periodic assessment and, if needed, protective action and legal defense. Our service area includes the Southwestern Ohio counties: Adams, Brown, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Highland, and Warren.
Rinsky Woods Nature Preserve
Clermont County
There are few woods like this in the world. Those woods that exist are found only in Southwest Ohio and Southeast Indiana. Rinksy Woods is the second largest woods of this kind in the world. In fact, it has been designated as an Ohio Natural Landmark by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. These wet flat woods are adjacent to Stonelick State Park, adding to an admirable stretch of greenspace in the area. Details & Trail Map
Todd’s Fork Nature Preserve
Clinton County
Native prairies give way to a 100+ acre woods on this preserve, which also includes the Todd’s Fork of the Little Miami River. Cardinal has several stewardship projects ongoing here including maintenance of the prairie. Maintenance includes prescribed burning which is meant to discourage unwanted invasive plants on an annual basis. Details & Trail Map
Kope Hollow Nature Preserve
Brown County
In Southeast Brown County, the Kope formation (a bedrock formation unique to Southern Ohio and Indiana) runs through incredibly diverse woods. A recent native plant survey listed over 100 native species. This property is also graced with five waterfalls that contribute to Roup’s Run. This water flows into the Ohio River just beyond the bounds of the property. Details & Trail Map
Bortz Family Nature Preserve
Hamilton County
This 119-acre preserve offers respite in deep and cool woods along with views of the wide Ohio and of the Little Miami’s emerald shores. This land appeals to both humans and wildlife because of its diversity. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources determined that this land is likely the home of the endangered Indiana Bat and several endangered species of mussels. Overlooking the confluence of these two great rivers is an American Bald Eagle nest, atop a towering cottonwood tree. Our eagles can be viewed by our Eagle Camera from January to June! Details & Trail Map
Read about the other nature preserve of the Cardinal Land Conservancy.
There will be many diverting things to do and see at the HOPE Celebration. Enjoy Live Jazz, folk dancing, Morning and Evening prayers, and even getting your copy of 
For background: 
About Cardinal Land Conservancy
