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Mystery Donor Gifts $1.8M for Forest Restoration
17 Sep
Summary
- An anonymous donor provided $1.8 million for forest restoration.
- The project is Cincinnati's largest park reforestation in nearly a century.
- The five-year effort will remove invasives and plant native trees.
Cincinnati Parks has launched its most extensive reforestation initiative in nearly a century at French Park. An anonymous donor has gifted $1.8 million to fund a five-year project aimed at restoring 228 acres of woodland.
The project's initial phase is underway, with crews actively removing invasive species like honeysuckle and burning bush. These aggressive plants are being cleared to allow native vegetation to thrive and to improve sunlight and water availability for new growth.
Native trees and shrubs will be planted to enhance the forest's ecosystem and provide essential food and shelter for local wildlife. This effort seeks to create a healthier, more diverse landscape that balances ecological needs with public enjoyment of the park's trails and event spaces.
Officials hope the French Park restoration will establish a practical model for rejuvenating urban forests in other Cincinnati parks. The project emphasizes a comprehensive approach, including monitoring and preventing the return of invasive plants over the five-year duration.
