Five Regional Greenspaces Named Greenspace Gems

All five greenspaces can be found in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Buttercup Valley Preserve in Hamilton County. Photo provided.

(Cincinnati, Oh.) - Five regional greenspaces are now Greenspace Gems thanks to recognition by Green Umbrella, Greater Cincinnati’s regional sustainability alliance. Scattered across the tri-state area, the gems make up the sixth round of the Greenspace Gems program, which highlights Greater Cincinnati’s abundance of quality protected  landscape.

The sites named in the current round of Greenspace Gems are: 

·       Buttercup Valley Preserve, Hamilton County, OH

·       Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, Boone County, KY

·       Riverside Natural Area, Butler County, OH

·       Batter Bates Woodland, Kenton County, KY

·       Kelley Nature Preserve, Clermont County, OH

“Greater Cincinnati has a wealth of diverse natural environments,” said Green Umbrella executive director, Ryan Mooney-Bullock, “Residents and visitors have access to grassy knolls, forested wetlands and breathtaking riversides all within a relatively short distance from our city center. We’re excited to share the stories behind these beautiful spaces. We encourage our community to get outside and explore some Greenspace Gems this fall and winter, as a safe and fun way to connect with friends and family.”

Launched in 2018, Greenspace Gems has recognized thirty local properties for their outstanding scenic value, biodiversity, scientific importance or historic interest. Gems are selected by a team of volunteer conservation experts to showcase the region’s variety of unique natural sites. The program strives to tell the stories of these protected places to grow public support for greenspace conservation and the organizations who are leading this work in our region. 

To aid in storytelling, Green Umbrella is excited to launch a new interactive story map featuring pictures of each designated Greenspace Gem and important facts that make them each truly unique. Visit www.greenumbrella.org/greenspace-gems to learn more about the program, explore the story map and find your next adventure.