Oxbow, Inc.

Function: Preserve, protect, and improve the flood plain wetland at the mouth of the Great Miami River -- This is an active process that requires land acquisition, land management, and dedication to constant diligence in this stewardship

Highest priority to the preservation of the migratory stop over and resting area -- The Oxbow is a flood plain wetland with several permanent lakes, ponds and marsh areas. The main purpose for the existence of Oxbow, Inc. is to preserve the area as a wetland functioning as a major migratory stopover for a large variety of migratory birds, particularly waterfowl and shorebirds, and as a resting/roosting area for a wide variety of waterfowl and wading birds during the summer and fall months. In winter, the area serves as a hunting ground for raptors and a resting area for wintering waterfowl.

Active land management is required to preserve the Oxbow Area -- In order to preserve the function of the Oxbow the land must be actively managed. Land management tools such as agriculture, limited burns, control of noxious plants and destructive wildlife may be necessary to preserve the function of the Oxbow area.

Within two years, Oxbow, Inc. grew to 700 members and raised more than $50,000 in generous private sector gifts ranging from a few dollars to thousands of dollars each. It had also made its first land purchase, a strategically located 27.5 acre block of farm land in the heart of the Oxbow area. As funds permitted more land and conservation easements were purchased. Oxbow now owns over 850 acres of wetland with another 260 acres under easement to prevent development.

We are open at all times but remember that the Oxbow is in the floodplain so the road may be flooded when the river levels at Cincinnati are above 31 feet.