April 28, 2021  -  View online

Sustainability Spotlights

Planning for Green Schoolyards Gets a Boost with Technical Assistance

The CPS Outside Impact Team put together a cross-sector team on behalf of Cincinnati that was selected for the Green Schoolyards Technical Assistance cohort organized by Cities Connecting Children to Nature (CCCN). The program is a national joint initiative of the National League of Cities and the Children & Nature Network. We were able to apply to this national opportunity thanks to Mayor John Cranley and CPS Superintendent Laura Mitchell signing the Green Schoolyards Pledge, committing to work towards equitable access to nature for all children.

The program will help the team create a detailed plan to develop Green Schoolyards for all Cincinnati Public Schools' campuses. These sites will be designed for students and neighbors to use for learning, play and exploration in nature. Learn more about how to support the work of CPS Outside at greenumbrella.org/CPS-outside.

Explore on Two-Wheels During Bike Month

The big bike boom of 2020 is carrying over to 2021, and what better way to celebrate than riding your bike during May, National Bike Month! With more than 570 miles of trails weaving through Greater Cincinnati, you're never far from a scenic place to walk, bike or explore the great outdoors.

To make biking more accessible to a wider audience, Tri-State Trails will be releasing a new low-stress bike map for the urban core so you can ride in comfort all year round. Pick up your copy on Friday, May 21 at Breakfast on the Bridge from 7-9 AM on the Purple People Bridge. 

Common Orchard Bringing Fresh Produce to Camp Washington

Common Orchard Project is transforming Camp Washington Urban Farm into a perennial farm and demonstration orchard. This month, a hoop house was built in a single day (after 2 years of planning). Check out the video coverage by Local 12. In partnership with Mustard Seed Farm and Mount Marigold Farm, it will be used to grow tomatoes and peppers until fig trees and other perennials fill in.

The site will also store 220 fruit trees set to be installed in orchards across the region, and a community composting program is in the works in partnership with the Ohio EPA.

Scaling Renewable Energy Procurement

The Cincinnati 2030 District recently co-hosted a two-part workshop on renewable energy procurement strategies, in partnership with RMI, the World Resources Institute, and the City of Cincinnati, through the American Cities Climate Challenge Renewables Accelerator. The workshop provided an in-depth review of critical renewable procurement considerations for Ohio and Kentucky-based organizations. Resources from the workshop are available in the District Library and a workshop recording will be added soon.

Interested in scaling solar and increasing energy efficiency? Leverage the expertise of the 2030 District's Professional Partners. RMI and WRI are also coordinating a renewable aggregation cohort to help local governments, businesses and institutions join forces at scale.

Sustainability in the Headlines

Let's Get Students Outside this Earth Day, Cincinnati Enquirer

Cincinnati On Track To Reduce Carbon Emissions 80% By 2050, WVXU

Great Parks to Develop Park at Former Gamble Estate in Westwood, Cincinnati Enquirer

Loveland Hopes Continued Bike Boom Fuels Economic Recovery, Spectrum News

Silverton, Ohio Implements Sustainability Plan, Environmental Resilience Institute

Local Holiday Light Recycling Program Shatters Another Record, WVXU

Cincinnati Students Get to Work to Make the City Greener, Spectrum News

'I Just Had To Get Out': How Nature Is Helping Us During The Pandemic, WVXU

Skanska Starts Construction on $22M Greater Cincinnati School, Cincinnati Business Courier

Five Steps to Start Backyard Composting, Cincinnati Enquirer

Professional Opportunities   

2021 REBUILD Conference is calling for presentations that advance thoughtful discussion on sustainability within the built environment. Proposals due April 30.

Contemporary Arts Center & Keep Cincinnati Beautiful are seeking 10 local artists for this year's Eco-Conscious Art Making Workshop. The experience culminates in a 2-week exhibit. Deadline to apply is May 1.

Civic Garden Center is hosting Green Girls in STEM, an immersive hands-on program for young women in high school to explore STEM careers, sustainability, and leadership development. Applications due May 24.

National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is offering $128,000 in grant funding through the Restoration and Resilience Fund to support public lands that have been impacted by increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications reviewed June 1.

SORTA / Metro is offering grants through the Transit Infrastructure Fund to assist localities with road improvements and increase overall mobility. Applications due June 30.

Green Umbrella leads collaboration, incubates ideas and catalyzes solutions
that create a resilient, sustainable region for all.

Did you receive this email as a forward? Subscribe today to get Green News every other Wednesday.

(513) 541-1538 | 5030 Oaklawn Drive | Cincinnati, OH 45227