Cardinal Land Conservancy launches urban greenspace hub

A regional land trust known for protecting rural woods and wetlands is planting its next big idea right in the heart of Cincinnati.

Cardinal Land Conservancy plans to transform a vacant 7-acre lot at Marshall and McMicken avenues into a conservation and sustainability hub. The site will restore native habitats, add community gardens, and create space for environmental programs in partnership with local groups.

While Cardinal has mainly focused on farmland, forests, and river corridors, it’s now expanding its mission into urban neighborhoods facing greater challenges from climate change and environmental injustice.

By restoring greenspace and creating community-focused programs in this high-need area, the nonprofit believes the project will help Cincinnati become greener and more equitable.

“It’s exciting to be able to offer support to local communities and partner organizations by removing barriers to land ownership,” said Katie Nolan, the nonprofit’s urban conservation manager. “We look forward to leveraging our unique role as a land trust in the city to advance environmental justice through land protection with a focus on equitable access to greenspace.”

Building a greener, more equitable Queen City

Based in Southwest Ohio, Cardinal Land Conservancy works to protect natural habitats, safeguard water quality, and help build sustainable communities across the region. The Marshall-McMicken site will be a key part of this effort, showing how land conservation can boost both ecological health and community well-being in crowded city areas.

Supported by Leveraged Support funds from the City of Cincinnati and landowner Anthony Sansalone, the project will bring in partners like the Civic Garden Center and Adventure Crew.

Planned uses for the site include:

• Restoring native habitat and creating food-producing gardens
• Building shared office space and outdoor classrooms
• Hosting public programs focused on nature, sustainability, and youth engagement

This effort supports key goals in Cincinnati’s 2023 update to the Green Cincinnati Plan, the city’s climate action roadmap. That 170-page plan outlines dozens of actions to make the city more sustainable and resilient, with a new focus on equity.

Nolan said her organization views the Marshall and McMicken lot as a model for future projects combining land protection, biodiversity, and neighborhood revitalization.