Cincinnati Parks is launching a major forest restoration project at French Park backed by a $1.8 million anonymous donation.
The five-year effort is being described as the city’s largest forest renewal initiative since the creation and reforestation of Mount Airy Forest in the 1930s.
Cincinnati forest restoration targets 228 acres
The forest restoration project will focus on French Park in Amberley Village, which covers 282 acres and includes 228 acres of forest. The park also features creeks, meadows, hiking trails and the historic French House.
Cincinnati Parks plans to remove invasive plants that have crowded out native vegetation. The targeted species include honeysuckle, privet and burning bush.
Officials say invasive plants can reduce biodiversity and prevent native forests from naturally regenerating. Removing them will allow native trees and shrubs to return to areas currently dominated by invasive vegetation.
$1.8 million donation funds five-year project
The anonymous $1.8 million gift is the largest conservation-focused donation in Cincinnati Parks Foundation history. The funding will support a five-year initiative that includes invasive-species removal, native plant restoration, trail work and continued forest management…