Mayor Aftab, Cincinnati Parks, and Cincinnati Parks Foundation Announce Historic Conservation Gift for French Park

​Largest Forest Restoration Effort in Almost 100 Years 

Mayor Aftab Pureval, Cincinnati Parks, and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation today announced a transformational $1.8 million anonymous donation to fund a comprehensive forest restoration project at French Park, representing the largest conservation-focused gift in Cincinnati Parks Foundation history. 

The donation will support a 5-year initiative to remove invasive species, restore native trees and shrubs, improve trails, and protect more than 200 acres of forest within French Park. This represents the largest forest renewal effort undertaken by Cincinnati Parks since the creation and reforestation of Mount Airy Forest in the 1930s. 

“Some of our most valuable public assets are not buildings or roads, but the natural places that make our communities healthier, more vibrant, and more connected. Greenspaces like this improve our quality of life, support physical and mental well-being, and give families places to enjoy nature together. This gift, and the conservation work it makes possible, will help ensure this park continues to benefit our community for generations,” said Mayor Aftab Pureval. 

Invasive species have become one of the greatest threats to urban forests, often crowding out native plants, reducing biodiversity, and preventing the regeneration of our forests. By removing invasive vegetation and reestablishing native species, this funding will help create a healthier and more sustainable forest ecosystem supporting birds, pollinators, wildlife, and benefiting many future generations of French Park visitors. 

French Park encompasses 282 acres, including 228 acres of forest. Earlier this year, thanks to initial support from this donor, Cincinnati Parks began to clear a 22-acre section of forest in French Park. This is on top of the incredible work being done by the Friends of French Park volunteers as part of the Cincinnati Parks’ Cincinnati Conservation Stewards program who have been working tirelessly to begin clearing areas near and repairing hiking trails. These efforts have led the way in demonstrating what’s possible through invasive species removal and habitat restoration. 

Building on these successes, this project will fund a 3-year invasive species removal program for the entire forested area of the park. After areas are cleared, ongoing stewardship will be done by Cincinnati Parks staff and the dedicated crew of community volunteers who will plant native trees and shrubs, provide long-term maintenance, and undertake trail restoration to improve the environment and enhance the visitor experience. 

"This extraordinary gift is a powerful example of what philanthropy can make possible in our parks. It allows us to care for French Park on a scale that will transform this natural space for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to this donor for sharing our vision that investing in conservation today creates a lasting legacy for our community,” said Cincinnati Parks Foundation President & CEO Jennifer Hafner Spieser.  

But that is not all. This gift also fully funds a dedicated Natural Resource Specialist position for 5-years to oversee and complete the restoration project. 

In addition to restoring French Park, the project will function as a living conservation laboratory for forest management, helping Cincinnati Parks and their partners refine techniques to develop a best practice model for reforestation throughout the park system. 

“There is nothing quite like a hike through the woods. It makes you feel like a kid again. But all too often invasive species have made our woods so crowded that you literally can’t even see the forest for the invasive trees,” said Cincinnati Parks Director Jason Barron. “This donation is a game changer. We are going to completely restore these woods to the way they ought to be. And we won’t stop there. In partnership with our friends at the Parks Foundation, we are going to make this a model for forests across the city.” 

Launch of Conservation Fund Campaign 

The announcement coincides with the launch of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation Conservation Fund, a new campaign to raise an additional $2 million over the next 5 years to expand conservation and forest restoration efforts throughout the Cincinnati Parks system. 

Funds raised through the Conservation Fund will support invasive species management, native habitat restoration, woodland stewardship, ecological education, and the long-term health of Cincinnati's urban forests. 

Individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in supporting conservation efforts are encouraged to contact the Cincinnati Parks Foundation to learn more about contributing to the campaign. 

About French Park 

French Park is one of Cincinnati Parks’ premier natural preserves, encompassing 282 acres of diverse landscapes that include 228 acres of forest, the historic French House special events venue, 13 acres of meadow, scenic streams, and 5 miles of hiking trails. The park provides important wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and environmental benefits for the community.