This article is also featured in the November 11, 2026 e-newsletter, Now in Nature.
In partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Cincinnati Nature Center is in the process of restoring 94-acres of what used to be row crops into a forested wetland at Long Branch Farm & Trails. On Saturday, October 31, 2026, Nature Center staff and donors joined The Nature Conservancy team to plant over 2,500 trees on either side of Gaynor Rd.
"Among the first to experience this newly emerging wetland habitat, our Steward, Advocate, and Krippendorf Society members had the special opportunity to leave their mark, one seed at a time." says Cincinnati Nature Center Development Officer Katy Potoka.
"Just as one acorn can grow into a great oak, transforming the landscape around it, their participation reflects the lasting impact one individual can have. Through their commitment to conservation, these members went beyond a traditional membership, choosing instead, to take a deeper more active role in the protection and restoration of our native landscapes."
Participants began their morning with a quick introduction of the restoration project by TNC staff at the newly opened Marjorie & Chuck Drackett Conservation Field Station. Once on-site at the wetland, participants took a tour of the site, then worked in pairs to plant acorns, black walnuts, and hickory nuts which will grow into the next generation of this restored habitat.
"An additional planting will occur again this fall, followed by another in spring 2027", says Cincinnati Nature Center Director of Conservation Cory Christopher. "Over the following 10 years, Cincinnati Nature Center and The Nature Conservancy will work hand-in-hand to monitor the wetland’s maturity and overall health. After those 10 years of “hand holding”, The Nature Conservancy will hand off the management of the wetland to the Nature Center. We will keep you updated on any exciting developments, including when and how our members can experience the wetland for themselves."
Restoration Ecologist at The Nature Conservancy Jennifer McDonald explains, "We are restoring a 94-acre forested wetland complex that directly impacts O'Bannon Creek, and we'll be planting over 30,000 (total) trees and shrubs. We're already seeing birds and amphibians on-site—there is just so much to be excited about!" Jennifer planted nuts alongside fellow TNC Conservation Coordinator Liss Whiting and TNC Ohio mitigation Program Manager Devin Schenk.
Click here to learn more about this wetland restoration project!
