Let’s Grow Local: Greening Cincinnati, One Neighborhood at a Time
Let’s Grow Local is a community-focused greening initiative led by MadTree Brewing that unites people to plant trees, improve public spaces, and invest in the long-term health of our neighborhoods. Cincinnati Parks Foundation proudly partners in this effort to build a cleaner, greener and more connected city.
Growing More Than Trees
Let’s Grow Local is rooted in community. Each event brings neighbors, partners and volunteers together to roll up their sleeves and take action—planting trees, picking up litter and sharing in a sense of purpose and pride. Together, we improve the environment and strengthen our neighborhoods.
How it Started
Cincinnati is home to 52 neighborhoods, but 20 of them have less than 40% urban canopy. Planting more trees in these neighborhoods improves air quality, reduces heat stress, mitigates flooding, and enhances overall community wellness. In 2019, MadTree Brewing expanded this initiative through their 1% for the Planet commitment, funding tree-planting efforts and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to make a lasting difference.
What's the Impact?
Over the past six years, through this partnership, we’ve planted 673 trees in neighborhoods like Clifton, West End, Avondale, Bond Hill, Lower Price Hill and Mt. Auburn. In 2025, we’re bringing that impact back to the West End.
On Tuesday, October 28, volunteers from MadTree Brewing, Cincinnati Parks, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Groundwork Ohio River Valley, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful and other local supporters will gather to plant at least 100 more trees. We’ll also tackle additional projects to enhance green spaces and ensure long-term care for the new trees.
Why the West End?
The West End is a vibrant, historic neighborhood that has faced disproportionate environmental challenges. By increasing tree cover, we will also reduce heat, manage stormwater more effectively and create more welcoming public spaces. With input from community leaders and local partners, we’re creating lasting improvements with the people who live here.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainability
MadTree Brewing launched Let’s Grow Local to give back to the community. Since then, the initiative has grown thanks to strong partnerships. Alongside MadTree Brewing, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Cincinnati Parks, Groundwork Ohio River Valley, Grote Enterprises, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Cincinnati Recreation Commision, Sysco, Duke Energy Foundation, Prus Construction, and Payload work together to bring this program to neighborhoods that need trees and green infrastructure the most.
How Can You Help?
Let’s Grow Local thrives because of strong community and corporate partnerships. We team up with mission-driven companies that want to make a meaningful difference through hands-on engagement.
If your organization wants to give back, build stronger teams, and help grow a greener Cincinnati, let’s talk. Tree planting and beautification projects offer a fun, impactful experience for groups of any size.
Your sponsorship helps fund conservation efforts in Cincinnati Parks and surrounding green spaces. These projects support the Green Cincinnati Plan, which drives sustainability and resilience across our city.
Interested in Supporting?
Please contact Lindsay Wilhelm at the Cincinnati Parks Foundation
lindsay@cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
513.861.0023
2024 Let’s Grow Avondale
In October 2024, Let’s Grow Local transformed Avondale. Volunteers of all ages planted more than 200 trees, completed community projects, and enjoyed family-friendly activities followed by a celebration. The day showed what’s possible when we work together.
Thanks, again, to our 2024 Sponsors and Partners:
