interstitialRedirectModalTitle

interstitialRedirectModalMessage

Stories in Ohio

Creating Space for Youth in Conservation

Discover how TNC is partnering with Groundwork Ohio River Valley to create pathways for youth to engage in conservation.

Diversity of youth pose for group photo in natural area.
Groundwork ORV Green Team TNC Ohio Community and Conservation Specialist, Angie Burke (lower right), with Groundwork Ohio River Valley Green Team Members © Rhine Media

The goals of Groundwork Ohio River Valley (ORV) are clear: to pursue a future in which everyone’s neighborhood environment is green, healthy and resilient; to undo legacies of poverty and racial discrimination; and to break the trend of widening disparity between communities that are enjoying a renaissance and communities that are experiencing disinvestment, neglect and deepening poverty. Since 2016, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has been working with the Cincinnati-based group to help advance their work. What started as a project for youth to remove invasive species at Jacoby Branch in Yellow Springs has evolved into one of the nation's largest youth green workforce programs, now employing over 165 young individuals every year. TNC's support provided the foundation for Groundwork ORV to blend jobs with community conservation in the city and the work is only getting started.

Creating Space for Youth in Conservation [2:44] TNC has been working with Groundwork Ohio River Valley, an environmental justice non-profit organization based in Cincinnati, to help advance their work of building equity in conservation. Hear how TNC’s partnership has been instrumental in creating pathways for youth to get involved.

Quote: Tanner Yess

Our origin story at Groundwork Ohio River Valley began with social enterprise. We wanted to restore and protect nature in communities that had the least access to nature. In doing so, we knew that we could help keep wealth in our own neighborhoods while bringing the benefits of nature to youth.

Executive Director, Groundwork Ohio River Valley
Two Groundwork ORV Green Team members stand in front of large Buzzardroost Rock mural.
Trip to Edge of Appalachia Groundwork Ohio River Valley Green Team members visit TNC's Edge of Appalachia Preserve in southern Ohio. © TNC

Groundwork Ohio River Valley

Groundwork ORV is changing places and changing lives. Discover how.

Visit the Groundwork ORV Website

TNC and Groundwork ORV collaborate to provide professional development opportunities and experiences across various conservation and stewardship projects for Groundwork's Green Team, a job readiness program for high school students. By bringing Green Team members to protected areas like Edge of Appalachia Preserve, youth gain first-hand experience working alongside conservationists toward achieving conservation outcomes. But the partnership is not confined to TNC preserves alone. TNC staff like Community and Conservation Specialist Angie Burke and naturalist Rich McCarty visit Groundwork ORV Green Team members closer to home too—in the city—where they learn how environmental issues are playing out in their own community.

TNC Ohio's Angie Burke works with two students to conduct water quality test alongside a river.
Water Quality Testing TNC Ohio Community and Conservation Specialist, Angie Burke, works with Groundwork Ohio River Valley Green Team members to test water quality. © Rhine Media
Two members of the Ohio River Valley Green Team work to repair wooden bridge on forested trail.
Trail Maintenance Two Groundwork Ohio River Valley Green Team members work together to repair a foot bridge along a trail at Edge of Appalachia Preserve. © TNC

Quote: Angie Burke

This collaboration is not just a partnership; it's a catalyst for change and a testament to the transformative power of teamwork and the profound impact that nurturing the next generation of conservationists can have on our communities and our planet.

TNC Ohio Community and Conservation Specialist

The impact of Groundwork ORV extends beyond metrics alone; it's in the stories of engagement and the quality of interactions that demonstrate the true impact of this work. Groundwork ORV programming is truly dynamic in its ability to create meaningful ways that elevate the voices of the youth and communities in Ohio. Through collaboration and hands on experience, youth and young adults feel empowered to enact change and become trusted leaders who advocate for social and environmental justice in their local communities.

In Their Words

Hear from three Green Team members on what their involvement with Groundwork ORV—and their connection to nature—has meant to them.

Teen girl smiles while looking away from camera.
Tanasia Groundwork Ohio River Valley Green Team Member © Rhine Media
Teen boy smiles at camera.
De-Angelo Groundwork Ohio River Valley youth employee © Rhine Media
Teen boy sits on wooden railing and looks into distance
Damien Lee Groundwork Ohio River Valley youth employee © Rhine Media
Teen girl smiles while looking away from camera.
Tanasia Groundwork Ohio River Valley Green Team Member © Rhine Media

In Their Words

Caring for the Planet

Tanasia values spending time in nature because of the way it makes her calmer and more relaxed. Hear more about why she wants people to take care of the planet.

Teen boy smiles at camera.
De-Angelo Groundwork Ohio River Valley youth employee © Rhine Media

In Their Words

Finding His True Self

Spending more time in nature has pushed De'Angelo to go further. Hear more about how Groundwork is helping him feel better prepared to achieve his goals.

Teen boy sits on wooden railing and looks into distance
Damien Lee Groundwork Ohio River Valley youth employee © Rhine Media

In Their Words

Uncovering a Superpower

Working with Groundwork has allowed Damien to see his ADHD as a superpower. This work has helped him to uncover his true passion and become a better person.

Inspiration for Earth in Your Inbox

Sign up for our monthly Nature News updates for stories, tips for action and event opportunities.

Please enter an email address in valid format.
We may have detected a typo. Please enter a valid email address (formatted as name@company.com). Did you mean to type ?
Country*
Please specify your country of residence.
You must check this box in order to submit the form.
You must check this box in order to submit the form.