LEWISBURG — Ohio River Foundation (ORF) a Cincinnati-based nonprofit with successful programs dedicated to protecting and improving the water quality and ecology of the Ohio River and its watershed is pleased to announce it received a $50,000 grant from Global Water Challenge (GWC) and Cargill. The new program managed by GWC and Cargill Currents North America, is partnering with non-profit organizations to address water challenges faced by communities in Cargill’s priority U.S. watersheds.

The grant supports ORF’s restoration activities designed to create and restore climate change-resilient riparian habitats. Specifically, the funds supported ORF’s large-scale restoration initiative at Twin Creek stream, a tributary of the Great Miami River. ORF’s restoration team installed 15,425 live stakes along nearly six miles of the stream in Lewisburg and Germantown, Ohio this spring.

Live staking is a technique where branches of trees and shrubs are cut while the tree is dormant and then planted in the soil, usually along stream banks. The branches will grow into trees and their root networks will reduce erosion and sedimentation and mitigate pollution of water systems ultimately leading to cleaner water in this stream.

“This area is currently very biologically rich but starting to see early signs of erosion. Live staking along these riparian areas will further protect the streams in this beautiful recreation area, create more climate resilient habitats, and it will reduce the amount of pollution that travels toward larger streams and tributaries that eventually make their way to the Ohio River,” said ORF Restoration Program Manager Jessica Tegge.

Plants along riverbanks improve water quality by keeping pollutants out of the water and by helping to control erosion, thus reducing sedimentation. As they mature, these riparian plants also provide habitat for streamside birds and mammals and create shade that helps fish and other aquatic species thrive.

This completed planting and reforestation project benefits not only the animals, water quality, and the communities surrounding Twin Creek, but will also improve conditions downstream. The improvements in habitat quality and biodiversity on Twin Creek will lead to improved water quality as the water travels down into the Great Miami River, then the Ohio River, and beyond.

Planted species included American Sycamore, Silky Dogwood, Sandbar Willow, and Black Willow.

Project partners including Five Rivers MetroParks, Village of Lewisburg, and Rivers Unlimited also played a part in this project’s success by spreading the word, volunteering, or lending boats and/or other resources.

Through invasive species removal, native plantings, and barrier removals, Ohio River Foundation creates more climate change resilient habitats.

Are you or your company interested in supporting our work? Do you need to implement a habitat restoration project? Ohio River Foundation works with private and public landowners to implement and manage their projects, as well as provide assistance in obtaining project funding. Click here to learn more about our project offerings.

Ohio River Foundation (ORF) is dedicated to protecting and improving the water quality and ecology of the Ohio River and all waters in its 14-state watershed. ORF works towards these goals through environmental education and conservation activities that serve to inspire environmental stewardship and bolster climate change resiliency for native species, habitats, and communities. For more information, visit www.ohioriverfdn.org.

Cargill’s 155,000 employees across 70 countries work relentlessly to achieve our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, we connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive. We combine 156 years of experience with new technologies and insights to serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers in more than 125 countries. Side-by-side, we are building a stronger, sustainable future for agriculture. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

Global Water Challenge (GWC) is a coalition of leading organizations deploying expertise and networks to advance global water security and achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in communities around the world. Since 2006, GWC has positively impacted nearly 3 million across Africa, the Americas and Asia with clean water access and its campaigns, tools, data and best practices reach millions more. In collaboration with multi-sector partners, GWC engages for action – catalyzing financial resources and driving innovative programming for sustainable, local solutions. For more information, please visit globalwaterchallenge.org.

Launched in 2021 and managed by Global Water Challenge (GWC), Cargill Currents is a community water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) program that aims to address local water challenges faced by communities in over half of Cargill’s 25 priority watersheds for water access. The program will seek to build climate and community resilience, promote economic development and deliver multiple socio-economic benefits beyond just water access. Initial investments will directly support water access activities in Cameroon, Ghana and Ivory Coast with a second slate of projects to be implemented in additional geographies – including Brazil and India. The program is expected to benefit up to 150,000 people with improved water access by the end of 2024. Cargill Currents North America is an expansion of the Cargill Currents program to support North American water security across Cargill’s priority watersheds in this region.