A Year of Accomplishments for the Little Miami Conservancy

Giving Tuesday is December 2nd

Please Consider Supporting LMC's Mission - Restoring and Protecting the Little Miami State and National Scenic River.

The Little Miami State and National Scenic River is one of Ohio’s most treasured rivers, a place where wooded banks, spring-fed tributaries, and gentle currents create a refuge for wildlife and a peaceful escape for people. Stewardship of this river is not simply about preserving scenery; it is about actively protecting an irreplaceable ecosystem and ensuring that future generations can enjoy its beauty and ecological richness. 

Little Miami State and National Scenic River at Carl Rahe Access

2025 has been a year of conservation achievements, ensuring that this national treasure will continue. Your support is vital in achieving the Little Miami Conservancy goals and objectives.

This year consider a gift to our organization, The Little Miami Conservancy – a 58 year nonprofit, dedicated to preservation of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River.  It has been a busy year along the river. 

Read more about our accomplishments, serving this gem of a river for all to enjoy.

Little Miami Conservancy Acquires 26 Acres Along the Little Miami State and National Scenic River

This year, we completed one of our most important project in our 58-year history.  Thanks to a generous donation by the Susanne Geier Peters Foundation, we purchased the Morgan’s Canoe Livery, protecting one mile of river bank along the Little Miami State and National Scenic River.

“We are honored to continue this legacy of conservation, ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy and appreciate the Little Miami River for decades to come,” said Jason Brownknight, Executive Director of the Little Miami Conservancy. “The generosity of the Susanne Geier Peters Foundation and the Morgan family’s dedication to stewardship has been invaluable in making this project possible.”

Bette and Baker, our resident Bald Eagles continue to entertain and educate millions through the 24-hour live access Eagle Cam.

We have enjoyed another exciting season watching an amazing eagle pair Bette and Baker. Bette and Baker, a resident pair of bald eagles along the Little Miami State and National Scenic River, have once more raised new eaglet siblings, LM8 and LM9, through the wind, rain, and snow. The juvenile eagles have now officially left the nest. Hopefully Bette and Baker will have another successful nesting season next year to entertain and educate us with another family and season of watching their offspring.

Continued Educational Programs for all Nature Lovers!

With your support, we continue to offer free educational programs to hundreds of youth and adults throughout the Little Miami Watershed from organizations like Raptors Inc., and educators – The Roaming Naturalist – as well as local resident, William Schroeder, author of the children’s book, “Smallmouth Sonny of Bass Island Bar," who travels to local elementary schools for reading sessions.  

In fact, Smallmouth Sonny inspired a local Eagle Project – the design and build of a Storybook trail at the Simpson Preserve in Loveland, OH.

Eagle Scout Nicolas Gatsos, of Boy Scout Troop 888, completed his Eagle Scout Project.  Nicholas, with help from his troop – took the book, “Smallmouth Sonny Of Bass Island Bar," and configured the design into a Story Book Trail in Loveland’s Phillips Park.  The story trail is installed along the old growth forest trail in Simpson’s Preserve at the rear of the park.  The book, authored by William Schroeder for LMC, tells of Sonny, a smallmouth bass and his adventures along the Little Miami State and National Scenic River.

Taking Out the Trash for Another Year

We had another successful year, removing tons of trash from the Little Miami River, including tires, metal, litter, and other debris.  This effort could not be completed without the help of our outdoor partners, Loveland Paddle Sports,   RRT - Roads, Rivers, and Trails, and many other corporate and private volunteers.

Thanks to our supporters, LMC now protects nearly 40 miles of riverbank and the Little Miami State and National Scenic River. 

Little Miami Conservancy Preserves

We are proud to continue this mission of restoring and protecting this national treasure.

Ultimately, stewardship of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River is an ongoing promise—one that blends conservation science, community involvement, and a shared appreciation for natural beauty. By caring for the river today, we ensure that its forests, wildlife, and gentle waters continue to inspire and sustain us for decades to come.

Thank you!  Your support helps us work to ensure the Little Miami State and National Scenic River’s future.