Ohio River Foundation

Conservation: The primary objective of our restoration and advocacy work is to drive significant improvements in the health of the Ohio River watershed and create climate change resilient habitats. Consistent with the ORF strategic plan, this involves developing and recommending priorities for the Organizations policy work, engaging our members and implementing restoration elements of the plan. We utilize a combination of strategies to help achieve a reduction in watershed pollution and restoration and protection of critical habitats. Our focus is government policies; private sector practices; and citizen engagement.

Communications: Communications activities market ORF, educate and engage the public, and mobilize support for organizational priorities and Ohio River watershed protection and restoration efforts. Communication tactics are to develop well-researched messages and deliver them through integrated channels, including: earned, paid or donated media; digital media, including the ORF website, social media, and outbound e-mails; and any other forms of direct or indirect communications with our members and the public at large.

Education: ORFs education programs are responsible for leading students and teachers in hands-on, enironmental education experiences. Through education programs, our professional educators use innovative teaching methods to engage students in real- world issues and scientific inquiry, exciting and encouraging them to take action to protect our natural resources. Student conservation leadership program activities during the summer further train student leaders from area high schools. Our river explorer field trips and first-in-the-nation mussels in the classroom experiences reach thousands of students each year in greater Cincinnati, Columbus and Lexington.