About

Vision

A vibrant tree canopy in the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State region, now and for generations to come

Mission

To inspire and empower all to conserve and improve our region’s unique and threatened tree canopy

Goals

Taking Root serves Hamilton, Clermont, Butler and Warren counties in Ohio; Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn County in Indiana.

Plant Trees

Plant 2 million trees (a tree for everyone in the Greater Cincinnati Tri-State Region!).

Better Manage and Conserve Our Existing Forests

Expand practices that help retain and regenerate trees and forests.

Promote the Many Benefits of Healthy Trees

Increase the awareness of trees and forests; the benefits they provide; why we need them; and the threats they face.

Foster Stewardship among Individuals and Communities

Engage individuals, businesses, organizations, institutions and communities in the stewardship of our region’s trees and forested areas.

2025 Annual Report

Learn about our programs to protect, plant, partner and educate about trees — driving positive impact on our region’s tree canopy.

View our Annual Report

Board of Directors

Lauren Enda, President
Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, retired from Federal Service

Jim Vogt, Vice President
Climate Change Educator

Susan Fox, Treasurer
Landscape Architect and Horticulturalist, retired from Natorp’s

Patti Benigni Dold, Secretary
Regional Manager, Delta Air Lines’ Airport Customer Service – Learning, Central/West Territories (retired)

David Gamstetter, Member at Large
Davey Resource Group, retired University of Cincinnati Professor

Mike Bresler
Graphic Designer, Account Manager

Julie Collins
Board Certified Arborist

Liz Fet
Environmental Scientist and Northern Kentucky Urban and Community Forestry Council Board member

Sincerrai Gentry
Environmental Engineer

Pat Greeson
Natorp’s Sales Associate

Bruce Koehler
OKI Regional Council of Governments, retired Senior Planner

Jack Mangan
Environmental Planner

John Maher
Resident

Travis Miller
OKI Regional Council of Governments, Regional Planning Manager

Kevin O’Dell
Founder/Owner Kendrick & O’Dell Distinctive Garden Solutions

Suzanne Parkey, CPSM, OCVN
Parkey Design, Owner

Kris Stone
Boone County Arboretum, Director and Northern Kentucky Urban and Community Forestry Council

Jodie Zultowsky
Biologist

Our Challenge

Cincinnati’s environmental crisis in the 1800s In the late 1800s, the United States was facing an environmental crisis. Its once abundant and diverse forests had all but disappeared in the rush to build cities, to clear land for the plow, and to fire a growing...

Clermont County Park District
Dan Beard Council of Boy Scouts of America
Davey Resource Group (a Division of The Davey Tree Expert Company)
Delhi Township Parks
Gorman Heritage Farm
Grailville Granny’s Garden School
Great Parks of Hamilton County
GreenStand
Green Umbrella
Ground Works Ohio River Valley
Hamilton County Planning + Development Department
Hamilton Conservation Corps, LLC
Holscher Hackman Garden Center
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful
Kendrick and O’Dell Landscaping
Kenton County Soil and Water Conservation District
Lagergren Nursery
Lefke Tree Experts LLC

Become a Partner

Madison Tree Care and Landscaping
Mill Creek Yacht Club
Mt. Healthy Urban Tree Commission
Natorp’s
Northern Kentucky Urban and Community Forestry Council
Ohio Tree Preservation
Ohio Valley Forestry Fellowship
OKI / Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments
Oxbow, Inc.
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
The Lloyd Library and Museum
The Nature Conservancy in Ohio
Urban Canopy Works
Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District
White Oak Gardens

Non-Discrimination Policy

At Taking Root, we believe trees — and the benefits they bring — are for everyone. We welcome people of all backgrounds to join us in growing and caring for our region’s tree canopy.

We do not exclude anyone from participating in our programs, volunteering, or serving on our board because of who they are. That includes differences in race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other part of someone’s identity.

By bringing together people with diverse experiences and perspectives, we can better serve our communities and ensure a healthy, thriving tree canopy for generations to come.

Stay up-to-date

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Taking Root, P.O. Box 428818, Cincinnati, OH, 45242, https://takingroot.info. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

RegisTree — log your efforts

Register your tree plantings to count toward our 2 million goal. It's quick and easy.

Make your tree(s) count

Join over 100 volunteers

Would you like to help Taking Root's mission? Let us know how you would like to help.

Volunteer Interest Form

Donate to save our tree canopy

Donations can go toward the Tree Fund or Taking Root's operational costs.

Support trees