Three Valley Conservation Trust

05/21/2026

MetroParks of Butler County continues to set the standard for conservation, public access, and stewardship of the natural resources that enrich our community. Their dedication to serving the public and protecting our shared landscapes makes them an exceptional partner for organizations working to create lasting community impact. We are grateful for their support this year as Three Valley Conservation Trust advances accessibility improvements at Ruder Preserve. Wishing this year’s applicants success as well.

05/19/2026

This mission is about more than land — it is about legacy.

At Three Valley Conservation Trust, we believe that protecting land today creates a healthier, stronger future for generations to come. 🌿

We are deeply grateful to Oxford Community Foundation for their continued partnership and generous support of our core mission work through a 2026 grant award. Their investment helps sustain the permanent conservation of natural habitats, waterways, woodlands, and family farms across southwestern Ohio.

Together with partners like the Greater Oxford Community Foundation, we are ensuring that southwest Ohio will continue to be recognized for its permanently protected open spaces, healthy watersheds, thriving wildlife habitats, and family farms for present and future generations.

Thank you for believing in this vision and helping power preservation across our region. 💚

05/12/2026

A big thank-you to the students of Delta Sigma Pi for lending a hand at Ruder Preserve! 💚

About 10 members gathered for a few hours earlier this month to help the restoration efforts at Ruder Preserve. This outing marked their second visit this year to help remove invasive species like garlic mustard and Asian bittersweet. Under the guidance of Randy Evans, the group made a meaningful impact while enjoying time in the woods together. Their energy, teamwork, and willingness to get their hands dirty are helping keep Ruder a healthier, more vibrant place for everyone. 🌿

05/05/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our 2026 Conservation Scholarship Recipients! 🌱

We are thrilled to announce this year's Three Valley Conservation Trust Scholarship winners — two outstanding students from our service area who are pursuing careers rooted in agriculture,
environmental stewardship, and sustainability.

🌾 Brody C. Bowen — Lewisburg, OH
Twin Valley South High School · Heading to Miami University's Farmer School of Business to study Marketing & Entrepreneurship. Brody grew up on his family's sixth-generation farm — protected by a TVCT conservation easement — and plans to return home to carry on that legacy. A five-year FFA member, two-term chapter President, National Honor Society member, and Rotary Honor Scholar, Brody embodies what it means to be a steward of the land.

💧 Sadie M. Abbitt — Oxford, OH
Talawanda High School · Heading to Miami University to pursue Chemical Engineering with a focus on Environmental Engineering. Sadie's goal is to develop sustainable water treatment technologies
to bring clean drinking water to underserved communities in Central and South America. A top-10 student, accomplished chemist, and Marching Band Field Commander, Sadie brings both scientific rigor and community spirit to everything she does.

We are proud to support the next generation of conservation leaders right here in our community.

Congratulations, Brody and Sadie! We can't wait to see what you accomplish! 👏

04/28/2026

Big things are happening at Ruder Preserve and they’re all about making nature more accessible for everyone 🌿

Thanks to the generous support of MetroParks of Butler County and the Duke Energy Foundation, we’ve made meaningful improvements on both sides of the preserve:

🚶‍♀️ On the Shadowy Hills side, the parking lot has been expanded to include more accessible spaces, making it easier for visitors of all abilities to enjoy the trails.

🌳 On the OATS side, a new concrete pad now connects the boardwalk entrance replacing the uneven gravel and dirt with a smooth, stable transition for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers.

These upgrades help ensure that more people can experience the beauty of Ruder Preserve comfortably and safely.

We’re grateful for partners who share our vision of access, inclusion, and conservation. Come see the improvements for yourself!

04/22/2026

🌎🌿 Celebrate Earth Day with Us—Then Hit the Trail! 🌿🌎

Earth Day is a reminder that the land we love needs all of us—today and every day. At Three Valley Conservation Trust, we’re proud to protect the natural spaces that make our community special… and we’d love for you to experience one of them firsthand.

Join us for our 2nd Spring Hike:
📅 April 23, 2026
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 Edge of Farm Conservation Area

Feast, Fire & Frogs awaits! 🌸🔥🐸
Come see the results of 15+ years of conservation as spring wildflowers bloom across the forest floor. As the evening settles in, enjoy the chorus of spring peepers and leopard frogs—and if you’d like, stay for a casual cookout after the hike.

It’s the perfect way to honor Earth Day: by connecting with the land and celebrating the impact of conservation together.

👉 Register now https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/bDJ5fKzJB4j866D37MbD0A

04/21/2026

We’re honored to see the beauty of the Helen S. Ruder Preserve featured in a stunning new music video by the Miami University Men’s Glee Club! 🌿🎶

Their original piece, “The River” (music by Susan LaBarr, lyrics by Bill Cairns), captures the spirit and serenity of nature brought to life through scenes filmed in Four Mile Creek and right here at Ruder Preserve.

The contrast between rustic outdoor settings and the formal performance space creates a powerful visual and musical experience that reflects the deep connection between people and the natural world.

We’re grateful to play a role in protecting places that inspire art, community, and creativity. Take a moment to watch and enjoy:

🎥

559 likes, 80 comments. "The River - Susan LaBarr - Miami University Men's Glee Club"

03/27/2026

Find out what is happening with projects along Four Mile Creek!

Are you interested in learning about the restoration projects along Four Mile Creek?

If you live in the surrounding Oxford area, come out to our public meeting on Tuesday, April 28th located at the Oxford Lane Library. Networking will start at 6 PM, followed by presentations on the projects. Attendees will get an opportunity to ask questions towards the end of the meeting.

For questions or to RSVP, please contact Ashlee Mulrooney at 513-887-3720 or [email protected].

03/13/2026

Spring is waking up and so are our seed libraries! 🌱

In the coming weeks, our 11 free native seed libraries across Butler County will reopen, ready to help gardeners, pollinators, and native plants thrive. What started with a simple idea from member Holly Wissing has truly grown into something special, and we’re so grateful for the community that helped it take root and flourish.

A heartfelt thank-you to our generous partners who made this possible: Northern Cincinnati Foundation for helping launch the project, Middletown Community Foundation for supporting its expansion, and The Duke Energy Foundation for helping us replenish our supply of native seeds. Their support keeps these libraries growing! And we couldn't do it without our partners who host the libraries: MidPointe Library System, MetroParks of Butler County, Liberty Township, Butler County, Ohio, West Chester Township - Government and Christ the King Lutheran Church - West Chester, Ohio. Find a library near you on our website ➡️ www.3vct.org

We’re also excited to see the project featured in this month’s Ohio Cooperative Living Magazine—check out the article here:
https://www.ohiocoopliving.com/seed-swap

Want to help these seed libraries continue to grow? Consider making a donation today and be part of planting the next season of native beauty. 🌼 https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/4E_0zuIhAMAvTijPkjcJUg?t=1742659388

03/10/2026

We are so grateful to Butler Rural Electric Cooperative and the Butler Rural Community Connection grant for their generous support! Because of their investment in our mission, Three Valley Conservation Trust has installed new educational signs at Ruder Preserve that help visitors learn more about the land, local wildlife, and the importance of conservation while they explore.

We invite you to stop by Ruder Preserve and check out the new signs. Thank you, Butler Rural Community Connection, for helping us make conservation education accessible to our community!