Let’s Grow Local: Greening Cincinnati, One Neighborhood at a Time
Let’s Grow Local is a community-focused greening initiative led by MadTree Brewing that unites people to plant trees, improve public spaces, and invest in the long-term health of our neighborhoods. Cincinnati Parks Foundation proudly partners in this effort to build a cleaner, greener and more connected city.
Growing More Than Trees
Let’s Grow Local is rooted in community. Each event brings neighbors, partners and volunteers together to roll up their sleeves and take action—planting trees, picking up litter and sharing in a sense of purpose and pride. Together, we improve the environment and strengthen our neighborhoods.
How it Started
Cincinnati is home to 52 neighborhoods, but 20 of them have less than 40% urban canopy. Planting more trees in these neighborhoods improves air quality, reduces heat stress, mitigates flooding, and enhances overall community wellness. In 2019, MadTree Brewing expanded this initiative through their 1% for the Planet commitment, funding tree-planting efforts and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers to make a lasting difference.
What's the Impact?
Over the past seven years, through this partnership, we’ve planted 881 trees in neighborhoods like Clifton, West End, Avondale, Bond Hill, Lower Price Hill and Mt. Auburn. In 2026, we’re bringing that impact to Madisonville.
On Tuesday, October 27, volunteers from MadTree Brewing, Cincinnati Parks, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Groundwork Ohio River Valley, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful and other local supporters will gather to plant more trees. We’ll also tackle additional projects to enhance green spaces and ensure long-term care for the new trees.
Why Madisonville?
Madisonville is a growing, resilient neighborhood with strong community leadership and ongoing revitalization efforts. As part of the City of Cincinnati’s Green Cincinnati Plan, increasing tree canopy here supports the citywide goal of expanding equitable urban tree coverage to reduce heat, improve air quality, and better manage stormwater. These investments strengthen broader Madisonville initiatives—enhancing walkability, supporting business districts, and creating more welcoming public spaces—while ensuring long-term environmental and health benefits for residents.
A Shared Commitment to Sustainability
MadTree Brewing launched Let’s Grow Local to give back to the community. Since then, the initiative has grown thanks to strong partnerships. Alongside MadTree Brewing, Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Cincinnati Parks, Groundwork Ohio River Valley, Grote Enterprises, Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Cincinnati Recreation Commision, Sysco, Duke Energy Foundation, Prus Construction, and Payload work together to bring this program to neighborhoods that need trees and green infrastructure the most.
How Can You Help?
Let’s Grow Local thrives because of strong community and corporate partnerships. We team up with mission-driven companies that want to make a meaningful difference through hands-on engagement.
If your organization wants to give back, build stronger teams, and help grow a greener Cincinnati, let’s talk. Tree planting and beautification projects offer a fun, impactful experience for groups of any size.
Your sponsorship helps fund conservation efforts in Cincinnati Parks and surrounding green spaces. These projects support the Green Cincinnati Plan, which drives sustainability and resilience across our city.
Interested in Supporting?
Please contact Lindsay Wilhelm at the Cincinnati Parks Foundation
lindsay@cincinnatiparksfoundation.org
513.861.0023
2025 Let’s Grow The West End
In October 2025, Let’s Grow Local transformed The West End. Volunteers of all ages planted more than 126 trees, completed community projects, and enjoyed family-friendly activities followed by a celebration. The day showed what’s possible when we work together.
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors and Partners:
The City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, City Link, Seven Hills Neighborhood House
