Canoe Trip

Be one of the first to paddle the West Fork Mill Creek!  Thanks to the Army Corp of Engineers, the perfect level of recreational water will be released from the Winton Lake Dam, making it possible for guests to enjoy a very special adventure with Commodore Koehler and the Mill Creek Yacht Club. Prepare to be amazed as you explore 1.1 miles of gorgeous scenery from Woodlawn to Wyoming. You will gain insight about the importance of our region's environmental assets and outdoor recreation opportunities.  All equipment is provided.  You are welcome to bring your own if you have one!  Reservations will be available until all canoe seats are full.

Bike Ride

Hosted by Tri-State Trails experts Brad Bowers and Rachel Culley, this is a 7.6-mile ride that follows the existing West Fork Mill Creek Greenway as well as routes currently being studied in Lockland as a part of the Mill Creek Triangle Trail Feasibility Study (Wyoming Ave, Cooper Ave, Lock St, Central Ave, etc.). The bike adventure will make several stops including North Park and Sugar Shack by the Tracks to talk about the study, have treats, and view the canoe adventure. Bring your own bike -or- reserve a bike (size and quantities limited). 

VIEW THE ROUTE

Nature Walk and Habitat Assessment 

Take a leisurely walk with experts from the Mill Creek Alliance.  Dr. Bennett Kottler will lead a fascinating guided nature walk and habitat assessment in the woods near Harmony Park.  We will identify trees, read the landscape, cross the creek, say hello to a 250-year old Oak tree and visit the magnificent Mill Creek.  The path has been cleared but still includes uneven and unpaved surfaces, requiring moderate physical ability.  At less than a mile, we'll easily be done in an hour including chatting along the way with a stop on the bridge to look at paddlers.  Please wear shoes that may get dirty as we step across the creek.

Family Friendly Glenwood Gardens Adventure

Come along as we visit Highfield Discovery Garden in Glenwood Gardens.  Hosted by Great Parks of Hamilton County, this adventure is for the young and young at heart!  You will head down to the wetland boardwalk to learn about water quality and its importance for local wildlife. See if you can spot the giant resident snapping turtle, mallard ducks and various aquatic insects that call this park home amidst beautiful plants.  This adventure includes a 0.7-mile (~15 minute) walk along the paved trail from Woodlawn to Glenwood Gardens guided by Becky Osinski, Planning Manager at Great Parks. The path through the park is gravel and flat. Strollers and water bottles are encouraged!  

Stream Water Quality and Habitat Evaluation

Mill Creek Alliance water quality and education experts Audrae Roberts and Johnny Dwyer will introduce you to the citizens quality habitat evaluation index (cQHEI) and engage you in a real creek-side investigation!  You will gain an understanding of the importance of the stream and floodplain habitats and the ecological benefits provided by streams and how fish habitats are a great tool to measure the state of a stream.  cQHEI is a metric developed by the Ohio EPA.  Waders and boots will be provided. Fishing enthusiasts can join volunteers to practice/learn casting skills at the “Casting Carnival game”!

Keynote Speaker:
Wade Johnston, Executive Director of Tri-State Trails

"Reconnecting Hamilton County with the Mill Creek Triangle Trail"

An avid commuter cyclist and outdoor enthusiast, Wade is working to change people's everyday interaction with the built and natural environment in Greater Cincinnati.  Under Wade's leadership, Tri-State Trails has galvanized a diverse public-private partnership to build the CROWN 34-mile urban trail loop – raising $10 million in private funds and leveraging $16.5 million in public grants since 2019. During his presentation, Wade will share how Tri-State Trails is partnering with Mill Creek Alliance, Great Parks, Hamilton County, and others to advance a similar vision for the Mill Creek Triangle Trail.

Music By:

ACTIVITIES

The following activities will be ongoing between 9am – 11am - No Reservation Required.
Enjoy at your leisure.

• Dig for archaeological clues with Archaeological Research Institute and learn about the people and cultures of the past who inhabited the Mill Creek watershed.

• Create bird feeders out of plastic bottles and/or pine cones with the Woodlawn recreation team.

• Enjoy a dance performance by Global Water Dances-Cincinnati.

• Take a modern dance class with Alissa Stachowski.

• Plant flowers or veggies in a starter pot and learn about the growing process with Woodlawn’s garden team.

• Watch extraordinary kites, filling the sky with color, strings and tails flown by PIGS Aloft Kite Association. 

• Make fond memories with a fun photo op, including guest appearance by Who-Dey!

• Practice your fishing skills in a fun “Casting Carnival”.

• Enjoy coffee and donuts while viewing posters that are located in the Gazebo. We are eager to convey plans, strategies and seek your input on the Mill Creek Greenway Triangle Trail plans, Tri-State Trails Trail Feasibility study, Great Parks plan to connect Glenwood Garden to Winton Woods, Mill Creek Alliance water trail plan, and Hamilton County Planning + Development’s recent Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods federal grant award. 

• Cool off with Snowie Shaved Ice, a tasty reminder that summer has arrived!

• Tap your toes to Tangled Roots, trio of musicians led by Sherry Cook Stanforth, who will perform folk and old-time traditional music. 

• Visit a variety of booths filled with information and fun. Trail organizations, parks, non-profits and eco-friendly businesses will showcase their offerings including the Army National Guard, Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Great Parks of Hamilton County, Hamilton County Conservation District, Metropolitan Sewer District, Mill Creek Alliance, Queen City Bike, Rivers Unlimited and Tri-State Trails.

  • See maps, get information, and complete the Mill Creek Triangle Trail Feasibility Study.

2024 SPONSORS

Friends of the Mill Creek - Supporters of the Canoes & Conversations Event