Environment & Local Heritage

Preserving Kentucky for the next generation

We support projects that restore urban green spaces, clean the Ohio River shoreline, and celebrate local culture and history across Louisville and nearby communities.

Vision

A greener, cleaner Kentucky that proudly preserves its local identity, where communities collaborate to protect nature and culture.

Mission

Fund and accompany initiatives in environmental conservation, urban greening, heritage preservation, and community connection across Louisville and surrounding areas.

Goals

Support shoreline cleanups and urban tree planting programs.
Preserve and revitalize community-valued cultural sites.
Grow a local volunteer and partner network for long-term impact.
Maintain transparent funding and annual results.

Key Focus Areas

Ohio River Urban Greens Local Heritage Micro‑grants Citizen Science

Programs

Clean Ohio River

Recurring shoreline cleanup, microplastics monitoring, and behavior‑change outreach.

Historic Main Streets

Co‑fund façade refresh, heritage signage, and pocket‑green installations in legacy corridors.

Neighborhood Green Fund

Micro‑grants (up to $5,000) for resident groups to build community gardens and recycling corners.

Heritage Archive

Collect, digitize, and share stories, photos, and artifacts that celebrate Louisville’s memory.

Upcoming Event — Ohio River Cleanup 2025

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2025 · Location: Louisville Waterfront Park

Day Timeline

07:30–08:00
Check‑in & registration at the main gate.
08:00–08:15
Opening & safety briefing.
08:15–11:00
Team assignments & shoreline litter collection.
11:00–12:00
Sorting recyclables, hazardous, and general waste.
12:00–12:30
Results logging (bags, categories, citizen‑science data).
12:30–13:00
Wrap‑up, certificates, and group photo.

Targets & Capacity

  • Volunteers expected: 150–200 people.
  • Waste removed: at least 2 tons of shoreline litter.
  • Recycling rate: > 40% of total collected waste.
  • Community outcome: expand our active volunteer network for recurring actions.

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Our Social Impact

Environment

Reduce waste flowing into the Ohio River; increase urban canopy and pocket parks.

Local Economy

Cleaner, more vibrant public spaces support local businesses and urban tourism.

Identity

Safeguard Louisville’s memory and strengthen inter‑generational community ties.

Who We Serve

Residents of Louisville and nearby communities; youth volunteers; conservation groups; community clubs; artists and heritage researchers.

Get Involved

  • Volunteer: join cleanup days, planting, and archive digitization.
  • Propose a project: submit neighborhood ideas (micro‑grants up to $5,000 for small projects).
  • Local partners: collaborate with galleries, collectors, and community groups (no formal K‑12 or higher‑ed programs).
  • In‑kind support: tools, native saplings, and eco‑friendly paint.

Transparency & Compliance

We are recognized as a 501(c)(3) Private Foundation and file Form 990‑PF annually in line with IRS requirements.