Great Parks | Great Stories

Do you know what it takes to train Great Parks’ animal ambassadors? Nature Interpreter Julie shares how much practice – and patience! – goes into creating these symbiotic relationships.

2021 marked a tremendous year for Great Parks of Hamilton County, and it wouldn’t be possible without you – our park guests. This year, we were able to share with you new programs, complete projects and host adventures, and we’re recapping what a year it’s been with just a few of our biggest accomplishments.

Have you spotted North America’s smallest falcon around Hamilton County? While American Kestrels are quite adaptable, they sometimes need a little assistance. Conservation Biologist Jack shares why American Kestrels need a specific kind of nesting box and how it can help boost their population.

Beyond the outdoors, the busy world waits with traffic, task lists and screens. But not here. At Great Parks, you immerse your senses in the wilderness that thrives beyond the concrete and glass of our daily lives.

Great Parks’ animal ambassadors have an extremely meaningful job of connecting with guests. How do these hard-working animals explore the world around them when they aren’t on duty? Nature Interpreter Stephanie shares why animal enrichment activities are incredibly important for their quality of life.

On a chilly, sunny Saturday in October, nearly 100 Great Parks staff and volunteers gathered on an undeveloped edge of Mitchell Memorial Forest to plant 120 trees and shrubs as part of ongoing restoration efforts. How do plantings like this one help improve habitats for local wildlife? Conservation Biologist Daniel dives into how reforestation projects help Great Parks continue to be here for you now, and here for the future.