by Bill Schroeder
About 10 years ago, Little Miami Conservancy began a property rescue intervention aimed at restoring a small but badly abused riverside property. Sadly, describing this property as neglected would be an understatement. Pictures below show shocking neglect and ruination of a place that should have been one of the prettiest on the river. Not only was the riverbank trashed with garbage and junk, but there was also a potential for pollution and a likelihood that the shack there would soon collapse and fall into the scenic river, causing even more ruination.
Joining forces with Warren County Building and Zoning Department, Warren County Prosecutors, local financial institutions, donors, and dedicated cleanup volunteers, the Little Miami Conservancy was able to negotiate an agreement to acquire ownership of this abused property, and rehabilitate it back to life, addressing environmental issues, zoning violations, safety hazards, building demolition and restoration of the land for public enjoyment. Located across the river and a half-mile upstream from the Morgan Family Campground, the property is now known as the Mel Hensey Nature Preserve. It is a beautiful trailside rest stop for hikers and bikers, and other trail users, featuring a great view of the river, a pollinator garden, interpretative signage, and park bench for rest and relaxation with a great view of the River. Since its dedication in 2014 the Mel Hensey Nature Preserve has become a popular rest stop for trail users, featuring a pollinator garden, bees, birds, deer and other wildlife that also live in the river corridor, and are a part of its ecosystem. Many thanks to all who helped make it so, and especially for the Morgan family continuing to keep it beautiful.
Cleanup Volunteers, 2014
Photos Below: Cleanup volunteers pull old truck from river; Hensey family at Preserve dedication; view from the riverbank; Hensey Nature Preserve beauty.
January 2024
