The Story of Love Our Land

Est. 2020

Love Our Land is a community conservation organization dedicated to environmental education and 'biodiversity regeneration' that was established in July 2020.

Doug Gilbert and Mike Meldon met while serving as members of the City of Loveland's Tree & Environment Committee. They both desired to make significant contributions to conservation efforts in Loveland. They proposed and enacted solutions to the biodiversity crisis in our community, including nonnative invasive plant removal, native plantings, and a 'free NATIVE tree-giveaway' program. After some time, they realized that to increase the reach of their work, the greater Loveland area also needed an organization that strictly focused on helping the people of this area implement conservation practices on their land and in their neighborhoods. 

With the intent of reconnecting local citizens with nature through education and activities, Love Our Land was created in 2020 to help people realize the need and potential of transforming their own landscapes, yards, and neighborhood green spaces into havens for natives species. Through these actions Love Our Land helps increase nature connectedness in Loveland and beyond for the benefit of our communities.  ​​​

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Doug Gilbert, Co-Founder & President, is a Certified Ecologist (Ecological Society of America) working full-time as an environmental consultant.  He has worked with imperiled species across the U.S., including rusty patched bumble bee, Mexican spotted owl, Indiana bat, bald and golden eagles, and a variety of rare and protected plants.  His skills and expertise have allowed him to successfully lead projects that have helped ensure the protection of rare, threatened, and endangered species. Doug understands that healthy communities require healthy ecosystems which motivates him to help people develop relationships with nature. He uses his robust knowledge of ecology to lead walks, classes, workshops, and other activities to promote nature connectedness. Additionally, Doug is currently serving his fourth term on the City of Loveland's Tree & Environment Committee.  You can contact Doug at doug@loveourland.org.

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Jim Daumeyer, Vice President & Board Member, is a valued member of our team and Loveland community. He has volunteered the past several years to improve the hiking/walking trails in Loveland's green spaces. In 2024, Jim completed the 'Dyson Trail' at Phillips Park which enhanced an existing trail and decommissioned some less desirable trails that were contributing to issues. The Dyson Trail meanders through mature forest and open habitats that have been targeted for removal of nonnative invasive vegetation, such as bush honeysuckle, and subsequently planted with native wildflowers, grasses/sedges, and trees. 

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Cindy Daumeyer, Secretary & Board Member,  is a business professional and dedicated community member. She is an avid gardener and enjoys seeing her spaces come to life with native plants and wants to help others see and understand the magic, wonder, and significance of biodiversity.​​

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Dan Moates, Treasurer & Board Member, is a Loveland resident who, for the past several years, has worked with his wife Becca to transition their yard away from conventional landscaping and towards a healthy community of native plants. Dan is active in the community in a variety of ways. His love of nature and strong moral compass make him an asset to Love Our Land.

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Mike Meldon, Co-Founder, is a high school social studies teacher.  He has his master's degree in Secondary Education and has been in the classroom for over 18 years teaching various classes.  Mike spends his summers off with his kids in the woods and along the river.  He is no longer on any of the city's committees so that he can focus efforts on his family and career. 

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Nick Koulouris, Board Member, possesses more than a decade of experience landscaping, managing invasive species, & running a chemical lawn care company, Nick has witnessed firsthand how conventional practices harm and degrade local ecosystems. For this reason—and his passion for creating a healthier environment & lifestyle for his family—he has now dedicated his career to growing native plants and helping residential & commercial clients design and create space to promote biodiversity.​

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Kendall Foley, Board Member, has been a veterinarian for 10 years, however her true passion has always been bugs and plants! Introduced to black swallowtail butterflies and the joys of gardening at a young age, she always had a pollinator garden and raised various caterpillars everywhere she lived. After moving to Loveland in 2020, what started as a dedicated effort to remove invasive plants and establish native species on her own property has exploded into a mission of researching and growing native plants. Kendall’s hobbies include national park trips, hiking and kayaking with her husband and dogs, and collecting seeds everywhere they go. Her current focus is providing food for imperiled insects and birds by growing the native plants that sustain them. Kendall is so excited to be a part of Love our Land, and continue to restore native plants and habitats in Cincinnati.