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The Story of Love Our Land
Est. 2022
Love Our Land is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, citizen driven environmental education and protection organization that was officially established in February, 2022.
Doug and Mike started out as members of Loveland's Tree and Environment Committee and were committed to fighting the biodiversity crisis that our area faces. After some time, they realized that in order to make a real impact on biodiversity, that southwest Ohio also needed an organization that strictly focused on the people of this area and their private property- since most of the land is indeed privately owned.
With the intent of reconnecting local citizens and nature through education and activities, Love Our Land was created in 2020 to help people realize the need of transforming their own natural spaces into havens for natives species for the benefit of us all.
While Doug is the environmental and nature expert, Mike is the man with the plan.
Doug Gilbert works full-time as an environmental consultant. He has worked with a variety of wildlife across the U.S.- including the Mexican Spotted Owl in NM, pine martens in CA, burrowing owls and reptiles in ID, many species of bats across the eastern U.S., and the rusty patched bumble bee across its range. His skills and expertise with a variety of wildlife have allowed him to successfully lead a number of projects that have helped ensure the protection of rare, threatened. and endangered species. Doug is currently on his second term on Loveland's Tree and Environment Committee.
Mike Meldon 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, career, and Love Our Land.
In 2024, Love Our Land brought on Cindy Daumeyer as Board Executive Director. Cindy 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.
Board of Directors
Mike Meldon- Co-Founder, Board President
Doug Gilbert- Co-Founder, Board Vice President
Cindy Daumeyer- Board Executive Director
Team Members
Nick Koulouris: Lead Native Plant Propagator
Website: drivingbiodiversity.com
With 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, which includes, but not limited to: native bees, song birds, caterpillars/butterflies, firefly regeneration, cicadas, & one day buffalos. These ecologically rich and aesthetically appealing spaces not only improve local ecosystems, they inspire their friends and family, as well as other community members, to follow suit, furthering DSP’s mission to “drive-up”
local biodiversity.
In addition, DSP organizes “Pop-Up Plant Sales” where they collaborate their nursery with community organizations, local businesses, other growers, & non-profits to promote local names & native plants, with a portion of the proceeds from the event sales going directly to the non-profit.
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Jim Daumeyer: Program Support Coordinator
Board of Advisors
Nick Winnenberg
Gina Dubell-Smith
Erin Campbell