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The Story of Love Our Land

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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 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 is a high school social studies teacher.  He has his master's degree in Secondary Education and has been in the classroom for over 15 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.

 

We seek to reconnect people and nature and in doing so, empower citizens with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the biodiversity crisis in their own neighborhoods and yards.

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Board of Directors

Mike Meldon- Co-Founder, CEO

Doug Gilbert- Co-Founder, COO

Board of Advisors

Nick Winnenberg

Gina Dubell-Smith

Erin Campbell

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