Hillside Trust

Join the Greenspace Alliance, The Hillside Trust, Tri-State Trails, CORA, and Ohio River Way in hosting a Northern Kentucky Candidates night on April 22nd.

6th Annual Pope Coleman Awards is set for Thursday April 30, 2026. Visit www.hillsidetrust.org for more details

Greenspace Alliance, The Hillside Trust and Tri-State Trails host Northern Kentucky Candidate Forum

Upcoming Hillside Trust Honeysuckle Removal

Winter 2026 Outlook https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CchzfYFJhNN1a_8UWfL0UoTnO5KdTq8T/view?usp=sharing

The Winter 2025 issue of Outlook is here - https://hillsidetrust.org/hillside-trust-winter-2025-outlook/

This edition features local environmental and civic updates, including the announcement of the 5th Annual Pope Coleman Awards. Join us in celebrating impactful leaders in environmental preservation, wildlife conservation, and community leadership.

Plus, get the latest on zoning and development updates in Cincinnati and learn about The Hillside Trust's ongoing efforts to protect and preserve our natural landscapes.

Hillside Trust Winter 2025 Outlook - The Hillside Trust The Winter 2025 Edition of Outlook is here. Topics in this issue include: The 5th Annual Pope Coleman Awards on April 24, 2025. Robert Bilott, Cathryn Hilker, and Tim Sisson will receive recognition for their contributions to environmental preservation, wildlife conservation, and community leadershi...

North Bend residents voice landslide concerns over proposed new development

This report - https://www.wcpo.com/north-bend-residents-oppose-development-glen-eagles - from Andrew Rowan at WCPO details how North Bend residents are expressing concerns over the proposed Glen Eagles subdivision, fearing it could worsen existing hillside instability. Residents have already experienced significant ground movement, leading to costly home repairs. Eric Russo, executive director of The Hillside Trust, emphasized the importance of thorough geotechnical analysis before proceeding with such developments, noting that the area's topography and soil composition make it susceptible to landslides. He advocates for stringent hillside development regulations to ensure slope stability and protect both property and human safety.

"It's essentially a lot to ask for, with this many conditions on here, with this kind of a problematic hillside, that you can engineer it and not expect to have a problem occur either during construction or sometime after construction takes place." ~ Eric Russo

As part of our mission, The Hillside Trust provides expert policy-making assistance to governments and municipalities across the region. Known for our deep understanding of Cincinnati's unique terrains, we work with local governments to protect public vistas and ensure the region's natural beauty is preserved for future generations. Please visit The Hillside Trust - https://hillsidetrust.org/about/ - for further details.

'I see problems down the road' | North Bend residents voice landslide concerns over proposed new development Residents in North Bend are concerned that a new housing development may exacerbate hillside slippage. A village planning commission is set to vote on the development Feb. 3.

Did you know that “Living with Landslides,” a documentary film commissioned by The Hillside Trust, is available for streaming?

Click here - https://hillsidetrust.org/ -with-Landslides - to watch the full documentary.

Landslides are triggered by various factors, and understanding these triggers is essential for preventing damage to lives, property, and infrastructure. These natural phenomena can occur suddenly, but the conditions leading to them often develop over time, influenced by both environmental and human activities. Recognizing the primary causes can help communities take proactive steps to reduce risks and stay prepared. Below are two key contributors to landslides:

Heavy Rainfall: A frequent and powerful trigger of landslides is sustained, intense rainfall. As rainwater penetrates the soil, it becomes saturated, reducing its stability and increasing its susceptibility to sliding. This saturation undermines the soil's ability to hold its weight or support additional loads, often leading to catastrophic consequences. Heavy rainfall events can occur during storms or seasonal weather patterns, emphasizing the importance of monitoring rainfall in landslide-prone areas.

Construction Activities: Human activity, particularly construction, is another significant factor in landslide risk. Altering the natural terrain—for instance, by excavating hillsides to build roads, homes, or other infrastructure—can destabilize slopes. These changes disrupt the natural distribution of soil and rock, while the added weight from structures further compromises slope stability. Proper planning and engineering can mitigate these risks, but understanding the impact of construction on local landscapes remains crucial.

The Hillside Trust’s landslide simulation tool, available here - https://hillsidetrust.org/landslide-info/ - offers an interactive way to explore these causes in detail and understand how different factors interact to influence landslide risks.

Landslide Simulation Model - The Hillside Trust The Hillside Trust’s landslide simulation tool offers a way to examine the triggers of landslides.

🌿 Land conservation is a cornerstone of our mission! 🌿

Explore the Stern Preserve: https://hillsidetrust.org/stern-preserve/

Location: The east side of Elstun Road – Mt. Washington, Cincinnati, OH
Size: 12.7 acres
Acquired: 1984, by fee simple gift from the late Robert Stern
Features: The property features a wooded hillside with several very mature trees and a creek skirting the southern boundary of the property. It overlooks the bottomlands of the Little Miami River and abuts the Cincinnati Parks Department’s Stanbery Park.

At The Hillside Trust, we partner with landowners to preserve natural spaces and provide guidance on policies that benefit our communities.

Click here - https://hillsidetrust.org/about/ - to learn more about our mission.

Stern Preserve - The Hillside Trust Location: The east side of Elstun Road – Mt. Washington, Cincinnati, OH Size: 12.7 acres Acquired: 1984, by fee simple gift from the late Robert Stern Features: The property features a wooded hillside with several very mature trees and a creek skirting the southern boundary of the property. It ove...