King for a Day
An ongoing effort to keep the Little Miami State and National Scenic River clean has spurred an unusual contest. Two local conservationists and business owners are competing for the title of “Tire King of the Little Miami River.”
Bryan Wolf, of Roads, Rivers, and Trails (RRT), and Mark Bersani of Loveland Canoe and Kayak, are competing to see who can pull the most tires out of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River.
The Tire King Challenge runs through the summer, and the title of The Tire King of the Little Miami will be based on the number of tires pulled from the river and total donations for each group. Donate to the Tire King Challenge today!
Both Wolf and Bersani are passionate conservationists who are dedicated to ridding the river of a common hazard – tires that have been dumped into the Little Miami.
The tires create hazards for both the public who enjoy the river recreationally, and for fish and wildlife who need a healthy environment to survive.
About Adventure Crew
Adventure Crew is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting city teens in Greater Cincinnati with nature and each other through engaging outdoor adventures. Founded in 2013, the nonprofit now serves all Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) high schools, seventh and eighth graders in select CPS elementary schools, and seven schools in Northern Kentucky – a total of 27 schools and a roster of nearly 1,000 students per year. Through challenging monthly adventures, city teens develop the courageous spirit to step out of their comfort zone and discover new worlds – outside in nature and inside themselves. This deep connection to nature will set a positive course for their lives – and help create the next generation of environmental stewards.
For more information, visit www.adventurecrew.org.
Last year, volunteer crews pulled more than 200 junk tires and more than six tons of metal and debris out of the 110-mile stretch of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River. In addition to the great river cleanup efforts, the money raised will be donated to Adventure Crew and Little Miami Conservancy.
“Your donation to my Crew Champion fundraiser supports transformative experiences city teens the great outdoors,” said Bersani. “Help me open the doors of nature through kayaking, biking, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and other awesome adventures.”
Founded in 1967, the Little Miami Conservancy (LMC) has provided key leadership in achieving national and state recognition for the Little Miami by spearheading the designation of the Little Miami as Ohio’s first National Wild and Scenic River and Ohio’s first State Scenic River. For 55 years, LMC has worked in partnership with public officials, landowners and developers to protect and establish critical riverfront forests and prairielands that filter runoff, provide vital shade and wildlife habitat, and help stabilize riverbanks. The LMC has acquired more than 100 beautiful nature preserves through conservation easements, land purchase and donation. Today the Little Miami main stem has been brought back “from the brink”, but challenges remain. The river is now in exceptional health and is ranked in the top 10% of river ecosystems in Ohio. Over 54% of the Little Miami’s riverfront is formally protected.