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01/31/2026- Hidden Legacies: The Black History of the CCC at Mt. Airy Forest
A Guided Nature Walk & Historical Presentation
Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Nearly a century ago, amidst the Great Depression, thousands of young men joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)—the nation’s first major conservation movement. While the CCC’s impact is felt nationwide, Cincinnati holds a unique piece of that history: Camp Mt. Airy.
As one of the few African-American CCC camps in Ohio, these men transformed barren, eroded land into what is now Cincinnati’s premier city park. Their craftsmanship and legacy are still visible today in the trails we walk and the stone structures where we gather.
What to Expect
Join Cincinnati Parks for an immersive morning of storytelling and exploration. We will dive into the history of the city and the park system that led to the creation of Mt. Airy Forest.
Historical Presentation: View rare artifacts and photos from the 1930s.
The Untold Story: Learn about the specific contributions and experiences of the African-American men of Camp Mt. Airy.
Guided Hike: We’ll take a short drive and a moderate stroll to view the original stone structures and trails built by the CCC.
Event Logistics
Meeting Location:Oak Ridge Lodge (4700 Oak Ridge Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45223)
Preparation: Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear for the hike.
Note: After the initial presentation at the lodge, we will drive a short distance to the trail site.
Registration
This is a Pay What You Can event. While there is no fixed cost to attend, registration is required so we can safely manage our group size on the trails and ensure a high-quality experience for everyone.
Choose Your Contribution
Please select the registration tier that best fits your current circumstances. All participants receive the same experience, regardless of the amount chosen.
Supporter Rate ($20): For those who wish to "pay it forward" to help cover the costs for others and support future historical programming.
Standard Rate ($10): Our suggested contribution that covers the direct costs of our guides and materials.
Community Rate ($5): A reduced rate intended to keep this history accessible to everyone.
No-Cost RSVP ($0): We want you here! Please use this option if a financial contribution is a barrier to attending.
A Note on our Model: We Outside is a for-profit organization. We believe in using our platform to drive social impact. While we are not a 501(c)(3), we are committed to radical transparency: 100% of the "Supporter" premiums go directly to funding community scholarships.
A Guided Nature Walk & Historical Presentation
Saturday, January 31 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Nearly a century ago, amidst the Great Depression, thousands of young men joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)—the nation’s first major conservation movement. While the CCC’s impact is felt nationwide, Cincinnati holds a unique piece of that history: Camp Mt. Airy.
As one of the few African-American CCC camps in Ohio, these men transformed barren, eroded land into what is now Cincinnati’s premier city park. Their craftsmanship and legacy are still visible today in the trails we walk and the stone structures where we gather.
What to Expect
Join Cincinnati Parks for an immersive morning of storytelling and exploration. We will dive into the history of the city and the park system that led to the creation of Mt. Airy Forest.
Historical Presentation: View rare artifacts and photos from the 1930s.
The Untold Story: Learn about the specific contributions and experiences of the African-American men of Camp Mt. Airy.
Guided Hike: We’ll take a short drive and a moderate stroll to view the original stone structures and trails built by the CCC.
Event Logistics
Meeting Location:Oak Ridge Lodge (4700 Oak Ridge Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45223)
Preparation: Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear for the hike.
Note: After the initial presentation at the lodge, we will drive a short distance to the trail site.
Registration
This is a Pay What You Can event. While there is no fixed cost to attend, registration is required so we can safely manage our group size on the trails and ensure a high-quality experience for everyone.
Choose Your Contribution
Please select the registration tier that best fits your current circumstances. All participants receive the same experience, regardless of the amount chosen.
Supporter Rate ($20): For those who wish to "pay it forward" to help cover the costs for others and support future historical programming.
Standard Rate ($10): Our suggested contribution that covers the direct costs of our guides and materials.
Community Rate ($5): A reduced rate intended to keep this history accessible to everyone.
No-Cost RSVP ($0): We want you here! Please use this option if a financial contribution is a barrier to attending.
A Note on our Model: We Outside is a for-profit organization. We believe in using our platform to drive social impact. While we are not a 501(c)(3), we are committed to radical transparency: 100% of the "Supporter" premiums go directly to funding community scholarships.