Cardinal Land Conservancy would like to announce our acquisition of 89 acres of Grailville land in the City of Loveland. This land was purchased at an intentionally discounted price from The Grail utilizing Clean Ohio Greenspace Conservation funds. The Grail is an international movement of women, bonded in action, solidarity, and faith, working in 21 countries, as individuals and Grail groups, interconnecting regionally, nationally, and internationally. Without The Grail’s philanthropic and serving hearts, Cardinal would not have been able to realize its dream of owning this large greenspace in a suburban setting. As part of the project, The Grail also gifted to Cardinal an additional 20 acres of land most of which could be sold to help pay for renovating and operating buildings and providing access to greenspace for the broader community on the remaining acreage. Loveland Schools has agreed to purchase approximately 16 of these donated acres for their eventual use.
Cardinal intends to renovate four of the main structures on site to serve as its new headquarters and to provide access to members of the public to meet and learn about ecological and agricultural restoration projects. Cardinal intends to work with The Grail as a partner as well as Clermont County Park District, The City of Loveland and the Grailville Land Preservation Group to engage the public as restoration plans are cemented. Cardinal truly hopes to honor the land as The Grail did before them in its restoration efforts that include native landscaping, native lawn alternatives, a foraging garden, and a sound garden aimed at planting native species for native birds and nighttime insects.
The Grail is pleased and happy to have worked with local area residents to make the sale of this property to Cardinal possible. Cardinal Land Conservancy is a land conservancy in Southwest Ohio whose mission is to preserve natural habitats, waterways, agricultural lands, and open space in Southwest Ohio. This land has been treasured and tended by the Women of the Grail for nearly 80 years. It has been kept clean, much of it in organic certification. To guarantee a future for any land that we have sold that is in line with our spiritual and environmental values, The Grail has been willing to accept significantly less than appraised value. The Grail at Grailville has long been a place which has lifted the spirits of those who come here. As The Grail continues its work at Grailville on the Northside (of O’Bannonville Rd.) we take comfort in knowing that our Southside land is now in the capable hands of Cardinal Land Conservancy. As we care for our Mother Earth so shall she care for us.
Questions about this acquisition, the future of this property, and Cardinal Land Conservancy.