Who We Are

American elderberry / Sambucus canadensis

Wild geranium / Geranium maculatum

Our Challenge

Over the years, invasive weeds, shrubs, and trees infiltrated the property, overtaking and crowding out native trees and wildflowers. It will take years to restore Scarborough’s original biodiversity.

Our Mission

With guidance from Cincinnati Parks naturalists, we will replace invasive species with native flora to create an oasis of visual beauty and spiritual respite for our community.

Scarborough Woods is a 6.5-acre wooded property in East Walnut Hills owned by Cincinnati Parks. In 1967 Aletheia E. Pattison (1881-1978) — the daughter of John W. Pattison, Ohio’s 43rd governor — donated the property to the Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners. She specified that the land be named Scarborough Woods and stipulated that the property “will be used only for a wildlife preserve, bird sanctuary, arboretum, or some other comparable purpose.”

Kids need spaces in the woods for their own sanity.

Greg Torres_profile

Greg Torres, Cincinnati Park Board Naturalist

Map of Scarborough Woods

Spring workdays: April 13 and May 25

We will remove invasive garlic mustard from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 13, and will continue with invasives removal and possible tree planting from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 25. Meet at the Wold Ave. entrance, the blacktop driveway near the intersection of Wold and Dexter and across from a fire hydrant. We recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants as poison ivy is present. Gloves and appropriate tools will be provided. If you have not already registered as a volunteer with Cincinnati Parks, please click here to do so.