About Oxbow, Inc.

What is the Oxbow?

Oxbow, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust and the Oxbow is the floodplain area we protect that exists at the convergence of the Great Miami River and the Ohio River between Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

Since 1985, we have served to protect, preserve, and improve this most important and remaining wetland in the mid-section of the Ohio Valley which serves as a crucial resting station for nearly 300 different species of migratory birds.

A calm lake reflecting clouds, framed by overhanging trees

278+ Species of birds documented

1,600+ Acres of critical habitat protected

40+ Years of conservation

10k+ Visitors every year

Our history

1985 to today

Summer 1985 The Oxbow floodplain from above

Oxbow under threat

Political and business leaders announced plans to create a major new port authority and build a 700-acre commercial barge shipping center on this floodplain.

Fall 1985

Saving the Oxbow

Local conservationists, with the help of the local Audubon Society, Sierra Club, and more, began writing letters and calling state representatives to explain the importance of the Oxbow.

Fall 1985

Oxbow, Inc. is founded

Once legislators understood the complex nature of the Oxbow and its value for wildlife, they dropped plans for legislation and Oxbow, Inc. was founded to ensure future protection of the floodplain and surrounding areas.

1987

Rapid growth

Within two years, Oxbow, Inc. grew to 700 members and raised more than $50,000 in generous private sector gifts.

1987

First purchase

Oxbow's first land purchase, a strategically located 27.5 acre block of farm land in the heart of the Oxbow area.

2017

A steel arch bridge over the Ohio River at sunset, framed by leaves

435 acres added

Oxbow, Inc. closes on the former I-275 Enterprises property, adding nearly 435 acres to protected holdings.

Today

1,600+ acres protected

Four decades of acquisitions and easements have grown the preserve to more than 1,600 acres.

Meet our team

Sara Brandts Executive Director

Jessica Martini Director of Engagement

Sydney Raftery Land Steward

Board of Directors

Dr. Jon Seymour President

John Klein Vice President

Dwight Poffenberger Secretary & Ohio Agent

Ed Gemperle Treasurer & Indiana Agent

Erich Baumgardner Board Member

Penny Borgman Board Member

Dr. Denis Conover Board Member

Andrea Ewan Board Member

Ron Greco Board Member

Deanna McAtee Board Member

Dr. Mike Miller Board Member

Dr. Steve Pelikan Board Member

Jack Stenger Board Member

Jay Stenger Board Member

Tim Sisson Board Member

Dr. Wayne Wauligman Board Member

Seen at the Oxbow

Community Gallery

Birdwatching, hiking and photography are what this floodplain is for. These are a few of the moments our photographers and volunteers have brought back from it.

View the gallery

The Great Miami bend from above Foto by Guitto

Prothonotary Warbler Andrea Mynhier

Birders gathering for the walk Ash Conway

Spring River Sweep volunteers

The Birding Man bonfire under the moon Jerry Schulte

Red-shouldered Hawk in flight Gayle Pille

Osprey Lake from above Foto by Guitto

Goshawk at the bird of prey show Jerry Schulte

NCCC team at the Oxbow

Osprey Lake Overlook

QBC and NKY birders at the Oxbow Ash Conway

Staff at the "Preserving the Oxbow Wetlands" tent

The lake from the shore Foto by Guitto

Scope views at Birding Man Jerry Schulte

Volunteers with the day's haul

Egrets, a heron and a young eagle Mike Trimpe

Oxbow lakes from above Foto by Guitto

A hawk meets the Birding Man crowd Jerry Schulte

Oxbow staff at an outreach tent

Wooded islands from above Foto by Guitto

The Great Miami bend from above Foto by Guitto

Prothonotary Warbler Andrea Mynhier

Birders gathering for the walk Ash Conway

Spring River Sweep volunteers

The Birding Man bonfire under the moon Jerry Schulte

Red-shouldered Hawk in flight Gayle Pille

Osprey Lake from above Foto by Guitto

Goshawk at the bird of prey show Jerry Schulte

NCCC team at the Oxbow

Osprey Lake Overlook

QBC and NKY birders at the Oxbow Ash Conway

Staff at the "Preserving the Oxbow Wetlands" tent

The lake from the shore Foto by Guitto

Scope views at Birding Man Jerry Schulte

Volunteers with the day's haul

Egrets, a heron and a young eagle Mike Trimpe

Oxbow lakes from above Foto by Guitto

A hawk meets the Birding Man crowd Jerry Schulte

Oxbow staff at an outreach tent

Wooded islands from above Foto by Guitto

The next forty years

Be part of what comes next

Oxbow, Inc. is its members and volunteers. Forty years in, the work is the same: buy the next parcel, plant the next stand, count the next migration.

Become a Member

Members fund year-round conservation and get early access to walks, field trips and the Birdathon.

Join as a member

Give a morning

River Sweeps, native plantings, nest-box builds and bird counts. No experience needed. Bring sturdy shoes and water.

See volunteer opportunities

Help protect what matters

Become a member and support the Oxbow. Get access to exclusive newsletters, events, and more.

Become a member

Oxbow, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Lawrenceburg, Indiana focused on preserving and protecting a wetlands known as the Oxbow, a staging area for the seasonal migrations of waterfowl at the confluence of the Great Miami and Ohio rivers.