Ohio River Foundation (ORF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2000 by a group of citizens concerned about the Ohio River, and the need for increased citizen response to the degradation of this valuable natural resource. Its membership has grown to include members from eight states. ORF's mission is to protect and restore the water quality and ecology of the Ohio River and its tributaries for the health and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Since its birth in 2000, Ohio River Foundation has grown considerably. We've expanded into education and recreation, with the River Explorer (Ohio River environmental education) and the Great Ohio River Paddle projects.

Ohio River watershed waterways are sources of drinking water, places of recreation and commerce, and centers of wildlife habitat. Since the health of the river and its tributaries affects the quality of life of everyone in the watershed, our constituency is all people living in the Ohio River watershed (approximately 10% of the US population).
 

What Ohio River Foundation Does:

• Promotes equal consideration of environmental protection and economic factors in watershed management
• Fosters river stewardship through education and collaboration
• Works with scientists and governmental agencies to improve ecosystem management for the Ohio River and its watershed
• Provides access to educational and scientific resources to support citizen and community involvement in Ohio River development activities and governmental initiatives
• Assists communities in protecting their riverfronts and quality of life sponsors and participates in activities that will directly improve the Ohio River and those activities that will build the constituency of citizens and organizations who will advocate for the river's improvement
• Promotes increased opportunities for river recreation and restoration
• Encourages environmentally friendly alternatives to polluting businesses and business practices