School and Group Programs

Group Programs

Cincinnati Nature Center offers a variety fo ways for groups to discover nature at Rowe Woods.  All organized groups of 12 or more individuals will need to register at least seven days prior to visiting.  Groups pay a small fee to receive an introduction to Rowe Woods and a naturalist-led hike.  

Group hikes are ideal for scout troops, day care centers, and other groups.  View the Group Policy (PDF) for more information.

Maple Sugaring Days for Scouts

Delve into the science and lore of turning sap into maple syrup. The program includes a guided hike in the sugarbush, a look into the Native American origins of sugaring, and a visit to the Sugar House. Scouts will tap a tree with a hand drill, help with sugaring work and sample warm maple syrup right off the evaporator. Hour-long hikes begin at the Sugar House. This program takes place outdoors regardless of weather. Minimum to register is 10 scouts; large groups will be separated into groups of 10 or fewer scouts.  Each group of 10 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

School Programs

CNC serves grades 1 through 8 with lesson plans that support state science standards in an incredible natural setting.  CNC offers two options for school programming. 

One-Day Field Trips

One-day field trips are $5 per student and typically run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Choose among our six lesson plans, indicated in the School Programs Brochure below.  Children will be divided into small groups of no more than 10 children per leader (and chaperone) to maximize interaction with the land. 

Partner School Program

Our partner school program is available for schools willing to schedule and prepay for 500 students or more.  Fees for partner schools are $4 per student and include a field trip with custom-tailored lesson plans to meet your needs, in-school preparation or follow-up for field trips, and teacher training as requested. Partner school opportunities are limited; please contact Connie O’Connor at (513) 965-4891 or  to learn more.

To learn how to schedule a visit or view the lesson plan options, view the School Programs Brochure (PDF).

Adult Programs

Adults may enjoy a slideshow from our Speakers Bureau. The Speakers Bureau features programs presented on or off site by one of CNC's nature educators: Connie O'Connor, Education and Visitor Services Director; Bill Creasey, Chief Naturalist and Safari Coordinator; Bill Hopple, Executive Director; or Colin Vogt, CNC Volunteer. Presentations cover a variety of topics, including CNC history, local flora and fauna, and renewable energy. Featured programs are:

• "An Introduction to Cincinnati Nature Center"
• "Amphibians in Your Backyard"
• "Backyard Birds of Southwest Ohio"
• "Leave No Child Inside: Nature Deficit Disorder"
• "Mammals of Southwestern Ohio"
• "Wildflowers for Beginners"
• "Education for the New Energy Economy"
• "Renewable Energy for the Home"

For more information on programs and how to schedule, please view the Speakers Bureau Brochure (PDF).