History, Mission, and Values

History, Mission, and Values

Educational Philosophy

In 2010, Cincinnati Nature Center's Education Committee presented a landmark document to the Board of Directors for approval. Called Making Nature Personal, this document was the result of months of research and discussion and explained a shift in thinking about what nature centers like Cincinnati Nature Center can and cannot accomplish. The second edition incorporates new findings, removes dated program information, and improves readability. 

Read the full report by Connie O’Connor, Director of Applied Learning, and the Education Committee, Making Nature Personal: Cincinnati Nature Center’s Educational Philosophy, Second Edition 2013.

Philosophy 1
Science-based nature interpretation is more effective than environmental education.

Philosophy 2
Empowering nature enthusiasts to share their values can have a positive impact on the broader community.

Philosophy 3
Children should get outside frequently, starting at an early age.

Philosophy 4
Family members and other significant adults in children’s lives are the best role models to connect them to nature.

Philosophy 5
Enthusiastic school teachers are important allies in connecting children to nature.

Strengthening The Bond Of People With Nature

Cincinnati Nature Center believes that by supporting and strengthening the bond of people with nature, we better enable them to share their values for, experiences in, and knowledge about nature with others. This approach is intended to increase the overall number of people who feel connected to nature. The Nature Center encourages positive values toward nature for people of all ages, so that throughout their lives, their behaviors will increasingly reflect these values.