Blog
Stories shared from the perspective of our staff, volunteers, and community.
.jpg)
EXPLORE
Latest Articles
For the Love of Home
Often the decision to step into civic engagement is the result of a call to action that can no longer be ignored. For Julie, it was the loss of her home in 2006 that started her thinking that she should pay more attention to the political and economic systems that weren’t working.
Lessons from the Wild Black Raspberry
This spring, soon after the wild black raspberries bloomed, the fruit set that promised a future bounty was obvious. Starting mid-June, volunteers and staff headed out every three days to bring in this year’s crop of wild black raspberries at Long Branch Farm & Trails.
Living Sustainably: Slow Fashion
Amber Ostaszewski encourages people to help reduce negative effects on the environment by being mindful about their clothing choices. Using natural dyes instead of harmful chemicals and natural fibers instead of synthetics can protect vital resources like soil, water, and human capital. Recently, Amber met with The Ripple writer Barbara Moss to explain how “slow fashion” can improve the health of the planet.
Challenging Commercial Food Production with Grassroots Farming
Most Ripple readers feel a special connection to nature. Some, like this month’s featured influencer, have changed their lives to support that connection more fully. Drausin Wulsin says “I was never spiritually fulfilled in regular jobs but in working with the land, I found myself fully engaged and found strength I never knew I had.”
Measuring Influence: Does It End?
Every teacher is an influencer. Every teacher has a legacy. Jon Sounders’ story is an example of how a teacher can advance the cause of nature conservation while inculcating in young people ways of thinking and investigating that serve them into adulthood.
Meet an Influencer: Community Advocacy and Protecting Local Greenspace
Cynthia Duval, a local parks advocate, has been instrumental in opposing various development projects in Burnet Woods, an old-growth urban forest, through her leadership in the nonprofit Preserve Burnet Woods. Despite challenges such as public speaking fears and a full personal schedule, she has successfully rallied community support to protect the park's environmental integrity and continues to fight against new threats like a proposed dog park that could harm the area's ecosystem.
Citizen Activism Key to Land Preservation in Loveland
In Loveland, Ohio, a grassroots group successfully prevented the development of 109 acres of historic farmland and woods into a housing project by organizing and influencing local government decisions. Their efforts led to the conservation of the land, supported by grant funds awarded to Cardinal Land Conservancy, highlighting the power of community activism and strategic engagement in local governance.
Paying It Forward
Steve Inglish, a dedicated volunteer at the Cincinnati Nature Center, has become a significant influencer in promoting native plant gardening following his retirement. Mentored by experts and driven by his passion for environmental conservation, Steve uses his skills in public speaking and education to inspire others to adopt environmentally friendly gardening practices, continuing to "pay it forward" through public talks and leadership in community science projects.
Looking Out My Back Door
Elaine Sugawara discusses observing the early signs of spring through the budding and sap flow of a red maple tree in her neighbor's yard, highlighting the tree's adaptation to cold and its role in signaling the upcoming change of season. She notes that while sugar maples are famous for syrup, red maples can also produce syrup, albeit requiring more sap due to their lower sugar content.
Five Tips for Winter Hiking
Kelly Volz offers practical advice for winter hiking in her article, emphasizing the importance of wearing layered clothing and warm boots, using traction cleats for added stability, planning a manageable route, utilizing trekking poles, and taking time to appreciate the winter landscape. These tips aim to enhance safety and enjoyment while hiking in cold conditions.
Season's Readings
The blog post from Cincinnati Nature Center suggests a variety of books recommended by its staff and volunteers, ideal for winter reading. These recommendations include titles on natural history, scientific exploration, and environmental issues, aiming to enhance knowledge and broaden perspectives during the colder months.
Souvenirs from the Boardwalk
Jim Kesner recounts his experiences as a trail runner at the Cincinnati Nature Center, where he found solace and adventure over three decades. He shares memories of running in all weather conditions, the goal of covering every trail in one run, and capturing photographic souvenirs from the same spots on the boardwalk, documenting the ever-changing natural scenery around Powell Crosley Lake.
Change Agents: Beth and Bob Staggenborg
Beth and Bob Staggenborg are showcased as passionate environmental advocates in an article by Bebe Raupe, featured in both an online blog and the November 3, 2023 issue of "The Ripple." The couple, long-time members of the Cincinnati Nature Center, are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices, particularly in food consumption, and engage the community through activities like hosting meatless meals and volunteering in various environmental education roles. Their efforts extend beyond local outreach, with Bob also sharing ecological insights through his "Nature Guys" podcast.
.jpg)
At Long Branch, “Farm” is Still a Verb
Long Branch Farm, initially a vibrant educational farm offering hands-on agricultural experiences, ceased its traditional operations in 2005 due to changes in state education standards and high maintenance costs. Since then, efforts have shifted towards native plant education and foraging, with the establishment of perennial polyculture plots that focus on native edible plants, blending conservation with visitor engagement and education.
A Seriously Awful Weed
Lesser Celandine (Ficaria verna) is an invasive plant native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, known for its aggressive growth that threatens native vegetation in North America. It is illegal in Ohio to distribute or propagate it due to its detrimental impact on local ecosystems, and removal involves careful digging or the use of herbicides to eliminate its pervasive tubers and prevent regrowth.
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
Get the latest nature news,
direct to your inbox!
Enhance your hike with our Mobile Guide!
Access interactive trail maps, information, activities, and more!
