Cincinnati Nature Center Blog
Blog Entries - tag: 'Nature learning'
A Sunny Garden Flower Gone Awry
Posted on: February 24, 2021
by Danie Frevola, Conservation Apprentice
Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) is a stunning wetland plant with tall and showy yellow flowers (Fig 1.). While it is an attractive landscaping plant, it also peaks gardener’s interest because it can grow in a
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Want Biodiversity? Feed the Soil
Posted on: April 27, 2020
by Jason Neumann, Public Programs Manager
It’s time to vent. After nearly 25 years on staff at Cincinnati Nature Center, there are a couple of things I want to clear up. For the record, I’m fully on board with the Nature Center’s
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Go Spots!
Posted on: April 21, 2020
By Olivia Espinoza, Natural Areas Manager
I’m certain that one of the staples of a childhood is the discovery of a tadpole in a ditch, puddle, or pond. I grew up with a lake in my backyard and would spend the summers with my head peering over the water
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The Myth of Groundcover
Posted on: April 16, 2020
by Jason Neumann
I didn’t plant it, but there it is at the bottom of my wood privacy fence: wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei). As a naturalist, I know that this unwanted botanical surprise is courtesy of neighborhood birds that relieved themselves
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What’s (Probably) Growing in Your Yard: Our Bioblitz Round-Up
Posted on: April 15, 2020
By Connie O’Connor and Jason Neumann
We had a great time with our first-ever bioblitz—our Lawn Plant Identification Challenge! We totaled 349 observations of 175 different species in and around lawns in our region!
read more …The Story of My Land—Keeping a Phenology Journal
Posted on: April 9, 2020
By Connie O’Connor
“Every place, like every person, is elevated by the love and respect shown toward it, and by the way its bounty is received.” -- Richard Nelson
I bought my first home, hidden away on 3.6 acres of woodland,
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Knowledge & Confidence in the Palm of Your Hand
Posted on: April 3, 2020
By Connie O’Connor
Here’s a confession: I sometimes dread “what’s this” questions when leading a hike. When I teach Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist students, they express similar concerns. We can’t know everything, but
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At Home with Nature: Nest Building (Ages 2-5)
Posted on: March 30, 2020
Children can have lots of fun mimicking the creativity of birds and building with natural objects!
You’ll need: A nature space to find building materials and an “egg” (a stone, pinecone, or other egg-shaped
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At Home with Nature: Fishing the Old Fashioned Way (Ages 5-12)
Posted on: March 30, 2020
Pretend fishing is a fun way to get children outside and practicing their concentration. Younger children may need supervision and help to make sure they are playing safely and having fun.
Materials needed: Stick, yarn or
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At Home with Nature: Phenology Journal (All Ages)
Posted on: March 30, 2020
Spring brings fresh changes outside, making it the perfect time to look at phenology, the study of seasonal changes in nature.
You’ll need: A journal, a pencil, and a spot outdoors you can return to
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At Home with Nature: Mud Kitchen (Ages 2-5)
Posted on: March 26, 2020
You’ll need: Old kitchen utensils, a pile of soil, and a bin of water.
Optional extras: Paper and markers to make your own menu.
Mix the water and soil together, either in the bin or on the ground, and let your child play!
Playing with
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At Home with Nature: Nature Weaving (Ages 5-12)
Posted on: March 26, 2020
You’ll need: Cardboard, scissors, tape, and yarn. Children may need help making their loom.
Optional extras: Markers to decorate the loom.
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