Conservation
Plant NATIVE
Plant Native Programs
Join us to learn more about native plants, from what we're doing here to what you can do in your own space!
Native Plants 101 (Online, Self Paced)
Bring life into your outdoor space while helping the natural world! In this practical, self-paced online course, you’ll discover the benefits of planting native, learn about powerhouse plants, and create a personal garden plan. Preregistration required by March 8. Member adult $40; nonmember adult $45.
How to Plant a Pocket Prairie: Site Preparation
The key to success in creating your own native wildflower-filled, pollinator friendly, pocket-sized prairie is site preparation. Join us as we dive into the many ways to prepare your site, regardless of what’s there now. Preregistration required. Member adult $10; nonmember adult $20 (includes daily admission).
Family Make and Take: Mini-Pollinator Garden
The whole family will learn-by-doing as you plant ready-to-grow seeds in pots to take home plus go on a mini nature hike through the Witt Pollinator Garden. Through plant-related crafts and activities, we’ll explore how caring for plants helps wildlife. Preregistration required. Members $10; nonmembers $16 (includes daily admission).
Native Plant Showcase: Spring Walk
It’s time to show off the broad palette of native plants, shrubs, and trees that a native gardener might draw upon to add color, texture, and value for wildlife in the home landscape. Preregistration required. Member adult $10; nonmember adult $20 (includes daily admission).
Battling Problem Plants
Creating wildlife-friendly yards entails making space for native species, and that means removing introduced plants. If you find yourself asking “Which plants are introduced?” or “How do I remove non-native ‘problem’ plants?” this beginner level class is for you. Using examples from the Nature Center’s gardens and grounds, Natural Areas Project Coordinator Carolyn Ramseur will provide tips and tricks for battling aggressive plants. Member adult $10; nonmember adult $20 (includes daily admission).
Native Plant Nursery and Edibles Plot Tour at Long Branch Farm & Trails
Cincinnati Nature Center’s Long Branch Farm & Trails has been reimagined as the Nature Center’s native plant-focused expression of inspiring conservation. Geared toward the homeowner interested in native gardening and restorative landscaping, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes look into the native plant nursery and native edible plant plots. Preregistration required. Member adult $15; nonmember adult $25 (includes daily admission).
Grow Your Own Pawpaw Trees at Long Branch Farm & Trails
We can raise pawpaw trees that benefit both humans and wildlife. Whether you’re growing pawpaw trees in your yard, wondering why there’s no fruit in your woodland pawpaw patch, or trying to raise zebra swallowtail butterflies, this hands-on, how-to class is for you. Preregistration required. Member adult $12; nonmember adult $22 (includes daily admission).
Grow (and use) Elderberry Bushes at Long Branch Farm & Trails
Join us for an in-the-field class. We’ll draw upon the natural history of this native shrub including how to propagate, grow, and prune elder bushes. We’ll touch on a range of culinary uses for the flowers and fruits and provide a few samples. Preregistration required. Member adult $12; nonmember adult $22 (includes daily admission).