Events & Programs
CLICK HERE to view the Nature Center's Events & Programs Calendar SHOPPING CART
Fun for All!
Click on the program dates for pricing, registration information and full descriptions.
CLICK HERE to view the Events & Programs Calendar.
CLICK HERE to discover what's happening at our Schott Nature PlayScape!
CLICK HERE to sign up and be notified for various upcoming programs.
Maple Syrup Making and Guided Sap Collecting Hikes in the Sugarbush
Saturdays, 10 am - 3 pm
Sundays, 12-4 pm
Experience the process of producing liquid gold from maple sap. Bask in the warmth of the evaporator and its maple-scented steam. Drop by the Outdoor Learning Center during the times above and join in an interactive sap collecting maple hike. Free; nonmembers pay daily admission.
Nature in Winter Storytime
Tuesdays, 10:30-11 am
Join us at Rowe Visitor Center’s Whittaker Library for a relaxed nature storytime. We’ll read chilly weather-inspired nature books and try out simple winter crafts. Coffee and snacks are available for purchase at our Nature Shop. This program is appropriate for young toddlers to 4 year olds with a caregiver. No preregistration required. Free; nonmembers pay daily admission.
Homeschool Maple Sugaring
Monday, February 17, 10 am - 12 pm
Monday, February 17, 1:30-3:30 pm
Delve into the science and lore of turning sap into sweet maple syrup. This program includes a guided hike in the sugarbush, a look into the Native American origins of sugaring, and a visit to the Sugar House. Homeschool students will tap a tree with a hand drill, help with sugaring work, and sample warm maple syrup right off the evaporator. Recommended age range: 5 and up. Students ages 10 and up will have the option of joining a group specifically geared towards older students. Preregistration required. Member child $7; nonmember child $11 (includes daily admission).
Maple on Tap
Enjoy the best of maple season during this family-friendly event featuring maple beer crafted by HighGrain Brewing Company using Cincinnati Nature Center’s own maple syrup. Discover the process of making maple syrup, learn how the beer was made, savor syrup from the evaporator, play team maple trivia, and more!
Finding Frogs and Salamanders
TBA
In early spring when the weather is just right, salamanders and frogs move to ponds and vernal pools to breed. Discover what to look and listen for and then we'll head outdoors to search for these amphibian creatures. Bring your flashlight and dress for the weather. If interested, CLICK HERE to sign up to be on this notification list. When the time looks right, we will email everyone 24-48 hours ahead. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Owl Prowl
Friday, March 27, 7:30-9 pm at Long Branch Farm & Trails
Join us as we search for owls whooo nest on our grounds. We’ll begin our prowl by digging our talons into fun and interesting facts about these amazing raptors. Then we’ll take flight to call and seek these silent hunters on the trails. Our evening will conclude with some wise words from our neighbors, RAPTOR Inc. For adults and children ages 10 and up with an adult. Preregistration required. Members $10; nonmembers $15 (includes daily admission).
Full Moon Walks
Monday, March 9. 8-9:30 pm — Worm Moon at Rowe Woods
Wednesday, April 8, 8-9:30 pm — Grass Moon at Rowe Woods
Friday, May 8, 8:45-10:15 pm — Milk Moon at Long Branch Farm & Trails
Full Moon Walks provide rare opportunities to hike Nature Center trails when we’re normally closed. These night time walks utilize level upland trails -- we avoid hills, steps and stream crossings for safety. While each full moon walk varies, we generally stop periodically for natural history moments, special readings or simply to admire the shadows cast by the full moon. As it’s night time, the pace is slower. Leaders adjust the walking speed based on their group. Full moon walks generally go for 1.5 hours with our goal being to maximize time on the trail. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Family Owl Fun
It’s a nighttime session of owl watching that is fun for the whole family! We’ll even learn signs of owl activity that you can spot during daylight. Our evening will include wise words from our neighbors, Raptor Inc., and a short walk. Preregistration required. Members $10: nonmembers $15 (includes daily admission).
Build a Mason Bee House
Create a home for native mason bees in this family-friendly workshop. Learn where Mason Bees like to live, what they eat, and how their offering grow so you can attract and take care of your backyard buddies. Each registrant will be provided with 10 nesting tubes and liners so you have everything you need to get your bee house up and running. Members $12; nonmembers $16 (includes admission).
Flint & Steel Fire Making
Make fire with flint and steel in this hands-on class. We’ll cover safety and how to find and prepare natural tinder and flint. Then we'll make char cloth and tinder, strike sparks and coax them into flames. A hot snack will be cooked and served. Members $7; nonmembers $11 (includes daily admission).
Hike for Your Health with RRT
Sunday, March 22, 2-3:30 pm — Redwing Trail at Rowe Woods
Sunday, April 26, 2-3:30 pm — Wildlflower Trail at Rowe Woods
Sunday, May 31, 2-3:30 pm — Barred Owl and Beaver Trails at Long Branch Farm & Trails
Grab your Hike for Your Health passport and get hiking with Nature Center staff and a representative from Roads Rivers and Trails (RRT), a local adventure outfitter. Join us each month as we traverse our trails (approximately 2-3 miles each hike). Purchase your passport ahead of time, available at the Rowe Visitor Center, for $2. Geared for adults and children ages 8 and up with an adult. Preregistration required. Free; nonmembers pay daily admission.
Froggy Spotting Adventure at Long Branch Farm & Trails
Join us for a stroll at Long Branch Farm & Trails to McCarthy Pond where we'll listen in on the spring peepers chorus. We'll also try our hand at spotting these tiny native frogs and their fellow pond residents. Members $5; nonmember $11 (ticket prices include daily admission).
Earth Month Olympics
Saturday, April 4 and 25, 12-2 pm and 2-4 pm, Vine Pulling Competitions
Saturday, April 18, 12-2 pm and 2-4 pm, Stream Clean Up
Join us for Earth Month Olympics! We will be hosting friendly competitions between volunteer teams (or individuals) to celebrate Earth Day while improving natural habitats around the Nature Center. Volunteer to pull bittersweet vines or clear litter from the creek beds and add them to your team’s collection bag. At the end of the day, bags will be weighed to determine who has removed the most invasives. Results from each competition will be measured and displayed in the Visitor Center through the month of April. Preregistration and volunteer waiver required. Free for registrants.
Love Letters to the Earth
The whole month of April
Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day by writing a love letter to Mother Earth. For the entire month of April, we will have a community board available where we invite you to share why you love the Earth.
Free Fridays for Earth Month
Friday, April 3, 10, 17, and 24
Please join us as we celebrate Earth Month! Cincinnati Nature Center will offer free admission to the community on Fridays during the month of April.
Get to Know Long Branch Farm & Trails Hike
This hike is for members who have never visited Long Branch Farm & Trails before. Come check it out! You'll hear some history, some fun facts, and see the natural treasures Long Branch has to offer. Please dress to hike with appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather. Members $5.
SPRING into Camp: Spring Break Camp
Monday, April 6—Wednesday, April 8, 9 am-4 pm
Join us for an outdoor adventure over three days of camp. Explore the Nature Center’s beautiful forests, streams, and fields as we look for emerging signs of spring. We’ll play games and create nature-inspired art while making new friends! For 5-12 year olds. Registration begins Tuesday, February 4, at 10 am.
Homeschool — Adaptations
Thursday, April 9, 10 am-12 pm
With a naturalist, students will hit the trail to observe examples of local plants and animals in various life stages. We’ll explore the pond, field, and forest and learn about the physical and behavioral adaptations of plants and animals in each. Suitable for 1st-3rd grade equivalent, but older and younger siblings may attend as well. Member $7; nonmembers $11 (includes daily admission).
Dad & Me Night Hike
Caregivers bring your favorite one or two kiddos for a dusky hike at Rowe Woods. Kids explore the wilderness with your favorite guy. Practice your fire starting skills with flint and steel, adventure into the woods for a moderate hike, and end with a campfire s'more. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes admission).
DIY Wildflowers from Seed
Saturday, April 18, 10 am-3 pm
Saturday, April 25, 10 am-3 pm
Experience the joy of growing your own native wildflowers to enhance your yard for pollinators and other wildlife. Choose from 12+ species of wildflowers, fill a pot with soil, add seeds, label it and head home with inspiration and instruction sheets. Nature Center volunteers will be on hand to help you select the right plant species for your home. Purchase seed pots at the event for $1 each. Members free; nonmember adult $9 and nonmember child $4 (includes daily admission).
Mindful Nature Playtime
Slow down and enjoy nature with your little ones. Explore the woods, sing songs, and make art with your family. All activities are designed with mindfulness concepts in mind to encourage compassion, intention, and connection. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes admission).
Pond Critter Catch
Put on your play clothes and boots and join us for an afternoon of netting and scooping up pond creatures! As a part of our ongoing pond citizen science project, we'll help the leaders in their investigation and count of all of the wildlife we find. We'll learn how to use the right scientific tools for the job: nets, scopes, magnifiers, and counters. At the end of the program, we'll celebrate our work with a special take home treat. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes admission).
Mom & Me Night Hike
Caregivers bring your favorite one or two kiddos for a dusky hike at Rowe Woods. Kids explore the wilderness with your favorite gal. Practice your fire starting skills with flint and steel, adventure into the woods for a moderate hike, and end with a campfire s'more. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes admission).
Make a Hiking Stick
Choose your own pre-harvested honeysuckle branch and craft it into a customized hiking stick. Use simple hand tools to cut, smooth and work the stick. Add embellishments like brass tacks, then cute and add your own leather lanyard. Fees are per stick kit; a parent may purchase one stick to work on with their child. Nonmembers parents who purchase a ticket for their child, but do not purchase a ticket for themselves, will pay daily admission at the gate. Members $7; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission).
Natural Art Making
Experiment with using natural, foraged, and recycled materials to make colorful drawings. Learn how to make your own drawing charcoal and try your hand at making ink out of berries and blooms. Enjoy the spring greenery as we take a walk to do some "en plein air" with materials we've made. Basic techniques will be covered for those new to drawing. Beginners welcome.
A portion of this program will take place outdoors so participants should dress accordingly. Some paper, pencils and brushes will be available for use, but participants are encouraged to bring their own paper or sketchbook that can handle ink, as well as their own drawing pencils and brushes. Members $10; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission).
Sci-Fi in Real Life
Sometimes the natural world is stranger than fiction. On this interactive hike, learn about a few of the creatures and processes in nature that have influenced popular science fiction films and books. Is there truth behind sci-fi depictions of parasites, warring bugs, and trees that talk? Search for creatures that regenerate, play a "hive-mind" game, and invent your own sci-fi being. See what weirdness nature can produce right here in Southwest Ohio. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes admission).
Make a Nature Journal
Have you ever wanted to handcraft your own journal? We'll learn how to create medium-sized, hand-sewn journals utilizing native plants. These journals can then be used to explore the world of nature journaling as we provide tips and tricks for getting you started. This program is appropriate for adults and teens (13+) with an adult, and will involve the use of fine motor skills. Preregistration required. Members $16; nonmembers $19 (includes admission).
Bluebird Box Checking at Long Branch Farm & Trails
Head out on a hike with the bluebird box monitoring team and carefully peer inside bird houses. Find out what the Nature Center is doing to encourage bluebirds on our properties and what you can do to provide housing for birds on your property. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).