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.
Full Moon Walks
Friday, December 13, 7:30-9 pm — Cold Mood Walk at Rowe Woods
Friday, January 10, 7:30-9 pm — Wolf Moon Walk at Rowe Woods
Saturday, February 8, 7:30-9 pm — Raccoon 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).
Winter Solstice Celebration
Saturday, December 21, 6:30-8:30 pm
Join us on the “midnight of the year” for a modern observance of an ancient tradition. Gather around a fire and explore the history and symbolism of this celestial event. Celebrate the rebirth of the spring by participating in a community drum circle led by Melodic Connections and contributing to a crowdsourced poem. Join a group hike lit by moonlight and deepen your understanding of the significance of the solstice. Complete with warm drinks and bites! This program is entirely outside; dress accordingly. Geared for ages 9 and up. Preregistration required. Members $10; nonmembers $15 (includes daily admission).
Holiday Hike - A Walk Through Time
Thursday, December 26, 10 am - 12 pm
Friday, December 27, 10 am - 12 pm
Saturday, December 28, 10 am - 12 pm
Monday, December 30, 10 am - 12 pm
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a walk through time. Our hike on the Geology Trail to Fox Rock will reveal evidence of the ancient sea and evidence of glaciers. We’ll wrap up at Abner Hollow Cabin as we remember how early settlers celebrated the holidays 220 years ago. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
New Year's Refresh Day
Saturday, January 4, 9 am - 4 pm
Refresh your mind, body, and soul! Learn new skills, exercise your creativity, and get outside with your family and friends during this day-long celebration. A variety of programs will be offered throughout the day to help you get a head start on your resolutions. From mindfulness activities, to winter hikes, to crafts and reading suggestions, you are sure to find something to start your new year on a new leaf.
Winter Drawing with Natural Materials
Saturday, January 4, 1-3:30 pm
Nature is not only a source of inspiration for art, it can also be a source for artmaking materials. Join us for winter sketching “en plein air” and experiment with using natural materials. Warm up around a fire as you learn how to make your own drawing with charcoal from native plants and how to make ink from black walnuts. Beginners welcome and encouraged. Preregistration required. Members $10; nonmembers $17 (includes daily admission).
Intro to Tracking
Saturday, January 11, 10-11:30 am
Who lives in the forest of Rowe Woods? What creatures inhabit the banks of our stream or the shores of our ponds? What are the animals that leave footprints in the mud and snow? Learn the basics of becoming a tracker. We’ll go through the basics on tracking and venture outside to see what stories we can find along the trails. Appropriate for adults and interested children age 8 and older with a caretaker. Preregistration required. Members $5 and nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Maple Tree Tapping Day
Help us tap the trees as we start the sugaring season. Head out into the sugarbush with a maple guide to learn the ins and outs of tree identification and tapping all while drilling holes, setting taps, and hanging sap buckets. We’ll have hot cocoa and a fire to warm up. Most appropriate for adults or interested youth age 8 and up with a caretaker. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Hike for Your Health with RRT
Sunday, January 12, 2-3:30 pm - Discovery and Whitetail Trace Trails (Rowe Woods), approx. 2 miles
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.
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.
Tools of the Sugar House–An Up-close Experience for Families/All Ages
Sunday, January 26, 10:45-11:45 am
Saturday, February 8, 8:45-9:45 am
Saturday, February 15, 8:45-9:45 am
Get an up-close look at the maple syrup evaporator and sugaring tools like skimmers, filters, and thermometers. You will be able to look inside the sap storage tanks, try on the fire gloves, help set up the Native American rock boiling demonstration, and help prepare the materials to fire up the evaporator for the day. Meet at the Outdoor Learning Center. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Nature Preschool Open House
See how the Nature Center supports the “nature of children” through “children in nature” at our nature preschool. Join the Nature Center’s Nature Preschool Director, Tisha Luthy, for an Open House. Visit the preschool to learn more about our nature-based classroom including how outdoor experiences and classroom materials support learning. Find out how to register for fall 2020. Free.
Suet for Your Sweetie
Do you have a bird in your yard that could use some extra love this Valentine’s Day? Join us for this family program where we will be making suet feeders for the birds in our yards. Preregistration required. Members $7; nonmembers $12 (includes 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
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).
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).
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.