Events & Programs
CLICK HERE to view the Nature Center's Events & Programs Calendar SHOPPING CART
Adult Programs
Cincinnati Nature Center offers programs for the adult outdoor enthusiast. Programs are limited in space, and preregistration is often required, so to ensure placement please register online well in advance of the class start date.
Click on the program dates for pricing, registration information and full descriptions.
CLICK HERE to view the Events & Programs Calendar.
CLICK HERE to sign up and be notified for various upcoming programs.
Summer Birding Walks
Saturdays, 8 – 10 am
Summer visitors are back nesting while resident birds have their young off and flying already. Join our seasoned bird leaders as we hit the trails to observe birds and their nests. Dress to be outdoors and bring your binoculars. Beginners welcome. Meet in the Rowe Woods parking lot. Free; nonmembers pay daily admission.
Trail Yoga
Saturday, August 31, 9:30-10:30 am
Connect to nature in a deeper way through the mindful movement and meditative practices found in yoga. During this on-the-trail experience, participants will be guided through a flowing sequence near water, strengthening postures using a tree and walking meditation incorporating nature awareness. All levels are welcome. Preregistration required. Members $7, nonmembers $16 (includes daily admission).
Garden Design: Using Native Plants to Create a Visually Appealing Deer-Resistant Garden -- CANCELED
Get advice on your native plant garden plan from a landscape designer who’s also an expert in deer resistance. Using photos and sketches of your garden, we’ll look at ways to create a deer resistant garden with native plants that is also stylish and well designed. Explore native plants in the grounds and look at incorporating timeless design techniques to refine your native garden bed with guidance and critiques from the teacher. Ask questions about plant performance and plant choices. Leave with a clear direction on how to make improvements for your landscape bed. Preregistration required. Members $10; nonmembers $19 (includes daily admission).
Outdoor Yoga
Saturday, September 7, 10-11 am
Yoga is a form of exercise that incorporates mindful movement and meditation to connect the body, mind and spirit. Participants will gain an understanding of Vinyasa yoga as well as enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. All levels are welcome to attend. Preregistration required. Members $7, nonmembers $16 (includes daily admission).
Heritage Walk: Architecture and Landscape Design of the Former Krippendorf and Groesbeck Estates
Sunday, September 8, 2-4:30 pm
The Rowe Woods property boasts two estates that are on the National Registry of Historic places. Join us for a 2.5-hour docent-led walking tour of both the interior and exterior of the homes built in the early 20th century by Carl Krippendorf and Grace Groesbeck. By exploring architectural style, horticulture and landscape design, we’ll see the ties between the two families, how they both sought to blend the natural world with the designed human world with influence from the British designer Gertrude Jekyll, and how their efforts set the stage for the property that would become Cincinnati Nature Center. Preregistration required. Members $20; nonmembers $29 (includes daily admission).
Fall Birding Walks
Saturdays, 8 – 10 am
The season is changing and so the migration begins! Join our seasoned bird leaders as we hit the trails to observe year-round species and birds who are just passing through. Dress to be outdoors and bring your binoculars. Beginners welcome. Meet in the Rowe Woods parking lot. Free; nonmembers pay daily admission.
Forest Bathing at Long Branch Farm & Trails
Forest Bathing, also called Shinrin-yoku, is a practice of immersing yourself in nature that was developed by the Japanese to relieve stress. This guided Forest Bathing walk offers an opportunity to slow down and awaken the senses which allows you to quietly take in nature’s gifts. Preregistration required. Members $12; nonmembers $21.
Back to Basics: Animal Skulls and Bones
Wednesday, September 18, 6:30-8 pm
“To thrive in life, you need three bones: A wishbone. A backbone. And a funnybone.” – Reba McEntire. Join us for an evening of surprise as we explore what bones can tell us about the animals living among us. After a short discussion, we’ll take a leisurely stroll to check out the Boneyard. Participants can bring any bones they’ve been wondering about to share with the class! Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission).
Learn Trees by Their Leaves
Learn how to identify common and less common trees of the region during this one-hour walk. Practice looking for distinguishing features of leaves, twigs, and bark by using an identification key. Meet in the lobby of the Rowe Visitor Center. Adults and teens welcome. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission).
Trail Yoga
Saturday, September 28, 9:30-11 am
Saturday, October 12, 9:30-11 am
Connect to nature in a deeper way through the mindful movement and meditative practices found in yoga. During this on-the-trail experience, participants will be guided through a flowing sequence near water, strengthening postures using a tree and walking meditation incorporating nature awareness. All levels are welcome. Preregistration required. Members $9, nonmembers $18 (includes daily admission).
Mindful Hiking for Beginners
Sunday, November 17, 9:30-11am
Monday, December 16, 9:30-11am
Have you ever wondered about contemplative practices in nature? Start your holidays in a peaceful state of mind as we introduce the connection between Buddhism and nature. Following a brief talk, we’ll take time to slow down and use our senses to observe nature on a technology-free hike. Participants may join us for one hike or several! Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission).
Native Gardening in Problem Areas
Does your yard have a lot of shade, soggy wet areas, or dry slopes? Join Denice Robertson of Pollinator Plant Design as we reveal how to design beautiful habitats using native plants that are well adapted to those tough locations. Preregistration required. Members $8; nonmembers $17 (includes daily admission).
Conservation Starters: White-Tailed Deer
Wednesday, October 16, 6:30-8 pm
One could argue that the white-tailed deer is one of the most loved and hated creatures in all of Ohio. Come out for an evening of learning and discussion about how we can best co-exist with this mammal. An easy-paced deer observation hike is included. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission).
Contemplative Nature Walks–Aldo Leopold
Saturday, October 19, 10-11:30 am
Notice more of the natural world guided by the words and ideas of Aldo Leopold, groundbreaking conservationist, philosopher, environmentalist, and author of The Sand County Almanac. On this easy walk, you’ll be invited to write what you observe and share what you’ve written. Dress to be outside. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission).
Battling Green Invaders
If you find yourself asking, “Which plants are invasive?” or “How do I remove invasive plants?”, this beginner level class is for you. Using examples from the Nature Center’s gardens and grounds, Natural Areas Manager Olivia Espinoza will provide tips and tricks for battling those invaders. Preregistration required. Members $10; nonmembers $19 (includes daily admission).
Back to Basics: Wilderness Skills
Saturday, November 2, 9:30 am-12 pm
Building basic outdoor, self-reliance skills is important—but also a lot of fun! Join this very hands-on class and learn the basics of hiking prep, primitive fire making, and shelter building. This class is perfect for anyone hoping to become more comfortable and skilled on the trails. Preregistration required. Members $10; nonmembers $19 (includes daily admission).
Besties Night–DIY Natural Fall Centerpieces
Thursday, November 21, 7-8:30 pm
Grab your best bud and spend the evening in our spectacular Groesbeck Estate crafting a lovely centerpiece for your holiday table. We’ll use a variety of natural materials to make our centerpieces and learn a bit about each plant we include. Light snacks will be provided and you can purchase wine or beer. By the end of the evening, you’ll have something beautiful (and interesting) to share with family and friends. Preregistration required. Members $20; nonmembers $29 (includes daily admission).