Bird Walks

Saturday, April 27, 8-10am - Debra Hausrath
Saturday, May 11, 8-10am - Rose Vitale
Saturday, May 25, 8-10am - Bill McGill

This is the perfect time to begin to sharpen existing birding skills as the leaves are off the trees and birds are easier to find! Join our friendly group and dress to be outdoors for a couple of hours. Beginners welcome. Meet in the main parking lot at 8 am.  Free; nonmembers pay daily admission.

Herb Gardening: Good for You, Good for Wildlife

Saturday, April 20, 2-4 pm

In this hybrid cooking/gardening class, local author, herbalist and cooking instructor, Rita Heikenfeld, will highlight tips on using culinary herbs for flavor and health as she prepares tasty samples that highlight the range of culinary uses for herbs. Pollinator gardening specialist, Steve Inglish, will enlighten you on the importance of pollinator conservation and how gardening with herbs can benefit pollinators. Herbs will be available for purchase. Preregistration required. Members $12; nonmembers $21 (includes daily admission).

Forest Bathing at Long Branch Farm & Trails

Saturday, April 20, 9:30-11:30 am
Sunday, May 5, 1-3 pm - SOLD OUT
Sunday, June 9, 1-3 pm

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 $10; nonmembers $19.

Trail Yoga

Saturday, April 27, 2-3 pm
Saturday, May 25, 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).

Back to Basics: Intro to Foraging for Wild Edible Plants at Long Branch Farm & Trails

Wednesday, May 1, 6:30-8:30 pm

Geared for the absolute beginner, this introductory foraging class will focus on the basics of plant identification with an emphasis on safe and responsible collecting practices. Much of this class will take place in the field (so dress for hiking) as we search for the forager’s top five common plants. We’ll round out the experience by showcasing several applications for foraging wild greens. Preregistration required. Members $8; nonmembers $17 (includes daily admission).

Outdoor Yoga

Saturday, May 4, 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).

Gardening for Butterflies and Pollinators

Saturday, May 11, 1-3 pm

Steve Inglish, team leader of the Nature Center’s butterfly monitoring program, will give a brief indoor introduction, and then head out to the Pollinator Garden to see butterfly host and nectaring plants, as well as the key habitat requirements and features you’ll need to create your own butterfly garden. We’ll explore resources to help you transform your yard into a caterpillar nursery, as well as how to certify your yard as wildlife habitat. Preregistration required. Members $10; nonmembers $19 (includes daily admission).

Battling Green Invaders -- Identifying and Removing Invasive Plants from your Property

Saturday, May 18, 2-4 pm

Creating a wildlife-friendly yard entails restoring it to native species and that means removing invasive plants. 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).

Garden Design: Using Native Plants to Create a Visually Appealing Deer-Resistant Garden

Saturday, May 25, 2-4 pm

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).

Certified Interpretive Guide Course

Tuesday-Friday, July 16-19, 8:30-5 pm

Join certified interpretive trainer Jason Neumann for a four-day course about techniques and tips for effectively interpreting information to people in a way that is personally relevant and engaging. If you work for, or hope to work for, a nature center, museum or other organization where docents and guides are used, this training is for you. Also relevant for high school teacher and college professors who want to better inspire and engage their students. Curriculum, certification and registration are through the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). $380 for non-NAI members (includes instructor fee, one-year membership, certification fee, course materials). Preregistration required. More info available at: www.CincyNature.org.