FAQs & Policies

FAQs & Policies

Membership FAQs

What are the benefits of Cincinnati Nature Center membership?

Please go to Membership Benefits to view all of the Nature Center's annual benefits. Reviewing these benefits may help you decide which level is best for you.

How do I join Cincinnati Nature Center?

There are four ways to join:

  • Online: Click here.
  • In person: Your membership can be purchased at Rowe Woods, upon entry at the Gatehouse or inside the Rowe Visitor Center at the Membership Desk.
  • By phone: (513) 965-4893
  • By mail: When you visit the Nature Center, pick up a membership form, fill it out, and mail it to:
           Cincinnati Nature Center
           Membership Department
           4949 Tealtown Rd.
           Milford, OH 45150

What kind of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, or credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. 

How can I contact the membership department?

The Membership Office is open Monday through Friday, 10 am-5 pm. You may call (513) 965-4893 or e-mail us at membership@cincynature.org. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.

If I want to join Cincinnati Nature Center, can I use my admission toward the cost of the membership?

Yes, you can use your admission toward the cost of a membership. Purchase a membership within 14 days of your visit and the TOTAL price may be applied (up to price of membership). Only one receipt may be applied. Cannot be redeemed online. Remit receipt with membership form and membership balance for redemption.

How long does my Cincinnati Nature Center membership last?

When you purchase the 1-Year option, it is a one-year membership from the day you purchase it through the end of the month the following year. When you purchase the 2-Year option, it is two-year membership from the day you purchase it through the end of the month 2 years following.

When do I receive my membership card?

You will receive your membership card through the mail within two weeks.

How many cards will I receive?

  • Individual members receive 1 card.
  • Dual members receive 2 cards.
  • Family, Steward, Advocate, and Krippendorf Society members receive 2 cards unless there is only 1 adult listed in the household. If there is only 1 adult, then only 1 card will be provided.

Do I need my member card to get in?

Yes! At Rowe Woods, present your member card to Gatehouse staff along with a photo ID to gain entry, and show your card to The Nature Shop staff in order to receive your 10% member discount. At Long Branch Farm & Trails, you will need your member card at the entry gate to gain member-only access. We also ask that you show a photo ID along with your member card.

Why do I have to show a photo ID?

We ask for a photo ID because it helps maintain the value of your membership and to manage visitor impact on our lands. Cincinnati Nature Center is a non-profit organization that relies on membership dues and admission fees to support the conservation work we do. Membership is intended for one designated household and we allow admission for the adult(s) named on the member card. We want to keep our membership prices affordable for everyone. If we allowed friends to share memberships, our revenue would decrease and we would have to raise our prices.

Can I include my grandchildren on my membership?

Family, Steward, Advocate, and Krippendorf Society memberships include all grandchildren 21 and younger.

Who can use my membership?

Who may use your membership depends on your level of membership:

  • Individual level: 1 named adult
  • Dual: 2 named adults living in the same household
  • Family, Steward, Advocate, Krippendorf Society: 2 named adults and any children 21 and younger living in the same household, or any grandchildren 21 and younger. 
  • If your membership includes any Guest benefits, a named member must be present for the guest to receive free admission. Your guest cannot visit without the member being present. 

Can member children visit Cincinnati Nature Center when a parent is not present?

Yes. Children should present their family’s membership card at the Front Gate to receive free admission. Children under the age of 14 must be with an adult chaperone, if not a parent.

What is a Plus membership level?

For only $25 more, a Plus membership level allows you to bring one guest anytime you visit.

How would I include a childcare provider on my membership?

Please purchase the Family Plus membership, which allows you to bring 1 guest any time your visit. When a caregiver accompanies your child, your child is the member, and the caregiver is the Guest.

What if I am a single parent and want to purchase a membership?

The Family level membership is for every kind of family. It provides valuable benefits—discounts on our children’s programs and CincyNature Camps—which ultimately “pay off” throughout the year. If you are a single parent with one child, you may purchase the Individual and Plus membership, though it will not include the additional benefits (mentioned above) which the Family membership provides, including discounts on children's programs.

Does my membership include guest passes?

All memberships receive four digital guest passes so that you may share your love of nature with family and friends. Each digital guest pass is applicable for one adult or one child admission and your guest must visit with you. Guest passes are not valid during special events and they are not replaceable.

Can I lend my membership card to a friend to use?

No. Memberships are non-transferable. Cincinnati Nature Center records all members as they enter our property. This important safety measure allows us to know who is on our property at all times and enables us to react during an emergency. We ask kindly that you refrain from the misuse of your membership card. The Nature Center is a private, nonprofit organization that relies on the support of our members.

Can I bring my dog to the Nature Center?

Cincinnati Nature Center is loved by dogs and their owners, and we work hard to keep it that way. Members can enjoy their experience at the Nature Center by respecting the Pet Policy we’ve put in place to keep our visitors, wildlife, and pets safe. Members enjoy free admission for dogs while nonmembers must pay $3 per dog.

What if I want to visit the Nature Center before I receive my membership card?

You will be able to use your membership immediately. If you purchase your membership online you will receive a confirmation email, which allows you immediate access to our grounds. You may show a photo ID until you receive your permanent card in the mail.

How do I replace a lost or damaged membership card?

Contact the Membership Office by phone or see a Membership Associate at the Rowe Visitor Center during your next visit, and we will replace your card. There is a $6 processing fee for each replacement card. 

Can I use my Cincinnati Nature Center membership at other nature centers?

Yes! Cincinnati Nature Center members are entitled to reciprocal benefits at nearly 150 nature centers nationwide. View the most current list at Association of Nature Center Administrators website. We strongly recommend you contact the nature center you want to visit prior to your trip, as the reciprocal list is subject to change.

I'm interested in your 2 Year membership, however I am also facing the possibility of relocating. If I move, can I transfer the second year of membership to a friend or family member?

Cincinnati Nature Center memberships are non-transferable. You will not be able to transfer any part of a 2 Year membership. If you relocate, it would be the perfect opportunity to use your reciprocal benefits at other nature centers near your new home. As a Nature Center member, you are entitled to reciprocal benefits to over 150 nature centers nationwide. Click here to review the list.

I already renewed my membership but I just got a renewal notice in the mail. Did you not receive my renewal?

If you recently renewed your membership, please disregard any renewal notice that follows. Although we process renewals as quickly as possible, there is a chance you may receive a renewal notice before we process your payment in our system.

What if I have a change of address?

Please contact the Membership Office with your new address. Email membership@cincynature.org or call (513) 965-4893.

Is my Cincinnati Nature Center membership tax deductible?

Cincinnati Nature Center is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, EIN #31-6057978. The cost of membership to Cincinnati Nature Center is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The value of benefits received is insubstantial and the cost of membership is fully deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

Don’t see your question here? Please contact the Membership Office at (513) 965-4893 or membership@cincynature.org. The Membership Office is open 10 am–5 pm.