For Bruce and Karen Berno, Cincinnati Nature Center has never been just a place—it has been part of their family’s story.
For nearly 30 years, they have been part of the Nature Center community—a relationship that began in the 1990s when a neighbor encouraged them to visit while they were living in Mt. Lookout. That first experience sparked something meaningful—something that would grow alongside their family for decades. When they later moved to Anderson, becoming members felt natural. The Nature Center was close, accessible, and quickly became part of their lives.
In those early years, their children found adventure everywhere. Lotus Pond became a favorite destination, where they would catch and release frogs and watch turtles and fish. The creek served as their children’s original “playscape,” a place to explore, problem-solve, and discover the natural world. Family hikes often led to waterfalls, creating moments that would stay with them long after the day ended.
“Being outside in nature is problem solving,” Karen shared—a reflection on how those early experiences shaped their children’s understanding of the world.
Today, that legacy continues with the next generation.
Now grandparents to six, Bruce and Karen bring their grandchildren to many of those same spaces while embracing new ones. The Nature PlayScape—especially the water feature—has become a favorite, just as Lotus Pond once was for their children. The experiences may evolve, but the sense of wonder remains the same.
Even as Cincinnati Nature Center has grown over the years, something essential has remained unchanged.
“It never feels too crowded,” Karen said. “It still has that magical outdoor feeling.”
For Karen, that feeling is often found on quieter trails like Harmony Ridge—a place of peace where she feels safe hiking alone or with her grandchildren. For Bruce, the connection runs through the trees. A self-proclaimed “tree guy,” he is especially drawn to the white oak, while Karen favors the magnolia. Together, they share a deep appreciation for the beauty and importance of trees—especially the shade and stillness they provide.
That connection to nature has shaped not only how they spend their time, but how they view the world.
The Bernos credit Cincinnati Nature Center with fostering a love of the outdoors that now spans generations. Their children and grandchildren share that same appreciation—climbing trees, hiking trails, and even making annual trips to Hocking Hills as a family tradition rooted in their love of nature.
“It’s taught our kids and grandchildren to be aware of the natural world—and how to protect and care for it,” Karen said.
That belief in stewardship is also what inspires their support of the Nature Center—support that has spanned nearly three decades.
“We know that the Nature Center is a good steward of its resources,” Bruce shared. “There’s thoughtful planning, and the work—both conservation and education—really matters.”
For Bruce, the impact is clear: “It’s about educating the next generation of conservationists.”
Together, their perspective reflects a shared understanding of why places like Cincinnati Nature Center are so important—not just today, but for the future.
In a busy world, the Nature Center offers something increasingly rare.
“It’s a place of peace and quiet,” Karen said. “There’s value in learning how to be quiet.”
It is a place of refuge. A place to be yourself. A place where families can connect—with nature and with each other.
For the Bernos, it is also a place where memories continue to grow.
“We can always come here to make memories with our family and be one with nature,” they shared.
And because of that, their commitment is rooted in something lasting: ensuring that Cincinnati Nature Center continues to serve as a steward of the land and a place of connection for generations to come.
