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Every acre tells a story—and some are about the connections that grow when families explore together.
Betty Withers has been sharing the trails at Cincinnati Nature Center with her three grandsons—George (12), Oliver, and Sam (both 9)—for years, beginning as soon as they could walk. They started in the Nature PlayScape area and gradually moved on to the trails, with the Geology Trail quickly becoming a favorite.
Betty treasures these moments with her grandsons. “When we’re hiking, the boys are mostly relaxed and enthusiastic. They may stop to look closely at something, or rush ahead to see what’s coming up next on the trail. We observe plants and animals and seasonal changes in the landscape. We tell each other stories, laugh, sing, and sometimes just walk in silence while breathing in the forest air and listening to the sounds. We can be present to each other with no electronic distractions. All of this creates a special fellowship,” she says.
In August, she and her oldest grandson, George, completed the Hike for Your Health Challenge, a program encouraging members to explore all 17 trails across Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm and Trails. Then in October, they joined a staff-led perimeter hike, a 10+-mile adventure connecting the outermost trails, sharing the experience with other members while challenging themselves along the scenic route. For Betty, these hikes were more than just exercise—they were a chance to spend time with George, talking, laughing, and enjoying the outdoors together. “Doing the challenge with him gave us a lot of time to talk,” she shared, her joy evident.
Anne Robinson, Visitor Services Manager, has observed their outings and shared, “It’s evident that Betty is special to them, and the boys respect and love her. It’s especially rewarding to see them learning to love the outdoors together.”
For Betty and her grandsons, Cincinnati Nature Center is more than trails and trees—it’s a place to explore, grow, and make memories together. “I truly believe that time spent together in nature nourishes the mind, body, and spirit,” Betty says. “My hope is that our experiences here will foster respect for the natural world and an awareness of the need to support sustainability and conservation.”
