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Native or cultivated plants, that is the question. When it comes to plants, embrace what you love. Gardens planted for nature don’t have to be strictly native gardens, but we can certainly step away from the expected offering of boxwoods, Taxus, and invasive groundcovers. The key to attracting the most pollinators is plant diversity.

I’ve never considered myself a collector—that’s more like my dad, with his massive rock collection. Yet, without realizing it, I’ve built a collection of my own through my years of work at Cincinnati Nature Center. It’s not a collection of objects, but of moments. As the manager of school field trips, the moments that inspire me the most are when children and teachers step out of their comfort zones and embrace something new in nature. We provide a safe space. They bring the courage. Let me share a few gems from my collection…

Pack a picnic basket and a blanket for a lively evening of music and nature. The whole family will create lasting memories at this summertime celebration.

Beth and Bob Staggenborg are showcased as passionate environmental advocates in an article by Bebe Raupe, featured in both an online blog and the November 3, 2023 issue of "The Ripple." The couple, long-time members of the Cincinnati Nature Center, are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices, particularly in food consumption, and engage the community through activities like hosting meatless meals and volunteering in various environmental education roles. Their efforts extend beyond local outreach, with Bob also sharing ecological insights through his "Nature Guys" podcast.

Alison Pifer is the Executive Director of the Little Miami Watershed Network, and she’s also an advocate for urban homesteading, the practice of growing food in suburban or city environments. Alison isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty—literally—to improve her community. Read more to find out how you can do the same!

Jim Kesner recounts his experiences as a trail runner at the Cincinnati Nature Center, where he found solace and adventure over three decades. He shares memories of running in all weather conditions, the goal of covering every trail in one run, and capturing photographic souvenirs from the same spots on the boardwalk, documenting the ever-changing natural scenery around Powell Crosley Lake.

If you are new to birding don’t be intimidated! It can be overwhelming at first. Start with what you know and learn as you go. But most importantly, remember what you know about birds is less important than experiencing their many gifts. One way to learn is through an upcoming online course: Birding Through the Seasons. Three live presentations use seasons to guide participants through a year in the life of birds. Learn about identification, song, survival, migration, breeding, and conservation. Each session also features groups of birds common to our area. This course is designed for birders at all levels. It builds knowledge to improve your field skills. It should also increase your appreciation of the incredible beauty, diversity, and contribution to nature that our feathered friends bring.

Cincinnati Nature Center’s brand of advocacy is “conservation civics,” a form of social action where citizens come together to solve environmental problems. It is less adversarial than traditional activism and more relationship-based than most forms of advocacy.

Most Ripple readers feel a special connection to nature. Some, like this month’s featured influencer, have changed their lives to support that connection more fully. Drausin Wulsin says “I was never spiritually fulfilled in regular jobs but in working with the land, I found myself fully engaged and found strength I never knew I had.”