| Our mission | Inspiring Conservation. |
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| Impact Stories |
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Cincinnati Nature Center
| Ways to help |
Land StewardSince 2008, land stewardship staff and volunteers have treated over 500 acres of invasive species such as Amur “bush” honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, multi-flora rose, autumn olive, and garlic mustard. Work individually or as part of a group to enhance natural habitat on a designated parcel of CNC land. Projects will be cutting or removing invasive plants using hand tools, and applying herbicides as needed to prevent re-growth.Native Plant Propagation Program VolunteerOne of the Nature Center's newest projects, the goal of this initiative is to develop a resource for acquiring native plants, shrubs, and trees for habitat restoration projects on CNC lands. Volunteers will work with staff in harvesting and processing seed from our forest and fields. Seed collection work occurs primarily from September through November. Other tasks may occur throughout the year as needed. This activity will require hiking out to locations and walking through tall fields potentially with thorns, mosquitoes, tics, other insects, burs, etc. |
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| Ways to help youth thrive |
Children's Saturday Program AssistantAs a Children's Saturday Program Assistant, you assist CNC staff in providing monthly Children’s Saturday Programs for ages 5-6, 7-9, or 10-13. Sessions run September-December and February-May. Once a month per session, the same small groups of children come together to enjoy hands-on experience learning about nature. We typically do some short topic-specific introductory activities before hitting the trails, rain or shine, to learn about the seasonal topic of the month. This is a great opportunity if you are interested in working with youth, have age-appropriate group management skills, or possess a willingness to learn. Natural history knowledge not required, but will be helpful. We are looking for volunteers who are punctual and able to come on a consistent basis; the children get to know these volunteers and the consistency of seeing the same leaders each month is important.Early Childhood EducatorAssist in our Nature Preschool, Monday-Friday, mornings or afternoons. Students go outside to explore every day, rain or shine!Nature Playscape VolunteerPlayscape Ambassadors work with CNC staff, interns and fellow volunteers to enrich visitor experiences. Ambassadors also serve as a front line greeter – they answer questions and provide information to enhance the guests’ visit. No prior experience with natural history required. Volunteers in this position should love working with adults and children and be willing to learn CNC’s trails and history. All training is provided!School Group Field Trip AssistantAssist with visiting groups who will be learning through play-based stations on natural topics. Ability to volunteer at least two school days per month, a love of working with children, and a fascination with sharing nature with others. Training provided. Groups are scheduled in the months of September, October, April and May.Trailside AmbassadorThe Trailside Volunteer Program is a fluid system, encouraging the involvement of adults of any age or background to help Cincinnati Nature Center serve its mission of educating the public and inspiring passion for nature and conservation. Involvement Level 1: Trailside Rowe-ver Involvement Level 2: Trailside Ambassador Involvement Level 3: Trailside Naturalist As a volunteer grows, they are welcome to casually flow between involvement levels as they feel comfortable doing so. New volunteers will start as Rowe-vers and may choose to complete more training over time to move up in the program. No prior experience with natural history required. Volunteers in this position should love working with adults and children and be willing to learn CNC’s trails and history. All training is provided! Volunteers will serve 4-8 hours each month. Minimum requirement is one morning or afternoon a month. Dates and times are flexible. |
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| How you help | Each year, our dedicated volunteers give thousands of hours of their time to teach visitors about nature, preserve and restore the land, and assist with events and office duties. |
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| About us | Cincinnati Nature Center is a nonprofit nature education organization. For more than 50 years, we have provided visitors with enriching experiences in nature. Our award-winning trails offer something for people of all ages during all seasons. The ever-changing beauty of nature attracts more than 200,000 guests each year. |
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Studies show that lichen is an indicator of air quality because they’re sensitive to sulfur dioxide (the main pollutant in coal smoke). Since the passing of the Federal Clean Air Act in 1972, lichen species are making a comeback in areas where they had previously been absent!
Know a child with a heart for adventure? Our Children’s Saturday Programs are calling their name! Children will explore the natural world while bonding with others their age and their experienced leaders. Each program brings a new adventure!
https://t.co/QDOxgMIGx5
#CincyNature
We hope you’ve been enjoying this beautiful snow! Tag us in your winter adventures at the Nature Center ❄️🥾
#CincyNature #SnowDay #Winter #GetOutside
We had a great time watching this eastern gray squirrel munching on bird seed behind our feeders at Rowe Visitor Center yesterday. Swipe to see the additional visitors we had in the second and third videos 🤗
#CincyNature #Wildlife #SquirrelAppreciationDay https://t.co/5VNAIoEgRV
Nature journaling enhances your experience, improves your attention to detail, and grows your appreciation for nature. Next time you’re in nature, write or draw what you experience—sounds, sights, feelings. Every journal is unique. Give it a try and share your entries with us!