The UC Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) is back with its monthly feature, Cincinnati Science Roundup. Check out events and news related to science happening in December from PEWS, our collaborators, and community partners around Greater Cincinnati!
Great Parks: Register for Winter Hike Series
Registration: Opens Sunday, December 1st. Hikes: Throughout January and February.
Take part in this annual series of challenging and educational hikes, each with informative stops to explore the parks’ natural history and unique features. All hikes last about two hours and conclude with soup, cookies and camaraderie.
New this year, guests may select a themed winter hike experience like tree and bird identification, or opt for the standard winter hike. Registration is required for each hike attended. Hikers will receive a button with space to commemorate each registered hike with a sticker throughout the series.
Science on Tap: Mechanochemistry – A Powerful Tool in Green Chemistry
Wednesday, December 4th, 6:30pm. Radio Artifact Studio, 1660 Blue Rock St, Cincinnati.
Although the history of mechanochemistry goes back centuries, with the rapid growth of articles about it, it is becoming clear that this once obscure discipline is becoming increasingly mainstream. There are many reasons for this, some are interested in improved laboratory safety as well as simpler, cheaper reaction procedures that allow for more efficient use of research time resulting in increased productivity. Many of the fundamental principles that govern this technique are still absent from the literature , especially with respect to organic synthesis. We recently developed capabilities for performing organic mechanochemical reactions under a variety of unique conditions. This approach offers an opportunity to reduce waste in the chemical industry and develop safer conditions for performing reactions. During this presentation, we will unlock some of the secrets of mechanochemical processes, and demonstrate its potential to provide the products we need as a society without destroying the planet in the process.
About the Speaker: James Mack currently serves as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) at the University of Cincinnati, overseeing over 900 faculty and staff and more than 8,000 students. Previously, James served as the Divisional Dean of Natural Sciences in A&S, contributing to the establishment of the School of Environmental Studies and Sustainability. He also held the position of Associate Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Cincinnati, where he developed strategies to address the achievement gap between majority and underrepresented students.
One-day Volunteer Opportunities with Great Parks
Various locations throughout December.
Great Parks welcomes individuals, families, community groups and corporations who want to volunteer for a half or full-day project. No application or special training is needed. Simply register for a quick half-day preplanned project. You’re sure to have fun, learn something new, make a positive difference and make some new friends. Or, submit an application if you would like a unique, one of a kind project for just your group.
Upcoming opportunities:
Tuesday, December 3rd, 10:00am-12:00pm – Painting at Woodland Mound
Thursday, December 5th, 9:30-11:30am – Wintercreeper Walk at Fernbank Park
Tuesday, December 10th, 10:00am-12:00pm – Invasive Removal at Withrow Nature Preserve
Wednesday, December 11th, 9:30am-12:00pm – Litter Cleanup at Campbell Lakes Preserve
Monday, December 16th, 12:00-3:00pm – Trailblazers at Shawnee Lookout
Thursday, December 19th, 9:00am-12:00pm – Litter Cleanup at Glenwood Gardens
Friday, December 20th, 9:30-11:30am – Honeysuckle Removal at Winton Woods
Lil’ Sprouts at the Civic Garden Center
Monday, December 9th, 9:00-10:30am. The Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Cincinnati.
For: Children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers. Younger children are welcome but need full parental supervision to participate.
Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. Learners of all levels are welcome to join in and further their knowledge of plants.
Green Umbrella’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Celebration
Tuesday, December 10th, 5:00-8:00pm. Digital Futures, 3080 Exploration Ave, 1st floor, Cincinnati.
This annual celebration provides an opportunity to engage with sustainability leaders from across the Greater Cincinnati region and hear about the impactful work happening across our organization and member network. The evening includes local light bites by Juniper Seed, live music, and complimentary beverages thanks to HighGrain Brewing and New Riff Distilling. Learn more and register for the celebration here!
Make Your Own Fire Cider
Thursday, December 12th, 6:00-7:30pm. The Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Cincinnati.
Come learn about the benefits of fire cider! This traditional infusion of immune-supporting herbs in apple cider vinegar is an important part in a winter wellness pantry. You’ll get to taste a variety of different recipes, then make your own potent formulation to take home from a variety of herbal ingredients.
Your instructor will be local herbalist Meghan Henshaw. She has spent many years studying the plethora of ways in which medicinal plants are woven into the fabric of everyday life. This has led her all over the United States and abroad to Morocco, England, Mexico, and Italy where she has worn many hats as a field researcher, wildcrafter, herbalist, and educator. Register for the fire cider event here!
Native Plants for Homeowners Q&A
Saturday, December 14th, 11:00am-1:00pm. The Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Cincinnati.
The 2024 gardening season is over and we know you’re already planning next year’s garden. But you may still have plant questions that have gone unanswered. If you’re wondering what to plant, when, and how, bring your questions to the Civic Garden Center’s Native Plants for Homeowners Q&A and let their panel of industry experts share their knowledge with you!
Panel will include Brian Heinz (Director of Horticulture at Spring Grove Arboretum), Jennifer Smith (Horticulturist and Garden Designer at Wimberg Landscaping), Sarah Geiger-Behm (Garden Designer at Wimberg Landscaping), Scott Beuerlein (Horticulturist at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden) and John Hemmerle (Founder of Our Land Organics). These local professionals will share their experiences working with native plants in the landscape and dive deep into any gardening topic you want to discuss! No question is too basic or too complicated, so come prepared for a lively discussion and be ready to leave with new knowledge and ideas for 2025. Register for the panel event here!
Tours with the Civic Garden Center
Thursday, December 19th. The Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Cincinnati.
Green Learning Station Tour (10:00-11:00am) – Have you checked out the Civic Garden Center’s Green Learning Station recently? They have rooftop gardens, a compost demonstration area, rainwater catchment systems and an indoor green wall, just to name a few of their current projects!
Hauck Arboretum Tour (11:00am-12:00pm) – The Hauck Arboretum may just be Cincinnati’s best kept botanical secret! A stroll along the pathways of this historic public garden reveals new surprises on each visit. Which native plants are blooming this week? What wildlife visitors will you meet? How will you be inspired with ideas for your own landscape?
Getting Things Done: Civic Engagement for Conservation Course
Preregistration: Starting now. Program: January-March 2025, 9:00am-12:00pm. Krippendorf Lodge at Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150, and over Zoom.
You might hope that local decision makers consider the environment when making plans. But is hoping enough? Nature enthusiasts can help influence whether a community has bike trails, green space, native landscaping, effective recycling, green energy, and more. With just a little effort and engagement, you can bring nature to the forefront of civic conversations. To do so, you’ll need to know how local governments work, where to find information, and where to find opportunities for networking and respectful civic engagement. If you’ve forgotten what you learned in civics class, or never had one, this unique and empowering course will bring you up to speed. This program is designed for adults. Register for the Conservation Course here.
Read more about the importance of “showing up” through civic engagement in this blog by Connie O’Connor, Director of Applied Learning at the Cincinnati Nature Center.
Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Course
Course runs January 14–February 27, 2025, over Zoom. Register now!
The mission of the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program is to “promote awareness and citizen stewardship of Ohio’s natural resources through science-based education and community service.” The course is offered throughout the state, and Cincinnati Nature Center is the largest provider. They offer four different formats—one is sure to fit your needs! Plan ahead and mark your calendars to register, because each cohort sells out quickly! Program benefits:
- Meet experts in a variety of fields.
- Meet like-minded new friends and get to know Nature Center staff while taking your commitment to nature a step further!
- Learn about the biology, ecology, and natural history of Ohio and how to share the knowledge with others.
- Become part of a local and statewide network of dedicated volunteers.
- Apply your talents and passion to protecting, restoring, and understanding Ohio’s natural treasures.
Save the dates: Sustainability@UC Week
Monday, January 27th – Saturday, February 1st, 2025. University of Cincinnati.
Join the University of Cincinnati for a week full of sustainability-related events and activities for students, researchers, educators, and the public! This week is organized by the UC Office of Sustainability, the School of Environment and Sustainability (SEaS), Student Government, and the Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS). Stay tuned for the full schedule!
2025 Midwest Sustainability Summit: Call for Speakers & Breakout Sessions!
Proposals due January 15th; Summit meeting June 5th, 2025. Sharonville Convention Center, Cincinnati.
PEWS is proud to be a planning partner of the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit – the largest sustainability conference in the Midwest! Last year’s Summit brought together 650 passionate leaders and featured 100 speakers, an expo, poster session, art show, and live performances. And you can be part of it in 2025!
We are inviting sustainability leaders from across the Midwest to share the stories of their impact and successful partnerships in the form of either a 50-minute discussion panel, 50-minute interactive workshop, or 5-minute short talk. Proposals due by 1/15 and there is an opportunity to meet in December to discuss and refine your idea. Learn more about the Midwest Sustainability Summit here!