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 March from PEWS, our collaborators, and community partners around Greater Cincinnati!
All About Electrification!
Wednesday, March 12th, 3:30pm. Clifton Court Hall room 1130, 2800 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati.
Learn about the environmental, health, and safety benefits of electrification and how you can take advantage of local and federal rebates and tax breaks. Plus, enjoy a fun induction cooking demo with snacks! Electricity and especially induction cooking is a lot of fun so please join us! This event is sponsored by Electrify Cincy, the Cincinnati Office of Environment and Sustainability, and the UC School of Environment and Sustainability.
Barrows Conservation Lecture Series
Wednesday, March 12th – Wednesday, April 30th, 7:00pm. Frisch’s Theater, Harold C Schott Education Building, 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati.
Celebrate the Zoo’s 150th anniversary at the Barrows Conservation Lecture Series! Since 1993, the Barrows Conservation Lecture Series has brought a slate of esteemed naturalists and scientists to Cincinnati to address wildlife issues and global conservation efforts. For more than three decades, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has presented its Wildlife Conservation Award to one of its Barrows Conservation Lecture Series speakers.
This year’s speakers include:
- Fanny Minesi – “Bonobos, Matriarchs & Community Conservation: Facing Challenges in Congo” (Wednesday, March 12th)
- Moreangels Mbizah – “Lions In Our Midst: Moving from Conflict to Coexistence” (Wednesday, March 19th)
- Luis Paulo Ferraz – “Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation Program: Past, Present, and Future” (Wednesday, April 2nd)
- Rick McIntyre – “Thinking Like A Wolf: Lessons From the Yellowstone Packs” (Wednesday, April 30th)
The Barrows Conservation Lecture Series is made possible by the ongoing support of the family of Winifred & Emil Barrows.
Green Drinks with Green Umbrella & Cincinnati Public Radio
Thursday, March 13th, 4:00-7:00pm. Cincinnati Public Radio, 2117 Dana Ave, Cincinnati.
Green Drinks is Green Umbrella’s monthly social event that offers an opportunity to network with sustainability leaders across Greater Cincinnati. This free event is open to anyone interested in climate action issues and getting involved in local sustainability initiatives.
Join us to learn about Cincinnati Public Radio’s new building, which will become part of the first LEED-certified commercial campus in the Tri-State featuring sustainably-grown mass timber. The new headquarters will feature state-of-the-art facilities designed to support modern news media, music production, broadcasts, and outreach programs with features like a live performance studio, podcast booths, outdoor gathering spaces, and a public atrium. The event will feature a panel discussion with experts from the building design & engineering firms involved in the facility, a building tour, and networking happy hour with complimentary light bites and beverages.
Become a Judge for the UC Region Science and Engineering Expo!
Saturday, March 15th, 9:00am-11:30pm. Tangeman University Center, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Ave, Cincinnati.
Register to be a judge by March 11th!
The Science and Engineering Expo (SEE) strives to highlight the efforts and accomplishments of Southwest Ohio’s young scientists and engineers. Hosted by the University of Cincinnati in collaboration with the Ohio Academy of Science, this event is open to all students in grades 5-12 residing in Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Hamilton, Highland, and Warren counties. SEE has picked up four new counties!
SEE is searching for educators and professionals to volunteer to judge in-person the student research projects on March 15th. Training and tutorials will be provided for judges. Register to be a judge by March 11th!
Princess of STEM Diaries Podcast
Podcast available on Youtube and Spotify. Season 2 coming May 2025!
Check out Dr. Whitney Gaskins’ podcast, Princess of STEM Diaries, available on Youtube and Spotify! This podcast discusses all things STEM, innovation, and leadership, with exciting guests that join each episode to bring a different perspective to the conversations being discussed. Dr. Gaskins is the Associate Dean of Professional Development and Community Impact in the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science, and the founder of the Gaskins Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to present, engage, and prepare students of all ages to become leaders in STEM using algebra, programming, and design concepts.
Classes and Workshops at the Civic Garden Center
Various dates throughout March. The Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH.
Seed Starting – Saturday, March 8th, 10:00-11:30am
Have you ever wanted to start your own plants from seed—but felt overwhelmed or intimidated by the prospect? This class will simplify the process! You’ll learn what supplies you do and don’t need, best practices for achieving great germination rates and how to support healthy, strong seedlings to set you up for a successful gardening season to come.
Growing Degree Days: Using Phenology to Plan Your Garden – Tuesday, March 11th, 6:00-7:30pm.
What is phenology? It’s the study of how biological events are influenced by seasonal factors. Phenology can be used to time plantings and crop rotation, anticipate weeds sprouting and even get ahead of pest invasions. In this class you’ll learn how to track these phenological events to become a garden psychic. You’ll gain an expert understanding of the Growing Degree Calendar and a deeper insight into the patterns of the natural world.
Compost Basics – Tuesday, March 18th, 6:00-7:30pm
This beginner-friendly workshop will cover the basics of outdoor composting, vermicompost and bokashi. Participants will also learn what a healthy compost pile requires to be productive and ways to troubleshoot common issues. Weather permitting, we will walk around the CGC’s compost area and discuss the pros and cons of several types of compost systems.
Managing Rainwater – Tuesday, March 25th, 6:00-7:30pm
This class will cover the basics of managing rainwater, including the building of rain gardens and capturing and storing rain for future use. You’ll walk away with a list of plants that do well in our climate, too. Weather permitting, we will walk around the CGC grounds and discuss our rainwater collection systems.
Backyard Chickens for Egg Production – Wednesday, March 26th, 6:00-7:30pm.
This lecture-style class will cover the basics for keeping small flocks of backyard chickens for the purpose of egg production. The presenters will share personal knowledge from their experience securing coops, maintaining healthy hens and handling the challenges of urban chicken tending. You’ll leave feeling empowered to care for backyard chickens and troubleshoot challenges that arise. This class is geared toward beginners, though those with experience are welcome to participate (and share their success stories!). Children ages 8 and up are welcome to attend with their guardians.
Nature Journaling: The Art of Noticing
Wednesday, March 26th, 1:00-2:30pm. The Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Cincinnati.
Unwind and connect with nature through this relaxing and enjoyable process of documenting the natural world using sketches, poems and notes. In this class, you’ll learn new ways to look at the wonders of nature around you—truly noticing instead of simply seeing. Come enjoy the opportunity to slow down and enhance curiosity as you record your observations, finding new ways to settle into the natural world.
No artistic skill or experience is required, though experienced artists will have the opportunity to work with Lisa on their drawing/painting skills. Clipboards, paper and pencils are provided.
Learn more and register for the Nature Journaling class here!
Kentucky Organization of Field Stations and Kentucky Society of Natural History Joint Annual Meeting
Saturday, March 29th, 8:30am-6:30pm. Thomas More University Biology Field Station, 8330 Mary Ingles Hwy, California, KY 41007.
Join the Thomas More University Biology Field Station and the Northern Kentucky Research and Education Field Station as they co-host the annual meeting of the Kentucky Organization of Field Stations and the Kentucky Society of Natural History on March 29, 2025. This meeting is open to the public and is perfect for anyone interested in local conservation, research, and natural history. The day will include student research presentations, interpretive hikes and hands-on workshops, tours of field stations, and a Q&A and screening of the Ohio River documentary with writer and producer, Morgan Atkinson. Registration is open online!
Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit: Registration now open!
Thursday, June 5th. Register today (ticket prices increase April 1st!)
The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit brings together 650 passionate and visionary leaders to share inspiring, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented ideas that propel us toward a healthier, more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future. Join Fortune 500 powerhouses, innovative entrepreneurs, government officials, sustainability directors, academic, non-profit, and community leaders committed to solving some of the region’s toughest environmental problems while creating a positive economic impact.
We’ve received nearly 100 exciting speaker and breakout session proposals! Our Summit planning team is inspired by all the amazing topics and projects. Stay tuned for the full slate of program announcements in April.
In the meantime, we invite you to secure your spot today with Early Bird ticket prices! Ticket prices increase on April 1.
“Biodiversity in the Basin” Photo Contest
Deadline: July 1st, 2025
To celebrate and showcase the incredible plants, animals, and other wildlife that the 205,000 square mile Ohio River watershed is home to, the Ohio River Basin Alliance, the Thomas More University Biology Field Station, and the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory are hosting the inaugural “Biodiversity in the Basin” photo contest. This contest has $500, $250, and $100 cash prizes for the first, second, and third place winners, respectively. Any photos that were taken in the Ohio River watershed that show plants, animals, or other organisms, including humans, are eligible for entry. Learn more about the photo contest here!
K-12 ECO STEM Summer Camp Applications Now Open!
Register today!
High School ECO STEM Camp – July 13-16, 2025
Middle School ECO STEM Camp – July 18-19, 2025
K-5 ECO STEM Camp – June 16-17, 2025
Thomas More University Biology Field Station.
ECO STEM Summer camps at the Thomas More University Biology Field Station are a great opportunity for students grades K-12 to experience hands-on, feet-wet learning about aquatic life, conservation, and the Ohio River this summer. Programming is led by University faculty, Field Station staff, and undergraduate research interns. ECO STEM Camps are perfect for students interested in ecology, environmental science, and nature. Register today!
Job Opportunity: Climate Safe Neighborhoods Coordinator
Apply today!
Groundwork Ohio River Valley (GWORV) is seeking a CSN Coordinator to support the development and expansion of Climate Safe Neighborhoods. The Coordinator is responsible for leading outreach and various event planning/facilitation of community workshops (Community Advisory Groups, CSN “lites”, Community Science ect.) within the CSN regional neighborhood network and supervising the execution of climate resilience education and community projects in collaboration with Groundwork’s community organizers. The Coordinator will report directly to the CSN Director. Please fill out this form to apply for the CSN Coordinator Position with Groundwork Ohio River Valley. You can find the job description here, and you can email us at csncandidates@groundworkorv.org with any questions.