Cincinnati Science Roundup: April

Science on Tap – Citizens’ Climate Lobbying: Nonpartisan Advocacy Today

Wednesday, April 2nd, 6:30pm. Radio Artifact Studio, 1660 Blue Rock St., Cincinnati.

Since 2012, the Cincinnati Chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby has been gathering monthly to advocate for a national carbon dividend policy, similar to what Canada installed nationally in 2019. CCL is a large nonpartisan, volunteer-based climate advocacy group with chapters in every Congressional district across the country. They use “levers of political will”, seeking common ground to help leaders pass legislation for a livable world. Last year CCL members had 2500 meetings with members of Congress and boasted over 200,000 calls to Congress for passing bipartisan climate policy, like the Growing Climate Solutions Act and the ADVANCE Act. We’ll meet with Chris Heckman, a founder of the local CCL chapter to hear what actions are being taken today, and how listeners/participants can get involved! Learn more: cclusa.org

Science on Tap’s mission is to bridge the gap between science educators, researchers and the public by providing a forum for individuals to learn about the latest scientific research and its practical applications. We are committed to promoting evidence-based thinking and policies through our monthly science education program, allowing our audiences to gain a deeper understanding of how science can positively impact our society.

Barrows Conservation Lecture Series

Wednesday, April 2nd and 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.

Upcoming speakers include:

• 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.

STEMulating Saturday

Saturday, April 5th, 9:00am. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203.

Join The Gaskins Foundation and Learning Through Art, Inc. for a magical STEMulating Saturday, where students grades K-12 will dive into the world of creativity and simple machines inspired by the beautiful book Kaya’s Heart Song by Diwa Tharan Sanders!

Through Learning Through Art’s interdisciplinary literacy program, Books Alive! For Kids®, students will explore themes of mindfulness, courage, and joy while crafting their own parasols and windmills-simple machines that capture the spirit of Kaya’s imaginative journey.

Each student will receive a STEAM Kit to bring their creations to life and a personal copy of Kaya’s Heart Song to continue the adventure at home. And don’t miss our special guests from The Well, who will guide students through calming mindfulness techniques to help them connect with their own heart songs.

Science Comedy Show: Ben Miller’s VOLCANO

Saturday, April 5th, 7:30-9:00pm. Commonwealth Sanctuary, 522 5th Avenue, Dayton, Kentucky 41074.

What happens when a comedian walks into a volcano? In 2023, Ben Miller was the artist in residence at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, the first ever stand-up comedian ever selected. This was probably a terrible idea on their part. Come watch this show where scientist turned stand-up comedian Ben Miller explores volcanology, entomology, Hawaiian history, cats, cookies, and more.

Ben Miller is an NYC based scientist turned comedian who has been working for the past 8 years. In that time, he has performed at all the top clubs in the city such as Broadway Comedy Club, Carolines, and The Stand. Ben was once ranked as the top roast battler in NYC. He has a degree in Materials Science and Engineering, worked on a science bus, 3D printed cookies and has diffused a few bar fights while on stage. In 2022, Ben Miller’s debut hour, Stand-Up Science, had a completely sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and he now tours internationally.

This show is recommended for ages 18+. Buy your $20 ticket here!.

All Else Pales 2: Uniting Art, Science, and Community

Thursday, April 17th – Saturday, May 24th. StudioKroner, 130 W. Court Street, Cincinnati.

All Else Pales: 2 is a multi-disciplinary art exhibition curated
to inspire reflection and motivate action toward environmental stewardship. This exhibition will showcase five artists whose thought-provoking installations delve into themes of nature, ecology, and climate change. All Else Pales: 2 will also feature poets, performers, and environmental scientists participating in panel discussions designed to engage attendees both emotionally and intellectually.

Through All Else Pales: 2, Studio Kroner aims to engage the community in meaningful dialogue about climate change and environmental issues. As the planet warms and evidence of climate change mounts, this exhibit will serve as a catalyst for awareness, education, and action. Learn more about the exhibition here!

Meet a Greenspace Hike with Green Umbrella and Mill Creek Alliance

Friday, April 18th, 3:00-4:00pm. Meet at 12033 Best Pl., Cincinnati, OH 45241.

Join Green Umbrella’s Greenspace Alliance as we explore the Twin Creek Nature Preserve with Mill Creek Alliance! Located in Sharonville, the Twin Creek Preserve is one of the largest stream restoration projects in Southwest Ohio and is a birding hotspot. Join the Greenspace Alliance and the Mill Creek Alliance for an informative urban hike along this Mill Creek tributary. Register here!

Protect Your Wild!

Saturday, April 19th, 11:00am-3:00pm. Winton Woods/Harbor, 10245 Winton Rd., Cincinnati OH 45231.

Celebrate Earth Day with purpose at the eco-extravaganza, Protect Your Wild! Discover Great Parks’ regional conservation efforts and how to make a positive environmental impact at home. Enjoy a free concert from The Grateful Dads, view a stunning eco-art installation or volunteer for the lake cleanup. Stroll through exhibitor booths and learn sustainable practices while enjoying bites and HighGrain brews in the heart of Winton Woods. Whether here to volunteer, learn or simply celebrate, help honor and protect the wild spaces you cherish.

Spring Fest 2025 in Burnet Woods

Saturday, April 19th, 12:00-4:00pm. Trailside Nature Center. 3215 Brookline Ave, Cincinnati OH.

Join the UC Students for Burnet Woods in celebrating Cincinnati’s historic Burnet Woods! Enjoy live music, food, yoga, nature education, and community building in the green heart of Uptown. This event is free and all are welcome!

Classes and Workshops at the Civic Garden Center

Various dates throughout April. The Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH.

Introduction to Native Plants– Wednesday, April 2nd, 6:00-7:30pm.
Native plants are the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems. They provide essential habitat, improve soil structure and are well adapted to our climate. Discover the simplicity of local plants and thriving, sustainable habitats while you learn the basics of why and how to embrace native plants in our local landscape.

Introduction to Plant Pressing – Friday, April 11th, 6:00-7:30pm.
In this introductory workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of plant preservation while getting hands-on experience in the field! We’ll explore the history and purpose of plant pressing, how to select the best plants for pressing, ethical foraging and collection methods and tips for at-home pressing and future herbarium projects. You’ll also get hands-on experience both collecting and pressing plants. No prior experience needed!

Native Plants for Shade – Monday, April 14th, 6:00-7:30pm
Join us to learn about the plants that are native to our region and have evolved to thrive in shady conditions. These plants provide benefits to local wildlife and create beauty in your garden all year. Class will include a guided tour of the Hauck Botanic Garden to see some of these amazing plants growing in the landscape.

Essential Garden Herbs – Tuesday, April 15th, 6:00-7:30pm
Gardening with herbs is a satisfying way to freshen up your favorite recipes, cultivate natural medicines and foster ecologically sound gardening methods. Many herbs grow well in our Ohio gardens and will come back year after year! This class will cover the basics of growing and using herbs for tea, culinary creations, medicinal salves and natural cleaning products. We’ll taste some common herbs and discuss recipes to try at home.

Basic Ginger and Turmeric Growing – Saturday, April 19th, 10:00am-12:00pm.
Growing the same crops again this year? Alongside the carrots, kale or beloved tomato varieties that you’re used too, why not try something new—like ginger or turmeric? Both of these plants can be great additions to your garden, kitchen and medicine cabinet. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of the current practices in planting and growing these rhizomes for personal use both in containers and in the ground. We’ll also explore a brief overview of the historic cultivation of ginger and turmeric and harvesting techniques.

Visit the Civic Garden Center website for even more classes, tours, and volunteer opportunities!

Sustainability Breakfast Series w/ Greater Cincinnati 2030 District & Sustainergy: How to be Solar Smart

Thursday, April 24th, 7:30-9:30am. Digital Futures, 3080 Exploration Ave, Cincinnati.

Join Green Umbrella for the first Sustainability Breakfast of 2025 hosted by the Greater Cincinnati 2030 District! Start your morning with engaging networking opportunities, a light breakfast by Juniper Seed, premium brews (coffee by Deeper Roots and assorted teas), and thought-provoking presentations from industry leaders.

Cincinnati-based solar and energy efficiency firm Sustainergy Cooperative will present on “How to be Solar Smart.” This event is to help homeowners, small business owners, and anyone else interested in eliminating their energy bills and learning how to install solar. Register here!

Arbor Day Party: A Celebration of Trees

Thursday, April 24th, 6:00-8:00pm. The Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Road, Cincinnati.

The very first Arbor Day was celebrated way back in 1872. It’s estimated that over a million trees were planted during that first celebration! Today, people all over the world gather to acknowledge the benefits that trees provide to us and to give back to the planet.

This year, we’re celebrating Arbor Day at the Civic Garden Center with dedications to our favorite trees in the garden. Join us outside for drinks, snacks and a brief tour to visit some of our most popular trees. Guests are invited to share short readings on trees they love or write their own tree-inspired poetry in the moment.

Fellowship Opportunities with the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability

Applications due April 30th.

The City of Cincinnati’s Office of Environment and Sustainability (OES) is excited to announce two paid fellowship opportunities for rising, your professionals: 1) OES CPI Fellowship and 2) OES Seasongood Internship. These temporary team members will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the Green Cincinnati Plan (GCP) during 2025 as we work together to build a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient Cincinnati.

OES seeks two, young professionals interested in gaining experience in public sector environmental efforts. The ideal candidates will be detail-oriented, dependable, mission-driven, and positive team players as they will be supporting the execution of key departmental priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Visit the OES Jobs website for detailed information about both roles and links to apply!

Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit: Registration now open!

Thursday, June 5th. Register today!

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.

Secure your spot today!

“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!