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 July from PEWS, our collaborators, and community partners around Greater Cincinnati!
Spit Test for a Healthier Planet: How EPA Science Uses Saliva to Understand Environmental Health Risks
Wednesday, July 2nd, 6:30 pm. 1660 Blue Rock Street, Cincinnati.
Join us for this month’s Science on Tap, featuring EPA biologist Shannon Griffin, as she shares innovative research on using saliva to assess environmental health risks. Traditional methods for detecting waterborne pathogens are often invasive and costly, but the EPA’s saliva-based approach offers a non-invasive, affordable alternative. This method helps link pathogen levels in water to actual human infection, supporting better decision-making for public health and water quality.
Griffin’s work reflects the EPA’s mission to protect communities through accessible science, and her research has been applied to studies on drinking water treatment and recreational water safety. Attendees will learn how this research advances health equity and environmental protection. Learn more about the event here!
Compost Tour at the CGC
Thursday, July 3rd, 11:00am – 12:00pm. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd., Cincinnati.
Join the Civic Garden Center to learn about the different methods of composting and how to incorporate them into your life! This event is held entirely outdoors and free to attend, with no registration required. Learn more about the event here!
How to Poison a Planet: Film Screening & Discussion with Rob Bilott
Tuesday, July 15th, 6:30pm – 9:00pm. Cincinnati World Cinema, 719 Race St., Cincinnati.
Join Green Umbrella for the Cincinnati premiere of How to Poison a Planet, an award‑winning documentary featuring Mark Ruffalo that exposes the global crisis of PFAS “forever chemicals” and the environmental and regulatory failures behind their spread. Learn more about the event here!
Green Learning Station Tour
Thursday, July 17th, 10:00am – 11:00am. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd., Cincinnati.
Join the Civic Garden Center for a guided tour of the Green Learning Station! Explore rooftop gardens, a compost demonstration area, rainwater catchment systems, and an indoor green wall while learning about sustainable practices in action. This free, outdoor event is open to all and requires no registration. Learn more about the event here!
Hauck Arboretum Tour
Thursday, July 17th, 11:00am – 12:00pm. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd., Cincinnati.
Join the Civic Garden Center for a guided tour of the Hauck Arboretum! Stroll through this hidden gem in the heart of the city and discover a diverse collection of trees, native plants, and seasonal blooms. This free, outdoor tour is a great way to learn about local ecology and requires no registration. Learn more about the event here!
July Green Drinks With Green Umbrella & Groundwork Ohio River Valley
Thursday, July 24th, 5:00pm – 7:00pm. The Sanctuary, 2110 St. Michael St., Cincinnati.
Join Green Umbrella for July Green Drinks, co-hosted with Groundwork Ohio River Valley! This month’s non-alcoholic gathering highlights climate health and community-centered solutions—think herbal teas from Ocotillo Herbals, network-building, and low-key conversations. Learn more about the event here!
Little Sprouts
Mondays, July 14th and July 28th, 9:00am – 10:30am. The auditorium at the Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd., Cincinnati.
Join the Civic Garden Center to connect with the outdoors and further your knowledge of plants. These drop in sessions are meant for children aged 3 to 8 and their caregivers. These sessions are free to attend and no registration is required. Learn more about the sessions here!
Classes and Volunteer Workdays at the CGC
HUB Garden Class: Garden to Plate – Saturday, July 12th, 10:00am – 12:00pm. Loveland Community Garden360 Robin Avenue, Loveland, OH, 45140.
Join CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator Kymisha Montgomery for a garden-to-plate event in the Loveland Community Garden! We will harvest from the garden and discuss different vegetables and herbs, including their health benefits. A cooking demonstration will be provided.
Open to the public and FREE with code HUB2025! However, please register so that we can notify you in case of weather-related schedule changes.
Homegrown Cannabis – Monday, July 21st, 6:00pm – 7:30pm. The Civic Garden Center: 2715 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45206
With the passage of Issue 2 in November of 2023, home gardeners can now try their hand at growing Cannabis sp. Since this crop can require a significant investment on the part of the grower, it’s important to learn best practices before starting out.
This course will cover the botany of Cannabis sp., the process of how to successfully grow it either indoors or outside and tips from our expert instructors. You’ll walk away with a list of supplies, an understanding of next steps to take should you choose to embark on a new adventure and grow Cannabis sp. at home, and the tools to tackle the final tasks of production as your crop reaches maturity. The class will include time for questions.
Botany Bistro – Wednesdays, July 9th and July 23rd, 12:00pm – 12:30pm. Online.
There’s always a table reserved for you at the Botany Bistro! Here you can munch on bite-sized botany as you savor the science of plants. In 2025, Season 2 of this free, virtual botanical banquet is focused on 24 different plant families, exploring their unique characteristics and ways they have adapted through time. New videos are uploaded on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at noon.
Herbal Bundle Workshop – Saturday, July 26th, 10:00am – 11:30am. Melrose Medicinal Garden: 2647 Melrose Ave Cincinnati.
Learn about the rich history of plants used to clear and purify spaces with aromatic smoke, known as smudging, saining and saging in a variety of cultures. You’ll see different types of aromatic plants growing in the garden, watch a demonstration of how to craft a bioregionally appropriate herbal bundle, then craft your own herbal bundle to take home. All materials provided. Herbal iced tea served during class.
Visit the Civic Garden Center website for even more classes, tours, and volunteer opportunities!
Discovery Day
Saturday, July 26th, 9:00am – 2:00pm. Harrison, 11053 Oxford Rd, Harrison, OH 45030.
Join the University of Cincinnati Field Center for a day of exploration and learning led by UC faculty, staff, and community partners. Explore the stream, walk the prairie, and mingle with experts and volunteers as you learn about birds, fish, plants, invasive species, rain gardens, and more. Activities available for all ages. Learn more about the event here!
NEWS
Wasson Way is set to extend eastward, connecting Ault Park to Otto Armleder Memorial Park and improving trail access across Cincinnati. A key feature includes the historic railroad trestle over Red Bank Road, part of the former Cincinnati and Eastern Railway dating back to 1884. This 2.5-mile extension will make walking, biking, and running safer and easier for commuters from Anderson, Fairfax, and Mariemont to reach key destinations like UC and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Led by the City of Cincinnati and ODOT, the $18.5 million project prioritizes public input, sustainability, and connectivity. It aims to reduce traffic, lower emissions, and provide healthier, greener transportation options. Once complete, it will be a major link in the growing CROWN trail network.
