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 August from PEWS, our collaborators, and community partners around Greater Cincinnati!
Ohio River Paddlefest
Saturday, August 2nd, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm. Schmidt Boat Launch 2944 Humbert Ave Cincinnati.
Join Adventure Crew for Ohio River Paddlefest, the nation’s largest paddling celebration, where thousands of participants will kayak, canoe, and paddleboard down a closed stretch of the Ohio River! Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or new to the water, this is a unique way to experience Cincinnati from a whole new perspective.
This fun, family-friendly event is held in partnership with Green Umbrella and is open to paddlers of all ages and skill levels. Registration is required to paddle, but everyone is invited to enjoy the festivities. Learn more about the event here!
NEW Nature Playscape: Get Outside and Play Day at Gorman Heritage Farm
Saturday, August 2nd, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Gorman Heritage Farm 10052 Reading Rd Evendale, OH 45241.
Join Gorman Heritage Farm for a Get Outside and Play Day celebrating their brand new Nature Playscape! Families are invited to explore the playscape and enjoy nature-based play and activities throughout the day.
This free, family-friendly event is held in partnership with Green Umbrella and is open to the public – no registration required. Learn more about the event here!
Looking Back at Apollo & Forward to Artemis
Tuesday, August 5th, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. Cincinnati Observatory 3489 Observatory PI, Cincinnati.
Join the Cincinnati Observatory for a special class exploring the history and future of lunar exploration. Learn about the legacy of the Apollo missions and the upcoming Artemis program with Astronomer Dr. Wes Ryle and Collections & Archives Manager Mandy Askins. This event blends science and history to show how space missions reflect both political and scientific ambitions. Learn more about the event here!
Great Lakes Basin of North America: An Earth Science Perspective
Wednesday, August 6th, 6:30 pm. Radio Artifact 1660 Blue Rock Street, Suite 0, Cincinnati.
Join us for this month’s Science on Tap as Johan Maertens, a dedicated mineralogy citizen scientist, delves into the geological history of the Great Lakes Basin. Discover how ancient volcanic and tectonic activities, followed by sedimentary processes in shallow seas, and the powerful forces of glaciers during the Ice Age, have shaped the current landscape of the Great Lakes. Maertens will also highlight the diverse rocks, fossils, and minerals, including copper and iron ores, that have become significant economic assets.
This engaging presentation offers a unique opportunity to understand the Earth’s dynamic processes that have formed one of North America’s most significant natural features. Whether you’re a geology enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, this event promises to be both informative and inspiring. Learn more about the event here!
Compost Tour at the CGC
Thursday, August 7th, 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!
Mindful Birdwatching
Saturday, August 16th, 9:00am – 11:00am. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd., Cincinnati.
Join the Civic Garden Center and CHPL’s Bird Nerds for a morning of Mindful Birdwatching – a peaceful way to slow down and connect with nature in the city. Instead of using binoculars or checklists, participants are invited to observe birds quietly and intentionally, focusing on presence and mindfulness. This free, public event is open to all experience levels – no registration or special equipment required. Learn more about the event here!
Green Learning Station Tour
Thursday, August 21st, 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, August 21st, 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!
Little Sprouts
Mondays, August 11th and August 25th, 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
Hands On at Hauck – Fridays, 9:00am – 12:00pm. Civic Garden Center 2715 Reading Rd Cincinnati.
Join us for some hands-on gardening experience at the Hauck Botanic Garden. This 100-year-old public park serves as our outdoor classroom and the backdrop for everything we do. And it’s all thanks to volunteers like you!
This time of year, the weeds are growing faster than we can keep up with! Help us battle invasive species around our historic gazebo and keep our Restoration Demonstration area looking clean and healthy.
No prior knowledge or skills needed. Whether you’re totally new to gardening or have many years of experience this workday is for you! The ability to kneel and use hand tools is recommended but not required. Please bring gloves if you have them and a water bottle. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you’re comfortable getting dirty. All other tools and materials will be provided.
Botany Bistro – Wednesdays, August 6th and August 20th, 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.
Visit the Civic Garden Center website for even more classes, tours, and volunteer opportunities!
Nature Journaling: The Art of Noticing
Thursday, August 28th, 10:00am – 12:00pm. Civic Garden Center, 2715 Reading Rd., Cincinnati.
Join the Civic Garden Center for Nature Journaling: The Art of Noticing, a relaxing, creative session where participants slow down and observe the natural world through sketches, poems, and notes. No artistic skill is required – just an open heart and curiosity. This calm, reflective class is open to everyone, free of judgment and full of discovery. All materials are provided. Learn more about the event here!
