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 February from PEWS, our collaborators, and community partners around Greater Cincinnati!
Communicating About Science Across the Political Divide
Thursday, February 5th, 4:00-6:00pm. Clifton Court Hall room 5280, University of Cincinnati, 2800 Clifton Avenue.
Learn and practice how to communicate about science across the political divide with Vanessa Schipani, postdoctoral researcher in the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Pennsylvania and former science journalist. This workshop includes a discussion about past experiences of communicating with those of different political orientations, a brief presentation informed by Dr. Schipani’s experience as a nonpartisan science journalist and fact checker, some tips and tricks, and a practice session. Sponsored by PEWS.
All are welcome! Light refreshments provided. Registration required.
Plant Removal at Winton Woods
Friday, February 6th, 9:30-11:30am. Winton Woods | Kingfisher Trailhead Parking Lot | 39°15’30.1″N 84°31’49.6″W
Join Great Parks for an active and impactful exploration of forest conservation. Discover the importance of a healthy understory and gain a deeper understanding of how we manage aggressive plant species to protect our local ecosystem. This week, learn tips and tricks for identifying invasive plants and help restore balance to the Kingfisher Trail. Learn more here!
For more opportunities to explore conservation and restoration through plant removal:
February 10th: Plant Removal at Newberry Wildlife
February 11th: Plant Removal at Fernbank Park
February 17th: Mulch Removal at Little Miami Golf Center
Maple Sugarin’ Time at Caldwell Nature Preserve
Saturday, February 7th, 11:00am-1:00pm. Caldwell Nature Preserve, 430 W North Bend Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45216.
Join Cincinnati Parks for sweet and historic explorations of the maple sugar bush. Discover the magic of turning sap into syrup and gain a deeper understanding of this tasty winter tradition. This week, learn the art of tapping trees and see the evaporator in action up close. Register here!
Green Umbrella Annual Impact Celebration
Tuesday, February 10th, 5:00-8:00pm. ADC Fine Art, 1013 York St, Cincinnati.
Join Green Umbrella for our Annual Impact Celebration, an inspiring evening that marks both a reflection on the year behind us and a launch point for the year ahead. Formerly our Annual Meeting, this reimagined February gathering is intentionally forward-looking—bringing our community together to celebrate collective impact while setting the stage for what’s next across our network and programs.
We’re elevating the event experience this year at ADC Fine Art, a 13,000-square-foot contemporary art gallery in Cincinnati’s historic West End. Connect with fellow environmental leaders and supporters, hear stories and highlights from the past year, and get an early look at Green Umbrella’s priorities, initiatives, and opportunities for action in the months ahead.
The evening will be set to live music by The House Band Combo, a jazz quartet blending classic standards with contemporary styles—from swing and bossa nova to blues, R&B, and Latin rhythms—creating an inviting, energetic backdrop for conversation and celebration.
Get your ticket here!
Basic Organic Vegetable Gardening: Regenerative Agriculture
Tuesday, February 10th, 6:00-8:00pm. The Civic Garden Center: 2715 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45206
Come explore a wide range of topics related to regenerative agriculture, including enhancing soil and plant health, biodiversity and principles of a healthy ecosystem. We’ll also discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in implementing these practices. Learn more here!
Homeschool Science: Have a Heart
Wednesday, February 11th, 10:00am-12:00pm. Miami Whitewater Forest | Visitor Center, 9001 Mt. Hope Road Harrison, OH 45030
Join Great Parks for a wacky and wonderful exploration of the animal kingdom’s most vital organ. Discover that hearts come in all shapes, sizes, and colors—from blue horseshoe crabs to purple peanut worms—and gain a deeper understanding of how different species survive. This week, learn about the biology behind these colorful hearts and what makes each one unique. Learn more here!
Ecosystem Restoration with Native Plants
Thursday, February 12th, 6:00-7:30pm. The Civic Garden Center: 2715 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45206
Once invasive plants have been removed, it’s important to start establishing native plants in their place. In this Civic Garden Center class, we’ll focus on the steps that follow invasive plant removal and what it takes to establish a healthy native plant community on your property. We’ll discuss timelines, site conditions, planting options, species selection and ongoing maintenance. Learn more here!
Dance or Death: A Courtship of Spiders
Thursday, February 12th, 7:00-8:00pm. Fernbank | Fernbank Lodge , 50 Thornton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45233.
Join Great Parks for a thrilling exploration of nature’s most dramatic performers. Discover the high-stakes courtship rituals of the jumping spider and gain a deeper understanding of the fine line between romance and risk in the animal kingdom. This week, learn how these adorable arachnids use dazzling dance moves to win a mate—where a wrong step could mean becoming lunch. Learn more here!
Science Time – Cincinnati
Wednesday, February 18th, 6:00-8:30pm. Fibonocci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd, Cincinnati, OH.
Science Time supports science and learning about all branches of science with monthly laid-back educational meetups. Each month is a new topic, and everyone is welcome! See updates on their social media here.
Neighbors in the Know (Online) Session 1: Who’s Got the Power?
Wednesday, February 18th, 6:00-7:30pm. Online.
Join Cincinnati Nature Center for empowering and educational explorations of local government and advocacy. Discover how decisions are made that impact your community and gain a deeper understanding of your own power as a resident. This week, learn about government structures from the HOA to the state level and meet local officials to find out who really holds the power. Register here!
STEMulating Stories with Dr. G
New Episodes Released Bi-Weekly, Watch Anytime STEMulating Stories YouTube Playlist: Online
Do you love storytime as much as we do?? Then tune in to the STEMulating Stories YouTube playlist! In this bi-weekly series, we bring children’s books to life with conversation prompts and hands-on STEM activities you can do right at home. It’s designed to make reading interactive, meaningful, and memorable for families and classrooms alike. You just might discover a new favorite book or a fun experiment to try together. Subscribe now to learn along with us!