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 April from PEWS, our collaborators, and community partners around Greater Cincinnati!
GrowFest 2026: Introduction to Native Plants
Thursday, April 2nd, 6:00-7:30pm. The Civic Garden Center: 2715 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45206.
Join the Civic Garden Center for an insightful introduction to native plants and their crucial role in our local ecosystem. Discover the benefits of incorporating native species into your landscape to support local wildlife and pollinators, and gain a deeper understanding of how to select the right plants for your yard. Learn the basics of native gardening, receive expert tips for successful planting, and explore how to make your garden thrive naturally. Learn more here!
For more classes you can take at the Civic Garden Center:
- Friday, April 10, 6-7:30pm: Introduction to Plant Pressing
- Tuesday, April 14, 6-7:30pm: Navigating Nativars
- Tuesday, April 21, 6-7:30pm: Introduction to Native Shrubs
- Thursday, April 23, 6-7:30pm: Container Gardening
- Saturday, April 25, 10-11:30am: Tomato Talk
- Sunday, April 26, 2-4pm: Botanical Resin Jewelry
Barrows Conservation Lectures
Wednesday, April 8th, 7:00pm. Online.
Join the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden for an inspiring and educational exploration of sea otter conservation as part of the Barrows Conservation Lecture Series. Discover the collaborative endeavor to reestablish sea otters to their historic range on the Oregon coast and gain a deeper understanding of coastal ecosystem management. This spring, learn from Jane Bacchieri about the Elakha Alliance’s new approach to conservation, the importance of engaging communities, and how we can protect our vital natural resources. You can attend in person at the Zoo, or tune in virtually for free! Register for the virtual stream here!
For more Barrows Conservation Lectures you can attend virtually for free at 7:00pm: Wednesday, April 22: True Tall Tales from Tanzania: Giraffe Science with Dr. Derek Lee & Dr. Monica Bond Wednesday, April 29: At the Intersection: Wildlife Conservation & Social Justice with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant
(To learn more about the lecture series or to get tickets to attend in person, click here)
Winton Lake Community Cleanup
Saturday, April 11th, 9:00-11:00am. Winton Woods Harbor, Cincinnati, OH.
The Winton Lake Community Cleanup is a large-scale volunteer effort and signature Earth Month celebration that strengthens habitats and builds community by cleaning up the lake’s shoreline and tributary streams, and everyone is welcome! Learn more here.
The Flower Fairies
Saturday, April 11th, 2:00-3:30pm. Avon Woods Nature Preserve, 4235 Paddock Rd, Cincinnati, OH.
The Flower Fairies Naturalist Guided Wildflower Hike draws inspiration from Cicely Mary Barker’s captivating 1923 illustrations. Join us for a walk through the woods to learn about native wildflowers and flora, followed by an indoor session to use watercolor paints to decorate your own flower fairy coloring page, and everyone is welcome! Learn more here.
Roots & Rhythms
Saturday, April 11th, 7:00-11:00pm. The Reliquary @ Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock St, Cincinnati, OH.
Green Umbrella’s Roots & Rhythms benefit concert supports their work to build resilient, thriving communities across Greater Cincinnati. This inspiring evening features live music, screen-printing, and community connection, and everyone is welcome! Learn more here.
Bridging Research, Equity, and Asthma Through Healthy Environments (BREATHE) Meeting
Monday, April 13th, 1:00-3:00pm. 1800 Marshall Avenue, Cincinnati, OH.
Bridging Research, Equity, and Asthma Through Healthy Environments (BREATHE) supports improving regional air quality with quarterly collaborative meetings. Hosted by the City of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s, each meeting brings together researchers, organizers, and residents to learn about air quality research and take action, and everyone is welcome! Learn more here.
Science Time Cincinnati: Ancient Greek Medical Experiments
Wednesday, April 15th, 6:00-8:00pm. Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Rd. Cincinnati.
Science Time supports science and learning about all branches of science. Monthly laid-back educational meetups, everyone welcome! This month features Michelle Lessard from the UC Classics division. She will be discussing “Ancient Greek Medical Experiments.” Come with questions, or just to learn.
Environmental Education Earth Day Event
Saturday, April 18th, 10:00am-1:00pm. Mill Creek Alliance, 1223 Jefferson Avenue, Reading, OH.
The Environmental Education Earth Day Event supports hands-on learning and native plant care by refreshing the MCA rain garden. Hosted by the Mill Creek Alliance, attendees will learn about rain gardens, simple garden care, and plant native species and vegetables, and everyone is welcome! Learn more here.
Greater Cincinnati Earth Day
Sunday, April 19th, 12:00-5:00pm. Washington Park, Cincinnati, OH.
The Greater Cincinnati Earth Day Festival supports environmental education and the city’s climate goals with an annual community celebration. This year features immersive sustainability zones, over 125 exhibitors, and everyone is welcome! Learn more here!
Hauck Concert Series: 7 Last Words for the Earth
Sunday, April 19th, 3:00-4:30pm. The Civic Garden Center: 2715 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45206.
Join the Civic Garden Center for a moving and thought-provoking musical exploration of the state of our planet. Discover the powerful world premiere of “7 Last Words for the Earth” and gain a deeper understanding of our interconnected role within the natural world. This spring, learn from local musicians and storytellers about the working systems of our planet, and take a moment to cultivate a lasting reverence for the Earth. Register here!
The Ripple Effect Course: Unlocking Our Power to Protect Nature
Wednesday, April 22nd, 4:00-6:00pm. 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150.
Join the Cincinnati Nature Center for an inspiring and interactive exploration of environmental conservation. Discover the power of Conservation Civics and gain a deeper understanding of how to have productive conversations that foster understanding rather than polarization. This spring, learn which actions have the greatest potential to protect nature, grow your environmental optimism, and create personalized conservation goals tailored to your unique skills and interests. Register here!
NKY Candidate Forum: Balancing Economic Development and Greenspace Preservation
Wednesday, April 22nd, 6:00-7:30pm. Kenton County Library, 401 Kenton Lands, Erlanger, KY 41018
Green Umbrella’s Greenspace Alliance and partners invite you to join us for an in-person candidate forum about balancing economic development and greenspace preservation in Northern Kentucky for County Commissioner candidates running for local office in Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties. All candidates will be invited to share their positions and plans on issues related to development and greenspace preservation and will answer questions from partners and the public.
Become A Sustainer Today!
One-time or Monthly Donations. Starting at $5/month. Online.
The Market Sustainer program supports the market’s growth and community impact with one-time or monthly donations. Your generous support helps provide kids’ programming, coordinate food access programs for low-income shoppers, purchase new equipment, and pay staff living wages, and everyone is welcome to contribute! Learn more here.
