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 May from PEWS, our collaborators, and community partners around Greater Cincinnati!
GrowFest 2026: Plant Sale
Saturday, May 2nd, 9:00am-3:00pm. The Civic Garden Center: 2715 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45206.
Join the Civic Garden Center for a day of celebrating all things urban agriculture and gardening! We’ll have plenty of classic warm weather crops, CGC-grown rare and heirloom veggie starts, a rainbow of herbs, native and native cultivar shrubs (including dwarf options), native spring ephemerals and native trees on hand. You can also order a themed garden kit for pickup at the sale!
The day will also include the beloved Green Flea and bake sale, kids’ activities, Plant Sitters, and more, and the weeks leading up to the sale feature a full lineup of classes to set you up for gardening success in 2026. We invite you to be part of a community that’s growing together!
Classes at the Civic Garden Center
Throughout May. The Civic Garden Center: 2715 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45206.
The Civic Garden Center offers a variety of classes and programs focused on helping people grow food, nurture ecology, and create community through conservation, horticulture, and urban agriculture. This month’s classes include:
- Friday, May 8th, 1-2:30pm – Nurturing the Mind – a free dementia-friendly series
- Mondays, May 11th and 25th, 10-11:30am – Lil’ Sprouts – open to children ages 3-8
- Tuesday, May 12th, 6-7:30pm – Pollinator Waystations: Container Gardening for Nature
- Saturday, May 16th, 9-11am – Mindful Birdwatching with the CHPL Bird Nerds
Pollinator Festival & 5K
Saturday, May 9th, 10:00am-2:00pm (5k at 9:00am). Miami Whitewater Forest.
Celebrate our region’s precious pollinators with a day that’s buzzing with family-friendly fun! Discover how pollination supports a thriving ecosystem and the important role that native plants play in its success. Enjoy live music from the award-winning Mama Said String Band, step inside the immersive butterfly garden and find the perfect last-minute Mother’s Day gift from a variety of local vendors.
In the morning, lace up for the Pollinator 5K – a timed, family-friendly walk/run along Miami Whitewater Forest’s scenic, paved trails. Race participants receive a custom medal, t-shirt, vendor coupons and Great Parks swag.
Hands On at Hauck: BioBlitz!
Friday, May 15th, 9:00am-12:00pm. The Civic Garden Center: 2715 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45206.
What exactly is a BioBlitz? It’s a community science event to find and identify the plant species growing in our garden. If you’ve never participated in community science before, here’s your chance! Help us build our plant catalog and practice your nature photography skills, too.
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. Register here!
Science Time Cincinnati
Wednesday, May 20th, 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!
Cincy Climate Week
June 8th-14th. Event submissions now open!
Cincinnati Climate Week launches in 2026 as a dynamic, region-wide celebration of climate action across Greater Cincinnati. Presented by Green Umbrella in partnership with the Climate Week Network, a global initiative supporting cities as they launch and scale Climate Weeks, this decentralized week invites organizations throughout the region to host in-person and virtual events that spotlight local solutions, share expertise, and inspire a more resilient future.
Event submissions are now open! Events can include workshops, panels, tours, art events, and hands-on activities. We’re also looking for volunteers to serve as Climate Week Ambassadors to help spread the word – reach out to events@greenumbrella.org.
Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit
Friday, June 12th. Sharonville Convention Center. Tickets available now!
The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit, presented by Green Umbrella, serves as a spark for connecting and learning together, deepening our resolve, and celebrating collaborative climate solutions as we each find our place in the movement to secure a resilient, equitable, and thriving future.
The summit will feature a keynote by Dr. Rebecca Carter and a full day of panels and workshops exploring how we can Adapt Today, Thrive Tomorrow! Tickets are now available.
Green & Healthy Schools Symposium
Saturday, June 13th, 8:30am-6:00pm. Rockdale Academy, 335 Rockdale Ave Cincinnati, 45229. Register now!
The Green & Healthy Schools Symposium will bring together visionary school district leaders- students, educators, and school foodservice staff- city officials, health agencies, and partner organizations to explore systems for sustaining outdoor learning and environmental practices throughout the school district. If you, your school district, or organization is looking for strategies to work together on realizing shared priorities, this conference is for you!
Perceptions of Cincinnati gaslights and the environment
5 minute survey.
Dr. Nancy Jennings, Niehoff Professor and PEWS Sustainability Leader, and two graduate students, Usman Bah and Tia Iddrisu, from the University of Cincinnati’s School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies are conducting research on public knowledge and perceptions of gaslights and the environment in Cincinnati. Please complete this online survey to share your thoughts. The survey takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and your responses will be anonymous. Also, please feel free to share with other Cincinnati residents!
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