Cincinnati Nature Center

Cincinnati Nature Center's mission is simply to Inspire Conservation; we enrich lives by modeling and encouraging a passion for nature through experience, education and stewardship. Our goal is to be a model for environmental sustainability and conservation on a national level and a leader in nature education. Our vision for 2028 is that the people of our region believe that nature matters and are taking action to conserve native biodiversity.

Education Programs 

For more than 50 years, the Nature Center has strived to provide a connection to nature for all ages and abilities through a variety of educational programming. Our School Program is year-round and includes on-site field trips and schoolyard programs that encourage hands-on discovery and learning. Vibrant summer nature day camps for children and teens challenge youth to use their minds and bodies while using their imaginations and creativity in a natural setting. Our innovative Nature Preschool – one of the first in the nation – initiates a life-long and meaningful relationship with the natural world in a high-quality, early-childhood environment. Our Nature PlayScape, a 1.6 acre enclosed habitat, lets children safely explore forest, field and stream with minimal human-made interventions.

Hiking and Recreation

The Nature Center offers our visitors twenty miles of award-winning hiking and recreational trails across two campuses (Rowe Woods in Milford and Long Branch Farm and Trails in nearby Goshen) that are maintained using best practices for sustainability and minimal impact on the local ecology. There are trails for all ages and abilities, from novice to experienced, as well as a wheelchair and stroller accessible discovery trail. Interspersed throughout the two properties are native pollinator gardens, pond habitats, streams, two historic homes, and historic barns.

Land Stewardship and Conservation 

Located in the historic Groesbeck Estate, our Center for Conservation is collaborative community resource and a model for best land management practice, conservation management techniques, and ecosystem restoration. Core to the success of our stewardship and conservation projects is the use of regionally appropriate native plants propagated in our Native Plant Greenhouse and Native Plant Nursery. 

EarthKids Community Outreach

Cincinnati Nature Center believes that all children should have opportunities to play outside, regardless of economic or geographic barriers. EarthKids is a year-round community outreach program that collaborates with community and social service agencies who serve financially challenged youth and adults/caregivers throughout Greater Cincinnati and Clermont County. Our staff and volunteer naturalists introduce participants to nature through a variety of on‐site, hands-on experiences using an engaging manner that helps alleviate fears and encourages exploration.