Be a part of Cincinnati’s conservation and restoration efforts
In June 2025, Cincinnati became the host site for the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist course. The OCVN is a 40-hour program consisting of classes in geology, plants, wildlife and many areas of study involving nature. Here are some ways that Cincy citizens can participate in these efforts of conservation.
Native Plants Sale
Many gardeners look to exotic or non-native plants when starting their gardens; however, the Cincinnati Zoo’s Bowyer’s Farm offers native plants ideal for Cincinnati terrain. The 529-acre farm was connected to the Cincinnati Zoo and has since grown to over 600 acres of land, all dedicated to furthering the zoo’s mission of conservation. Bowyers Farm has conservation efforts that include wetland restoration, beekeeping, native plant sales and propagation and more.
Plants regularly found throughout Bowyer Farm will be available for sale at the time of this event. Registration for this event will open on August 1, 2025.
Free. For more information on Bowyer’s Farm and this event, visit the Cincinnati Zoo’s website.
Park Clean Up
Another way that Cincinnati citizens can get involved in conservation efforts around the city is through volunteer work. This summer, conservation and restoration are a focus in some of the parks and forests around the city.
Join Northside Greenspace Inc. in its efforts to restore natural areas in the Northside and surrounding communities, including Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve this weekend July 26, 2025. The all-volunteer group will meet to clean up and restore the preserve 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information and to register, visit the city’s website..
That is not the only conservation effort taking place this summer; The Stowe Park Advisory Council has started its own restoration effort. The council will work on removing invasive species and replacing them with native plants. Join them August 2, 2025, 9-11:30 a.m. For more information and to register, visit the city’s website.
A Healing Garden
An additional way to get involved in conservation is to stay informed on the history of plants and how they have contributed to society. This fall, Krohn Conservatory’s show will draw inspiration from the historic Padua Botanical Garden. Learn the history of this Italian botanical garden and its role in modern medicine. Guests will gain insight into the thoughts of their community in the showroom as they see reflections on the significance of parks, gardens, and other green spaces.
Begins August 23, 2025, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. For more information, visit the city park system’s website.
