Original Post from 2/29/2016
I would like to give a huge shout out to those that stopped by to visit us at the Cincinnati Home and Garden Show this past weekend at the Duke Energy Convention Center. We hope you enjoyed the wide variety education and informational pamphlets and brochure we displayed, as well as the table top rain garden display. If you missed us don’t worry, we will be back at it again this coming weekend Friday March 4th to Sunday March 6th.
For those of you that are interested in purchasing a soil fertility test kit we will have them available for purchase at the show. Test kits are $5 for Hamilton County Residents and $12 for non-Hamilton County Residents. If you purchase your soil fertility test kit at the Cincinnati Home and Garden Show you will receive a free rain gauge. If you would like to find out more about the soil fertility test kits please visit our website, http://www.hcswcd.org/soil-fertility.htm.
Don’t forget to stop by and visit us this coming weekend. We are located at booth #212.
http://cincinnatihomeandgardenshow.com/visitor-information/floor-plan/
Friday, March 2, 2018
National Parks Adventure
Original Post from 1/20/2016
On Wednesday February 17th from 4 - 7 PM the Cincinnati Museum Center is hosting an Educator Preview night for their newest OMNIMAX film, National Parks Adventure. Come visit us along with other local environmental educators to learn how you can bring environmental education into your classrooms, exhibitors will be set up in the rotunda. The event is $5 dollars per person and includes giveaways, parking, admission to all three museums and a showing of National Parks Adventure.
For more information or to make reservations please call the Museum Center at 513-287-7001.
https://www.cincymuseum.org/omnimax/national-parks-adventure
On Wednesday February 17th from 4 - 7 PM the Cincinnati Museum Center is hosting an Educator Preview night for their newest OMNIMAX film, National Parks Adventure. Come visit us along with other local environmental educators to learn how you can bring environmental education into your classrooms, exhibitors will be set up in the rotunda. The event is $5 dollars per person and includes giveaways, parking, admission to all three museums and a showing of National Parks Adventure.
For more information or to make reservations please call the Museum Center at 513-287-7001.
https://www.cincymuseum.org/omnimax/national-parks-adventure
National Parks Adventure Educational Trailer
Info for Educator Preview Night
Discover the wild places that belong to us all.
On Wednesday, Feb. 17, be among the first to see our new OMNIMAX® film, National Parks Adventure, the ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation's awe-inspiring great outdoors and untamed wilderness. Join three adventurers as they hike, climb and explore their way across America's National Parks - including Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite and Arches - in an action packed celebration that highlights how important it is that we protect these treasured landscapes.
Tickets are $5 per person. Call 513-287-7001 for reservations. Includes parking, showing of National Parks Adventure and admission to all three Museums. There will also be special discounts at our Starbucks cart and Pizza café and raffles and door prizes for teachers. For an additional $5 per person, you can also see our special exhibition The Art of the Brick (last entry at 7 p.m.)
Back by popular demand!
Giveaway of valuable teaching resources from our inventory. Bring bags to take home your goodies!
On Wednesday, Feb. 17, be among the first to see our new OMNIMAX® film, National Parks Adventure, the ultimate off-trail adventure into the nation's awe-inspiring great outdoors and untamed wilderness. Join three adventurers as they hike, climb and explore their way across America's National Parks - including Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite and Arches - in an action packed celebration that highlights how important it is that we protect these treasured landscapes.
Tickets are $5 per person. Call 513-287-7001 for reservations. Includes parking, showing of National Parks Adventure and admission to all three Museums. There will also be special discounts at our Starbucks cart and Pizza café and raffles and door prizes for teachers. For an additional $5 per person, you can also see our special exhibition The Art of the Brick (last entry at 7 p.m.)
Back by popular demand!
Giveaway of valuable teaching resources from our inventory. Bring bags to take home your goodies!
Go Environmentally Friendly into the New Year!
Original Post from 12/29/2015
With the New Year quickly approaching some of us may be pondering what our New Year’s resolution will be. We could stick with the same ones that have been chosen and mostly broken over the years. For example we could go on a diet, eat healthier, break a bad habit, exercise, get out of debt, spend time with family or live a less stressful life, the list goes on and on.
Instead of picking a resolution that will probably be broken within the first few weeks of the New Year why not pick one that is more sustainable and is beneficial to the environment. There are several New Year’s resolutions that can be beneficial to the environment and may even be more realistic to stick with. I have compiled a list of five potential New Year’s resolutions that I feel would be very easy to accomplish.
Leave us a comment below and let us know what your New Year’s Resolution is.
With the New Year quickly approaching some of us may be pondering what our New Year’s resolution will be. We could stick with the same ones that have been chosen and mostly broken over the years. For example we could go on a diet, eat healthier, break a bad habit, exercise, get out of debt, spend time with family or live a less stressful life, the list goes on and on.
Instead of picking a resolution that will probably be broken within the first few weeks of the New Year why not pick one that is more sustainable and is beneficial to the environment. There are several New Year’s resolutions that can be beneficial to the environment and may even be more realistic to stick with. I have compiled a list of five potential New Year’s resolutions that I feel would be very easy to accomplish.
Leave us a comment below and let us know what your New Year’s Resolution is.
Family Friendly Winter Activities
Original Post from 11/23/2015
Soon our bellies will be stuffed with Thanksgiving dinner and it will be time to move forward with the holiday season. As we push farther into December and January we find ourselves spending more and more time indoors and running out of things to keep us occupied. The goal of this article is to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new this winter. I have included a list of fun activities that can be done with friends and family of all ages. I hope this article helps you think of new and exciting ways to fill your long winter days.
Go Volunteer!
There are serval organizations around the tristate area that are looking for volunteers especially around the holiday season. Below are a few local organizations.
Great Parks of Hamilton County
http://www.greatparks.org/get-involved/volunteer
The Freestore Foodbank
http://freestorefoodbank.org/
The United Way
http://www.uwgc.org/
Take a Hike!
We could all use a little exercise and fresh air come midwinter. Winter hikes are the perfect way to get some fresh air and exercise; they are also perfect for viewing wildlife. A fresh coat of snow on the ground makes winter a perfect time to look for animal tracks. Winter may not be the best time to observe plants and trees, but it is the perfect time to test your tree identification skills. Without the leaves you must use the bark and other tree characteristics to help in your tree identification. Check with your local city or county parks to see what fun winter hike activities they have to offer.
Great Parks of Hamilton County
http://www.greatparks.org/recreation/winter-sports
Cincinnati Parks
http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/programs-and-events/explore-nature-2/
Participant in Citizen Science!
Citizen science allows citizens of all ages to be able to participant in scientific research. There are hundreds of citizen science projects all over the world that cover a wide range of topics. Citizen science projects occur year round, but there are a few that are specifically designed for winter time. A few that come to mind are Project FeederWatch and the Christmas Bird Count.
Project FeederWatch is a survey that looks at which bird species visit feeders during the winter. Feeders can be located in your backyard, a nature center, a community area or any other location across the United States. Citizens that wish to participate in Project FeederWatch are asked to count and record the birds that they see at their feeder. For more information on Project FeederWatch and to find out how you can participate visit their website http://feederwatch.org/.
The Christmas Bird Count is the nation’s largest running citizen science project. The project takes place from December 14th to January 5th. During the duration of the study participants are asked to observe birds for at least 15minute in a location of their choice. After observations are made and submitted the results are compiled by the Audubon Society and used to study the health and status of bird across the United States. To find out more details on the Christmas Bird Count visit https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count.
Make a Craft!
Personally my favorite part of winter is when you can sit in front of a fire with a nice hot mug of hot chocolate and work on a craft project. Pinterest has tons of great ideas for using recycled materials to make bird feeders, decorations, DIY Christmas gifts and many many more fun craft ideas.
Bird feeders can be made from a variety of recyclable objects. The Garden Glove website, http://www.thegardenglove.com/10-creative-diy-bird-feeders/, has a ton of fun and interesting ways to make your very own bird feeder. They highlight feeders made from soup cans, pop bottles, wine bottles and even old dishes. Check out their website to find a new interesting way to feed the birds this winter.
There are lots of great ideas on Pinterest for making your own Christmas Presents or holiday decorations. Some ideas even use recycled material which makes it even better. I can’t wait to make a few decorations with all the pine cones from my backyard. Craftaholics Anonymous has some great pine cone crafts on their website, http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/pine-cone-crafts, go check them out!
Prep for Spring!
It may be too early to start planting your garden but it is never too soon to start planning! Now is the perfect time to decide what you want to plant during the upcoming gardening season. This with also help you decide when you should get your plants and/or seeds in the ground. Here at the Hamilton County SWCD we sell soil test kits. This kit will help you determine if your soil is healthy and ready for the spring. To purchase a soil test kit please stop by our office or visit this link, http://www.hcswcd.org/soil-fertility.html.
Soon our bellies will be stuffed with Thanksgiving dinner and it will be time to move forward with the holiday season. As we push farther into December and January we find ourselves spending more and more time indoors and running out of things to keep us occupied. The goal of this article is to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new this winter. I have included a list of fun activities that can be done with friends and family of all ages. I hope this article helps you think of new and exciting ways to fill your long winter days.
Go Volunteer!
There are serval organizations around the tristate area that are looking for volunteers especially around the holiday season. Below are a few local organizations.
Great Parks of Hamilton County
http://www.greatparks.org/get-involved/volunteer
The Freestore Foodbank
http://freestorefoodbank.org/
The United Way
http://www.uwgc.org/
Take a Hike!
We could all use a little exercise and fresh air come midwinter. Winter hikes are the perfect way to get some fresh air and exercise; they are also perfect for viewing wildlife. A fresh coat of snow on the ground makes winter a perfect time to look for animal tracks. Winter may not be the best time to observe plants and trees, but it is the perfect time to test your tree identification skills. Without the leaves you must use the bark and other tree characteristics to help in your tree identification. Check with your local city or county parks to see what fun winter hike activities they have to offer.
Great Parks of Hamilton County
http://www.greatparks.org/recreation/winter-sports
Cincinnati Parks
http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/programs-and-events/explore-nature-2/
Participant in Citizen Science!
Citizen science allows citizens of all ages to be able to participant in scientific research. There are hundreds of citizen science projects all over the world that cover a wide range of topics. Citizen science projects occur year round, but there are a few that are specifically designed for winter time. A few that come to mind are Project FeederWatch and the Christmas Bird Count.
Project FeederWatch is a survey that looks at which bird species visit feeders during the winter. Feeders can be located in your backyard, a nature center, a community area or any other location across the United States. Citizens that wish to participate in Project FeederWatch are asked to count and record the birds that they see at their feeder. For more information on Project FeederWatch and to find out how you can participate visit their website http://feederwatch.org/.
The Christmas Bird Count is the nation’s largest running citizen science project. The project takes place from December 14th to January 5th. During the duration of the study participants are asked to observe birds for at least 15minute in a location of their choice. After observations are made and submitted the results are compiled by the Audubon Society and used to study the health and status of bird across the United States. To find out more details on the Christmas Bird Count visit https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count.
Make a Craft!
Personally my favorite part of winter is when you can sit in front of a fire with a nice hot mug of hot chocolate and work on a craft project. Pinterest has tons of great ideas for using recycled materials to make bird feeders, decorations, DIY Christmas gifts and many many more fun craft ideas.
Bird feeders can be made from a variety of recyclable objects. The Garden Glove website, http://www.thegardenglove.com/10-creative-diy-bird-feeders/, has a ton of fun and interesting ways to make your very own bird feeder. They highlight feeders made from soup cans, pop bottles, wine bottles and even old dishes. Check out their website to find a new interesting way to feed the birds this winter.
There are lots of great ideas on Pinterest for making your own Christmas Presents or holiday decorations. Some ideas even use recycled material which makes it even better. I can’t wait to make a few decorations with all the pine cones from my backyard. Craftaholics Anonymous has some great pine cone crafts on their website, http://www.craftaholicsanonymous.net/pine-cone-crafts, go check them out!
Prep for Spring!
It may be too early to start planting your garden but it is never too soon to start planning! Now is the perfect time to decide what you want to plant during the upcoming gardening season. This with also help you decide when you should get your plants and/or seeds in the ground. Here at the Hamilton County SWCD we sell soil test kits. This kit will help you determine if your soil is healthy and ready for the spring. To purchase a soil test kit please stop by our office or visit this link, http://www.hcswcd.org/soil-fertility.html.
For the love of bats
Original Post from 10/23/2015
Halloween is soon approaching and before too long vampires, ghost, goblins, princesses and cowboys will be hitting the streets to do some trick or treating. Unfortunately for us that means we will soon be taking down our Halloween decorations. The ghost and bats will no longer hang from the trees and the jack-o-lanterns will no longer have a place on the porch.
Speaking of bats and vampires, did you know that not all bats are the blood sucking type that we see in scary Halloween movies? Actually there is only one bat that feeds on blood, that is the vampire bat. Vampire bats are found in Central and South America. Most of the bats that live in our area are insectivores, insect eaters, and make great pollinators as well. Bats are known to consume up to 600 mosquitoes in just one hour. Think how many more bug bites we would get if we didn’t have any bats. Bats are known to pollinate bananas, peaches and cashews as well as many other types of fruits. There are actually over 300 types of fruit that rely on bats to pollinate them. Bats are very interesting little mammals if you give them a chance.
To learn more about our local bats you can visit the Cincinnati Museum Center this Saturday, 10/24/2015 from 10 am-3 pm for a special event called Batfest. Batfest will feature several organizations from around the Tri-state that are dedicated to teaching you about bats. Please visit this link for more information about the event, https://www.cincymuseum.org/events/batfest. We hope to see you there!
For those that are unable to attend this Saturdays festivities at the Cincinnati Museum Center please check out the Ohio Division of Wildlife Field Guide on Mammals that is posted below. There is a little something about each of the 11 bats that can be found in Ohio.
Halloween is soon approaching and before too long vampires, ghost, goblins, princesses and cowboys will be hitting the streets to do some trick or treating. Unfortunately for us that means we will soon be taking down our Halloween decorations. The ghost and bats will no longer hang from the trees and the jack-o-lanterns will no longer have a place on the porch.
Speaking of bats and vampires, did you know that not all bats are the blood sucking type that we see in scary Halloween movies? Actually there is only one bat that feeds on blood, that is the vampire bat. Vampire bats are found in Central and South America. Most of the bats that live in our area are insectivores, insect eaters, and make great pollinators as well. Bats are known to consume up to 600 mosquitoes in just one hour. Think how many more bug bites we would get if we didn’t have any bats. Bats are known to pollinate bananas, peaches and cashews as well as many other types of fruits. There are actually over 300 types of fruit that rely on bats to pollinate them. Bats are very interesting little mammals if you give them a chance.
To learn more about our local bats you can visit the Cincinnati Museum Center this Saturday, 10/24/2015 from 10 am-3 pm for a special event called Batfest. Batfest will feature several organizations from around the Tri-state that are dedicated to teaching you about bats. Please visit this link for more information about the event, https://www.cincymuseum.org/events/batfest. We hope to see you there!
For those that are unable to attend this Saturdays festivities at the Cincinnati Museum Center please check out the Ohio Division of Wildlife Field Guide on Mammals that is posted below. There is a little something about each of the 11 bats that can be found in Ohio.
Amberley Creek Walk in French Park
Original Post from 9/30/2015
Come join me and lots of local experts to learn all about Amberley Creek in French Park. The We Thrive! Amberley Village committee is sponsoring a creek walk on Sunday, October 25 from 1:00 - 3:00 for the public to learn about the natural and not so natural elements of the creek. Join employees from the Cincinnati Parks, Hamilton County Public Health, Mill Creek Council of Communities and me (Gwen Roth, Education Specialist for the District) to learn all about the watershed, geology, storm water & erosion issues and the local habitat & wildlife. Meet at the shelter house at the top of French Park. Contact me with any questions. Hope to see you on the 25th.
Come join me and lots of local experts to learn all about Amberley Creek in French Park. The We Thrive! Amberley Village committee is sponsoring a creek walk on Sunday, October 25 from 1:00 - 3:00 for the public to learn about the natural and not so natural elements of the creek. Join employees from the Cincinnati Parks, Hamilton County Public Health, Mill Creek Council of Communities and me (Gwen Roth, Education Specialist for the District) to learn all about the watershed, geology, storm water & erosion issues and the local habitat & wildlife. Meet at the shelter house at the top of French Park. Contact me with any questions. Hope to see you on the 25th.
Greetings!
There is a new face in the office! Hi my name is Sara Fehring and I am the new Education Assistant for the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District. I received a B.A. in Zoology from Miami University in 2013. For the past year I have been working on my M.A. in Biology through Project Dragonfly and Miami University. I would highly recommend Project Dragonfly to any formal or informal educator that is interested in obtaining their master's degree, https://www.projectdragonfly.org/.For the past two years I worked as a Naturalist for the City of Fairfield. I highly enjoyed working for the City of Fairfield but was ready to move on to a full time position. As a Naturalist I created and ran programs out of Huffman Park. I am extremely excited to share my past experiences, knowledge and ideas with my new co-workers and members of the community. With the start of the school year quickly approaching I look forward to meeting you and your group/class. Don't forget that our calendar fills up quickly. If you have a date, time and program in mind please head over and send us a request, http://www.hcswcd.org/classroom-programs.html.
When I am not working there are a number of things that I enjoy doing. My hobbies include horseback riding, crafting, camping and baking. I highly enjoy being outdoors and I find myself working outdoors whenever I have the opportunity. I have a true passion for animals and traveling. I have two dogs, a horse and a miniature donkey at home. I am hoping to add some chickens to the mix in the near future. I recently went to Bahia de los Angeles with Project Dragonfly. I have created a slide show with a few pictures from my trip. I definitely recommend adding Baja California to your bucket list.
I look forward to meeting all of you in person!
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| Snorkeling with Whale Sharks |
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| Orcas |
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| Orcas |
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| Classmates and instructors |
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| Sleeping arrangements |
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| Common Dolphins |
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| Common Dolphins |
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| Where the desert meets the sea. |
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| Desert |
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| Swimming with sea lions |
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| Best tacos ever! |
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| Whale Shark |
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| 4:30 am hike |
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| Whale Shark |
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