Make a World of Difference at Cincinnati Nature Center

Help promote understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the natural world by volunteering for Cincinnati Nature Center. We have all sorts of opportunities, including teaching others, working in the great outdoors, and more!

Benefits of Volunteering with CNC

• Life-long Learning

  Special natural history workshops taught by experts in the field, two to four times each month, on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Social Events

  Quarterly volunteer/staff gatherings and end-of-season parties.

• Community

  Work closely with CNC staff and like-minded volunteers

• Membership

  Enjoy CNC membership benefits (free admission, subscription to Newsleaf, discount at The Nature Shop, and more)

How to Become a Volunteer

Attend a Volunteer Exploration Session to discover the many volunteer opportunities available at Cincinnati Nature Center. Find a good fit for your talents, interests and schedule. At the end of the session, you'll receive a Volunteer Application.

All sessions are from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Rowe Visitor Center:

• Saturday, August 7

• Tuesday, August 24

• Tuesday, September 7

• Saturday, October 2

• Tuesday, October 19

• Saturday, November 6

• Wednesday, November 17

Volunteer Opportunities

New Volunteer Opportunities:

Initiate play with children through example, guidance and instruction in Cincinnati Nature Center’s Marge and Charles Schott Nature Playscape. Learn more about becoming a Play Facilitator (PDF).

Inspire passion for nature in visitors of all ages by developing and presenting your own themed 10-minute interpretive programs on local natural history topics. Learn more about becoming a Member Naturalist (PDF).

Volunteering to Teach Others:

• School Group Leaders

  Share your love of nature with children! Teach school children to explore nature and to understand simple ecological principles. All training and supplies are provided.

• Weekend Groups at Rowe Woods

  Lead scout groups and youth groups on discovery hikes to explore the natural world. After school groups are also available. Training opportunities and workshops are offered on a regular basis.

• Adult Group Guides

  Guide and host adult groups, senior citizens, garden clubs and other organizations. Introduce them to the trails, buildings, and programs of the nature center. This requires knowledge and experience in at least one area, such as wildflowers, birds or CNC history.

• CincyNature Camp (Summer Only)

  Assist staff environmental educators with children's summer day camp at either Long Branch Farm & Trails or Rowe Woods.

• Summer Program in Nature (SPIN) (Summer Only)

  Lead groups of children from other summer camps and day care centers for general nature hikes at Rowe Woods. SPIN runs Tuesday and Wednesday mornings in June and July.

• Early Childhood Education

  Assist with Little Adventurers, an eight week preschool enrichment program, with morning or afternoon classes. There are fall, winter & spring sessions.

• Children's Saturday Programs

  Assist with children's nature classes (for various ages) one Saturday per month in fall and spring.

Volunteering for Outdoor Work:

• Herb Wall

  Assist with planting, weeding and general maintenance of the Herb Wall at Rowe Woods. Ongoing through early fall.

• Land Stewardship

  Join the Posse!! Non-native invasive species are guilty of crimes against biodiversity and for prolific reproduction. Join a team to help control these plants.  View the Land Stewardship Volunteer Brochure (PDF) to learn more.

More Volunteer Opportunities:

• Office Assistant

  Help with membership renewal mailings and other office duties in the Marketing & Development department.

• Gift Shop Sales Clerk

  Greet customers, ring sales, and help unpack, price and display merchandise in The Nature Shop at Rowe Woods. Several weekday morning and afternoon shifts are available.

For more ongoing volunteer opportunities, download our Volunteer Opportunities Brochure (PDF).

Questions? Call the Volunteer Coordinator at (513) 831-1711 ext. 128 or email