Vernal pools and other fishless ponds provide critical habitat for a number of species, particularly amphibians and invertebrates. These temporary to semi-permanent pools are monitored by Nature Center staff and volunteers every spring who look (and listen) for evidence of breeding amphibians and sensitive invertebrates. By monitoring vernal pools, the Nature Center is able to assess the health not only of the pools themselves but also the health of the surrounding forest.

Cincinnati Nature Center has been tapping sugar maple trees for sap and educational programming since 2002 at Long Branch Farm & Trails, and since 2003 at Rowe Woods. Since that time, maple season has become a beloved annual winter tradition! To ensure that this tradition can continue for many years to come, and to verify that we are being careful stewards of the forest, our team monitors the maple trees that are used for sap production.

Staff and volunteers, including the Next in Nature youth volunteers, collect annual data on the tapped trees to monitor their growth and health. Data is also collected during tapping to evaluate the sustainability of our tapping practices. Through this monitoring program, the Nature Center is ensuring that we will be able to responsibly continue the tradition of maple tree tapping—and the creation of delicious maple syrup—for years to come.

Streams not only provide habitat for a diverse range of organisms, but they also reflect the health of the surrounding watershed. The stream monitoring program at the Nature Center uses the presence of macroinvertebrate “bio-indicators” to assess stream and watershed health. Staff and volunteers also measure the physical and chemical properties of the stream that indicate the health of the stream, the watershed, and the stream’s ability to support diverse aquatic life.

Cincinnati Nature Center staff and volunteers participate in several other long-term monitoring projects that are part of broader-scale Community Science programs at other institutions.