Click below to view these frequently asked questions:

• Membership Benefits

• How Do I Join and/or Pay?

• Digital Member Cards

• Questions after Membership Purchase

• Digital Guest Passes

• Membership Policies

What are the benefits of Cincinnati Nature Center membership?

Visit our Membership Benefits page to view a full list of annual benefits, which may help you decide which membership level is right for you.‍

What is a Plus membership level?

For only $25 more, a Plus membership level allows you to bring one guest anytime you visit.

How long does my Cincinnati Nature Center membership last?

• 1-year membership: Active from the purchase date through the end of the same month the following year.

• 2-year membership: Active from the purchase date through the end of the same month two years later.

When can I use my membership?

Your membership includes free admission during regular business hours. Grounds are open daily, 364 days per year (weather-dependent). Hours vary seasonally. See current hours on our Visit Us page.

Who can use my membership?

Usage depends on your membership level:

• Individual: 1 named adult

• Dual: 2 named adults in the same household

• Family, Steward, Advocate, Krippendorf Society: 2 named adults in the same household + children/grandchildren 21 and younger

• Plus: Guest privileges require the named member to be present

I am a single parent. What membership should I choose?

Family memberships work for every kind of family. Your options include:

• Family membership (necessary for children’s program, camp discounts, and Nature Preschool enrollment)

• Individual Plus or Dual memberships (works only for one parent and one child, but does not include children’s program, camp discounts, or Nature Preschool enrollment)

Are grandchildren included?

Family, Steward, Advocate, and Krippendorf levels include all grandchildren age 21 and younger.

Can I bring my dog to the Nature Center?

Yes! Cincinnati Nature Center is loved by dogs and their owners, and we work hard to keep it that way. Members can enjoy their experience at the Nature Center by respecting the Pet Policy we’ve put in place to keep ourvisitors, wildlife, and pets safe. Members enjoy free admission for registered dogs while nonmembers must pay admission per dog. Click here to view nonmember admission and pet admission rates.

Does my membership include guest passes?

All memberships receive four digital guest passes for each year of membership (i.e., 2-year membership receives 8 guest passes) so that you may share your love of nature with family and friends. Each digital guest pass is applicable for one adult or one child admission, and your guest must visit with you on the same day and time frame, but they do not have to be in the same car. Guest passes are not valid during special events, and they are not replaceable.‍

Do memberships include digital guest passes?

Yes:

• 1-year membership: 4 passes

• 2-year membership: 8 passes

Guest Pass Use:

• Valid for general admission for one adult or child

• Must be used when the member is present

• Not valid for special events or programs

• Passes expire when membership expires and cannot be replaced or rollover if unused

Can I use my Cincinnati Nature Center membership at other nature centers?

Yes! Cincinnati Nature Center members are entitled to reciprocal benefits at 150+ nature centers nationwide. View the most current list at Association of Nature Center Administrators website. We strongly recommend you contact the nature center you want to visit prior to your trip, as the reciprocal list is subject to change.

Does membership include admittance to special events?

In general, no. For events such as Light in the Forest and Music Under the Moon, members receive discounted pricing on tickets.

Do members receive merchandise discounts?

Yes. Members enjoy 10% discount on merchandise in The Nature Shop (some exclusions apply). Just present your valid membership card when you make your purchase inside the shop at Rowe Visitor Center.

Can I transfer a membership if I relocate?

Memberships are non-transferable. If you move, you can still enjoy reciprocal benefits at nature centers nationwide. Click here to review the list.

There are four ways to join:

• Online: Click here

• In person: Rowe Woods Visitor Center or Gatehouse

• By phone: (513) 965-4893

• By mail: Forms available at the Membership Office may be mailed to:

Cincinnati Nature Center
Membership Department
4949 Tealtown Rd.
Milford, OH 45150

Accepted forms of payment:

Cash, check, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express).

Can I apply my admission toward a membership?

Yes—join within 14 days of your visit and use your general admission receipt toward the cost of membership (up to the membership price). Only one receipt may be applied. Must be redeemed in person or by mail; not available online.

Can I purchase a membership as a gift?

Yes. You have these options:

• Online: Click here

• Visit the Membership Desk between 10 am and 5pm

• Phone: (513) 965-4893 or (513) 831-1711, ext. 470

• Email: Membership Office at membership@cincynature.org

Are memberships active immediately?

Yes! Digital member cards are emailed within minutes. If not received, contact the Membership Team for assistance. Members may visit before cards are downloaded by providing gatehouse staff your name and a valid photo ID.

Are memberships tax deductible?

Cincinnati Nature Center is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, EIN #31-6057978. The cost of membership to Cincinnati Nature Center is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The value of benefits received is insubstantial and the cost of membership is fully deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.

Can I make an additional donation?

Yes! There is an option in the online form and renewal form to make an additional gift to our mission, Inspiring Conservation. Your donation to Cincinnati Nature Center supports everything we do, from trail maintenance and educational initiatives to conservation, research, and land management.

Your support is crucial. Cincinnati Nature Center is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We do not receive funding or subsidies from governmental entities, and we realize modest revenue from on-site programming. We rely on generous contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to fulfill our mission and support our daily operations.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. Donations to Cincinnati Nature Center are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. For further information, please contact your tax advisor.

When do I receive my digital membership card?

For new memberships within minutes of purchase or renewal via email. You’ll be able to use your membership immediately by showing a photo ID at the gate. For membership renewals, your member card will update in your digital wallet. If you do not receive your membership install email in your inbox or experience a concern with your card, please reach out to our Membership Staff at (513) 965-4893.

How many digital member cards will I receive?

• Individual: 1

• Dual: 2

• Family, Steward, Advocate, and Krippendorf: 2 (unless only one adult is listed)

Digital member cards are sent to the primary member’s email address. The primary member should forward the card installation email to the second named adult on the. membership, if applicable. For Family memberships, the primary member should also forward the email to any household children who are of driving age.

Do I need my member card for entry?

Yes. The member card and photo ID are required for entry to Rowe Woods and Long Branch Farm & Trails. If you do not have a mobile device to download a digital card, present your photo ID at the gate, and we'll locate your membership for entry.

What if my child drives separately?

Children under a Family membership may enter by presenting your member card and their photo ID. Please have your child prepared to explain that you have a Family membership and be able to confirm household information to verify your membership.

Why is a photo ID required?

We ask for a photo ID to protect the value of your membership and manage visitor impact. As a nonprofit, we rely on membership dues and admissions to support our conservation work. Memberships are for one household and only the adults named on the card. Allowing shared use would reduce revenue and force us to raise prices, so this policy helps keep membership affordable for everyone.

Problem with your member card?

Contact the Membership Office at (513) 965-4893.

Can I lend my card to a friend?

No. Memberships are nontransferable and valid only for the person(s) included on the card. A photo ID is required at entry. We record all members as they arrive for safety, ensuring we know who is on our property for safety. As a private nonprofit, Cincinnati Nature Center relies on the support of our members.

Should I set up a Customer Portal login?

Yes. Members should set up an account and password within our Customer Portal. With an account, you can:

• View your membership details

• Access member-only pricing on programs

• Make purchases and track them easily

• Update your contact information

• Renew your membership quickly

You can access the Customer Portal here, or by clicking the purple SIGN IN button in the main navigation, at the top of the page.

What happens after I join?

You’ll receive:

• A purchase receipt

• A welcome email with card installation instructions

• Information on creating a portal account

• Subscription to Newsleaf, our member magazine

• A monthly e-newsletter, issued bi-weekly

• Special mailings regarding additional opportunities to support the Nature Center

Can children visit without a parent?

Yes—with the Family membership card. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

How do I include a childcare provider?

Purchase a Family Plus membership. The caregiver counts as your “Plus” guest.

What happens after I renew?

We’ll update your membership based on the term you select:

• 1-year: extend benefits 12 months beyond your current expiration date

• 2-year: extend benefits 24 months beyond your current expiration date

The expiration date on your digital member card will update in your mobile device within 15 minutes of your renewal.

Can I renew online?

Yes! We encourage online renewals as it helps us keep our costs down. Renewing for a 2-year membership term not only helps us save time and resources, but also provides you an additional 10% discount on the membership price.

Received a renewal notice after renewing?

Please disregard—notices sometimes overlap with processing times.

How do I update my contact information?

Update contact information via the customer portal or contact the Membership Office at (513) 965-4893, or email us at membership@cincynature.org.

How do I redeem a pass?

When you enter our grounds, inform gatehouse staff you have a guest with you and would like to use a pass.

Where are the passes?

They are stored digitally in your member record. Staff members can view and access your passes for use. Passes cannot be viewed in your portal account.

Do passes expire?

Yes. They expire on the same date as your membership.

Can I transfer a pass to a friend to visit when they want?

Passes may only be redeemed when the member is visiting with the guest.

Can I use more than one pass at a time?

Yes.

Can I use a digital pass for a guest's dog?

Digital guest passes cannot be redeemed for dog admission. Each guest pass is valid for one adult, one senior, or one child admission only. Guests bringing a dog will need to pay the standard pet admission fee.

Are passes valid for events or programs?

No—passes are valid only for adult or child daily admission. They cannot be applied to special events or program fees.

How can I use a digital guest pass when my guest is not arriving in the same car with me?

Arrive first and notify staff that you intend to use a pass for a friend who will arrive after you, or call ahead at (513) 831-1711 and inform staff.

I’m renewing early—do old passes remain?

Yes—until their original expiration date. Staff will redeem the oldest passes first.

Can I get more passes?

No—but certain membership levels include year-round guest privileges.

Level of Membership and Number of Guests Permitted:

• Plus: 1 Guest

• Steward: 2 Guests

• Advocate: 4 Guests

• Krippendorf Society: Unlimited Guests

If you’d like to upgrade your membership to one of these levels, call the Membership Office between 10 am–5 pm, seven days a week at (513) 965-4893. Upgrades to membership cannot be done online.

Why Membership?

‍Cincinnati Nature Center is a private, nonprofit organization. We do not receive city, county, or state funds. We rely on the support of our members.

Sales are final.

‍Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Memberships are immediately active upon purchase.

‍Your membership activates immediately upon purchase. All membership cards are digital. Your digital member cards will be delivered by email within minutes after your transaction has been completed. If you do not receive your digital card information, please reach out to our Membership Team for assistance. You may visit before cards are received by providing gatehouse staff your name and a valid photo ID.

About membership pricing and benefits.

Pricing and benefits are effective February 1, 2024. Cincinnati Nature Center reserves the right to alter member benefits and levels.

One Household.

‍Memberships are designed for one household only. We kindly ask that you refrain from sharing it with others.

Member Privacy.

‍The privacy of our members is important to us. Cincinnati Nature Center does NOT share, sell, or trade your name, address, phone number, email address, or giving history with any person or business.

Right to Revoke.

‍Cincinnati Nature Center is a member organization committed to respecting our environment and one another. If we find that a member does not respect our environment, our rules, or others, then we reserve the right to revoke their membership without refund.

Visitors enter and participate in activities at Cincinnati Nature Center at their own risk.

Hazards of terrain, weather, wildlife, and other conditions may exist that have inherent risks. By entering, you acknowledge these risks, accept responsibility for your personal safety and property, and agree not to hold Cincinnati Nature Center, its Board of Directors, employees, and volunteers liable for injury, death, damage, or loss.