Issue 41 | May 2026



Just as ripples spread when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching impact. The Ripple is a special newsletter created by Cincinnati Nature Center for people looking for ideas and support in their efforts to protect nature.

Greater Good Reunion & Salon

May 14, 6–7:30 pm at Rowe Woods

This gathering is open to anyone who is subscribed to The Ripple or who has participated in one of our Conservation Civics programs, including: The Ripple Effect course, Civics 101, Greater Good Gatherings, the Conservation Civics salon, or Neighbors in the Know.

This is a free opportunity to reconnect with your peers and to meet others who want to make a difference. You’ll see a short video introducing Cincinnati Nature Center’s Conservation Civics efforts and have the opportunity to discuss what keeps you engaged. 

We’ll then enjoy a pizza dinner and divide into topic-specific groups to help one another brainstorm ways to increase our effectiveness in protecting nature.

Free! RSVP by May 12.

Who Will Speak for Nature?

June 19–20 at Xavier University

In the summer of 2020, a group of community-minded citizens came together to attend a Democracy School facilitated by the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF). The result was the founding of Citizens for Rights of the Ohio River Watershed (CROW).

This June 19-20, CROW invites all who care about nature and people to participate in a conversation on Restoring Our Place in Nature: New Story from Old Wisdom. This event takes place at Xavier University and features community leaders Peter Block, Tish O’Dell, and Nancy Stranahan.

Neighbors in the Know: A Series of Online Talks for a Strong Clermont

Upcoming Sessions: Wednesdays, May 20, June 17, September 16, October 21, and November 18, 6–7:30 pm

Want an easy, no‑stress way to learn about how local government works within Clermont County? Curious about how local decisions are made that impact your life?

Join hosts from Clermont Chamber of Commerce and Cincinnati Nature Center as we talk with guests who have answers. There are talks on eight different topics—you can choose to register for as many as you’d like for $10 per session.

Session 4: Get Off My Lawn!

Wednesday, May 20, 6–7:30 pm

Guests Jonathan Wocher (Batavia Township Planning Consultant) and Brian Elliff (Miami Township Planning & Zoning Administrator) will discuss the challenges of balancing private property rights with community needs when land is zoned, sold, and developed.

Expect information with no political angle or agenda. These are listen‑only online talks; sit back and watch from home. If you have a question, type it into the chat—no speaking needed. Everyone will also get a link to the recording of sessions for which they register.



Per Session: Member adult $10; nonmember adult $10.

Concerned About Data Centers?

Friday, May 22, 9 am–3 pm • Ohio Statehouse Atrium

Attend a free in-person conference to better understand the impacts and intersections of data centers and Intel’s projects in Ohio. The free event, titled “Reimagining the Silicon Heartland,” includes panel discussions—including one with OEC’s Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Spencer Dirrig, speaking about how Ohioans can hold the tech industry accountable.

Have you heard of the Rotarian Four-Way Test?

It challenges individuals to align their actions with universal principles of truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit, fostering a more just and compassionate world. Challenge yourself to be more mindful in your daily interactions by apply the framework described in the link below!

Are You Politically Exhausted?

Sharon Mahon, American Government and Law teacher, writes: “Your local government is where your voice actually carries weight. Learn who represents you. Show up to a meeting. It is less dramatic than posting online, and a hundred times more effective.” Click below to read her full article.

Invitation for Dialogue

It may be tempting to write off those with whom we disagree. But to conserve nature and maintain thriving communities we must build connections across lines of difference. Learn about four components for better dialogue in the article below.

Reminder: As The Ripple e-newsletter evolves, all future volunteer opportunities and OCVN announcements will now be shared via the OCVN Cincinnati Nature Center Facebook Group. Please request to join to see or share content within this private group.

Give Us Your Feedback

You're receiving this action-oriented newsletter because you signed up for it, because you are a graduate of the Nature Center’s Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program, or because you have completed The Ripple Effect online course.

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone had better information about ways to act (and inspire others to act) for conservation? Take a minute to share this electronic digest with your friends—they’ll thank you for it!

If someone forwarded you this newsletter and you want to become a regular subscriber, click here. 

If you have suggestions for content or have other input, contact the Director of Applied Learning Connie O’Connor at coconnor@cincynature.org. 

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