Conservation Civics

Cincinnati Nature Center encourages people to connect, not only to nature but to one another because we can better protect nature when we act together.

Monarch chrysalis

Conservation Civics is designed to educate, inspire, and connect readers so that they may find hope and connection as they work toward healthy environments and communities.

This relationship-based approach has the added benefit of creating a sense of belonging and purpose at a time when our society faces a loneliness epidemic. It’s a win for people, communities, and the environment.

Upcoming Courses & Invitations

Connection is key! Build strong social ties, understand how decisions are made in your community, and explore opportunities to influence those decisions. Explore upcoming Cincinnati Nature Center hosted events and workshops.

Neighbors in the Know (Online)

Monthly Online Sessions, 6–7:30 pm

View Upcoming Dates!

The Ripple Effect Course

In-Person Course • Wednesdays, April 22, April 29, May 6, May 13, May 20, 2026, 4–6 pm at Rowe Woods

Registration Now Open!

Greater Good Reunion & Salon

Thursday, May 14, 6–7:30 pm at Rowe Woods

Registration Now Open!

Featured Articles

Find common ground by focusing on connection. This can be acheived by tapping into our shared human psychology and applying intellectual humility as we get curious, not judgmental. The more we emphasize common ground, the more likely we are to find win-win solutions.

Explore the following featured blogs and shared media and get inspired to explore new lifestyle and consumer choices, connect with people who have different perspectives and priorities, and deepen your Conservation Civics journey.

October 15, 2025

Taking a Stand for the Land

Connie O'Connor, Director of Education

September 30, 2025

Understanding Planned Developments

Connie O'Connor, Director of Education

May 1, 2025

How to Run For Public Office

Connie O'Connor, Director of Education

Watch & Listen

We can better conserve natural resources when we realize that individuals and systems shape each other.

Conservation Civics is based on the idea that meaningful progress requires working in five arenas: Conscientious Choices, Connection to Others, Civil Discourse, Civic Engagement, and Collective Action.

Listen

February 5, 2025

Avoiding Outrage Fatigue While Staying Informed

Scientific American

Watch

October 17, 2024

How to Talk Bridgey Webinar

PACE - Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement

Listen

October 14, 2024

How To Win People Over

Hidden Brain

Listen

August 5, 2024

The Cure for Self-Importance

Hidden Brain

Watch

April 24, 2024

Fun Facts on Electric Vehicles

IG @indrerock

Watch

April 23, 2024

Learn How to Disagree Better

National Governors Association

Listen

April 19, 2024

Why Is Solving The Plastic Problem So Hard?

Science Friday

Watch

January 2, 2024

Why Our Brains Don't Fear Climate Change Enough

The Happiness Lab | Dr. Laurie Santos

Listen

May 15, 2023

Success 2.0: The Obstacles You Don’t See

Hidden Brain

Listen

April 4, 2023

We Are Better Together

"Nature Guys" with Bill McKibben

How to Reduce Your Climate Footprint in 2023

Wild Ones ft. Rosanne Plante

Watch

February 3, 2022

Cultivating a Community of Support for Native Plants

Wild Ones ft. Lisa Olsen

Watch

October 20, 2020

The Psychological Traits That Shape Your Political Beliefs

TED ft. Dannagal G. Young

Watch

September 15, 2020

A Reminder of Who We Are

Citizens' Climate Lobby

Watch

September 8, 2020

How To Shift From Hostility to Empathy in Political Conversations

NationSwell

Listen

April 21, 2020

How To Save the Planet (And Still Use a Plastic Straw)

How To!

Watch

November 23, 2017

How Can You Change Somebody's Opinion?

AsapSCIENCE

Watch

April 3, 2013

We the People, and the Republic We Must Reclaim

TED ft. Lawrence Lessig

Watch

December 31, 2012

The Moral Roots of Liberals and Conservatives

TED ft. Jonathan Haidt

Things to Read

Read

January 30, 2026

Mountains of Change

Google Arts & Culture

Read

January 30, 2026

Intellectual Humility Quiz

Greater Good Magazine

Read

November 13, 2024

Beyond Voting, Here's how to Take Citizen Action for the Climate

Project Drawdown

Read

October 30, 2024

How to Turn Down the Tension in a Conversation

Greater Good Magazine

Read

September 12, 2023

How Can We Make Politics Less Hostile?

Greater Good Magazine

Read

August 3, 2023

How to Disagree Without Having a Debate

Greater Good Magazine

Read

October 9, 2018

10 Tips for Getting People to Talk Across Political Differences

Greater Good Magazine

Read

July 13, 2018

Seven Lessons from Mister Rogers That Can Help Americans Be Neighbors Again

Greater Good Magazine

The Ripple Newsletter

The Ripple newsletter is a bi-monthly electronic compilation of thought-provoking articles, podcasts, websites, videos, and invitations to inspire action and advocacy.

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Support Us!

Click here to donate to Cincinnati Nature Center's Conservation Civics initiative! Together we can work to understand and act within the social, political, and economic structures of our communities to protect people and nature.

If you have suggestions or would like to contribute to a topic, please email civics@cincynature.org.