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?

Please go to Membership Benefits to view all of the Nature Center's annual benefits. Reviewing these benefits may help you decide which level is best 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?

• A one-year membership is active from the day you purchase it through the end of the same month the following year.

• A two-year membership is active from the day you purchase it through the end of the same month two years following.

When can I use my membership?

Your membership includes free admission to the Nature Center during regular business hours. Cincinnati Nature Center grounds are open daily 364 days a year and weather dependent. Hours vary seasonally. See posted hours and directions on the website for more information.

Who can use my membership?

Who may use your membership depends on your level of membership:

• Individual level: 1 named adult (You)

• Dual: 2 named adults living in the same household (You and the other named adult on your membership)

• Family, Steward, Advocate, Krippendorf Society: 2 named adults (You and the other named adult on your membership)

• Any children 21 and younger living in the same household, or any grandchildren 21 and younger.

• If your membership includes any Plus benefits, a named member must be present for the guest to receive free admission. Your guest cannot visit without the member being present.

What if I am a single parent and want to purchase a membership?

The Family level membership is for every kind of family. It provides valuable benefits—discounts on our children’s programs and CincyNature Camp—which ultimately “pay off” throughout the year. If you are a single parent with one child, you may purchase the Individual Plus membership, though it will not include the additional benefits that Family memberships provide; Individual (or Dual) memberships do not provide discounts on children’s programs or CincyNature Camp.

Can I include my grandchildren on my membership?

Family, Steward, Advocate, and Krippendorf Society memberships include all grandchildren 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 our visitors, wildlife, and pets safe. Members enjoy free admission for dogs while nonmembers must pay $3 per dog.

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.

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 discounts on merchandise?

Yes, members receive a *10% discount on merchandise in The Nature Shop. Just present your valid membership card when you make your purchase inside the shop at Rowe Visitor Center.

*Some exclusions may apply (for example, plant sales, arts shows, and food).

I'm interested in your 2-year membership, however I am also facing the possibility of relocating. If I move, can I transfer the second year of membership to a friend or family member?

Cincinnati Nature Center memberships are non-transferable. You will not be able to transfer any part of a 2-year membership. If you relocate, it would be the perfect opportunity to use your reciprocal benefits at other nature centers near your new home. As a Nature Center member, you are entitled to reciprocal benefits to over 150 nature centers nationwide. Click here to review the list.

There are four ways to join:

• Online: Click here

• In person: Your membership can be purchased at Rowe Woods, either upon entry at the Gatehouse or inside the Rowe Visitor Center at the Membership Desk.

• By phone: (513) 965-4893

• By mail: When you visit the Nature Center, pick up a membership form, fill it out, and mail it to:

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

What kind of payment do you accept?

Cash, check, or credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

If I want to join Cincinnati Nature Center, can I use my admission toward the cost of the membership?

Yes, you can use your admission toward the cost of membership. Purchase a membership within 14 days of your visit and the TOTAL price may be applied (up to price of membership). Only one receipt may be applied. Cannot be redeemed online. Remit receipt with membership form and membership balance for redemption.

Can I purchase a membership as a gift for someone?

Yes. You have these options:

• Online: Click here

• Visit the Membership Desk between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

• Contact the Membership Office at membership@cincynature.org or by phone at 513-965-4893 or 513-831-1711, ext. 470.

Memberships are immediately active upon purchase!

Your membership activates immediately upon purchase. As of August 12, 2024, 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.

Is my Cincinnati Nature Center membership purchase 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 to Cincinnati Nature Center when I purchase my membership?

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?

Digital cards are provided with every membership purchase or renewal after August 12, 2024. The primary card member will receive the digital membership card information within minutes of the transaction.

How many cards will I receive?‍

• Individual members receive 1 digital card.

• Dual members receive 2 digital cards

• Family, Steward, Advocate, and Krippendorf Society members receive 2 digital cards unless there is only 1 adult listed in the household. If there is only 1 adult, then only 1 digital card will be provided.

Digital cards are sent to the primary card member’s email. The digital card may be forwarded to any other named individual included on the membership. At the gate, show your member card and a photo ID for entry.

What if I want to visit the Nature Center before I receive my membership card?

Once your membership transaction goes through, you will be able to use your membership immediately. Please show a photo ID at the gate.

If you purchase your membership online you will receive a confirmation email within minutes, which will allow you immediate access to our grounds. If you do not receive your membership install email in your inbox, please reach out to our Membership Staff at 513-965-4893.  

Do I need my member card to get in?

Yes! At Rowe Woods, present your member card to Gatehouse staff along with a photo ID to gain entry, and show your card to The Nature Shop staff in order to receive your 10% member discount. At Long Branch Farm & Trails, you will need your member card at the entry gate to gain member-only access. We also ask that you show a photo ID along with your member card.

If you do not have a smart device to download a digital card, present your photo ID at the gate and we will locate your membership for entry.

My child is 17 and is able to drive; how can they use my membership?

If you have a Family membership or higher, your child may present your membership card at the gate and a photo ID for entry. 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 do I have to show a photo ID?

We ask for a photo ID because it helps maintain the value of your membership and to manage visitor impact on our lands. Cincinnati Nature Center is a non-profit organization that relies on membership dues and admission fees to support the conservation work we do. Membership is intended for one designated household and we allow admission for the adult(s) named on the member card. We want to keep our membership prices affordable for everyone. If we allowed friends to share memberships, our revenue would decrease and we would have to raise our prices.

How do I replace a lost or damaged membership card?

Contact the Membership Office by phone or see a Membership Associate at the Rowe Visitor Center during your next visit, and we can give you information on how to replace your card.

Can I lend my membership card to a friend to use?

No. Memberships are nontransferable and are valid only for the person(s) included on the card. A photo ID is required for entrance. Cincinnati Nature Center records all members as they enter our property. This important safety measure allows us to know who is on our property at all times and enables us to react during an emergency. The Nature Center is a private, nonprofit organization that relies on the support of our members.

What is Cincinnati Nature Center's Customer Portal? Do I need to set up a login?

We recommend setting up a portal account. Although you can visit our grounds using your downloaded digital member card, our Customer Portal gives you access to membership information and purchases. It also permits you to access our members-only pricing on programs. It will keep track of purchases that you make online in our portal, as well as allow you to update contact information, and renew your membership quickly. You may access the Customer Portal here, or by clicking the purple SIGN IN button in the main navigation, at the top of the page.

I’ve signed up as a member. What happens next?

You will receive a receipt with confirmation of your membership purchase as well as a welcome email with install information. Your digital member card may be installed within minutes of your transaction. You will also be given information on how to set up an account in our portal so that you can maximize your member benefits and access information on your digital membership.

Your subscription to Newsleaf member magazine will begin with the next issue. Newsleaf is published three times per year.

You will begin receiving our monthly e-news, issued bi-weekly.  

When you renew, we will update your membership for 12 months beyond your current expiration date.

From time to time, you may receive special mailings from us regarding other opportunities to support the Nature Center.

What is Cincinnati Nature Center’s customer portal? Do I need to set up a login?

We recommend setting up a portal account. Although you can visit our grounds using your downloaded member card, our member portal gives you access to membership information and purchases. It also permits you to access our members-only pricing on programs. It will keep track of purchases that you make online in our portal, as well as allow you to update contact information, and renew your membership quickly. You may access the customer portal online on our website at www.CincyNature.org.

I am having trouble accessing the customer portal. What should I do?

You can email us at membership@cincynature.org, call us at 513-965-4893 or 513-831-1711 extension 470, or stop by our Membership Desk.

Can member children visit Cincinnati Nature Center when a parent is not present?

Yes. Children should present their family’s membership card at the Front Gate to receive free admission. Children under the age of 14 must be with an adult chaperone, if not a parent.

How would I include a childcare provider on my membership?

Please purchase the Family Plus membership, which allows you to bring 1 guest any time you visit. When a caregiver accompanies your child, your child is the member, and the caregiver is the Guest.

Can I transfer my membership to someone else?

No. Memberships are non-transferable and are valid only for the person(s) whose name(s) appears on the card(s).

How do I make a correction to my online order or to my membership in general?

You may visit us at the Membership Desk, email us at membership@cincynature.org or call us at 513-965-4893 or 513-831-1711 extension 470.

Can I renew my membership online?

Yes! We encourage online renewals as it helps us keep our costs down, so that we can keep membership prices as low as possible. Renewing online means faster processing time and helps us save time and resources. Renewing for a 2-year membership not only helps us save time and resources, but we will also give you an extra 10% to reward you for your commitment and support!

I already renewed my membership, but I just got a renewal notice in the mail. Did you not receive my renewal?

If you recently renewed your membership, please disregard any renewal notice that follows. Although we process renewals as quickly as possible, there is a chance you may receive a renewal notice before we process your payment in our system.

How can I contact the membership department?

The Membership Office is open Monday through Friday, 10 am-5 pm. You may call (513) 965-4893 or e-mail us at membership@cincynature.org. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.

What if I have a change of address or phone number?

Updates to contact information may be done in our customer portal online. You may also contact the Membership Office with your new address Monday through Friday, 10 am-5 pm. Stop in, give us a call at (513) 965-4893, or e-mail us at membership@cincynature.org. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.  

Don’t see your question here? Please contact the Membership Office at (513) 965-4893 or membership@cincynature.org. The Membership Office is open 10 am–5 pm.

How do I redeem a digital guest pass?

When you arrive at Rowe Woods, simply tell the gatehouse staff that you have a guest with you.

Where are my passes? I want to print them but I can't find a place on your website to download them.

Digital passes cannot be accessed or printed. They are uploaded to your member record.

How long are my digital guest passes good for?

Your digital guest passes expire the same day as your membership. Please refer to your member card for that date.

I'd like to transfer a digital pass to a friend so they can just come visit whenever they want. Can you do that?

Digital passes cannot be transferred or given away. You can only redeem them by visiting with your guest.

Can I use more than one pass at a time?

Yes! You can redeem one pass at a time, or all passes at once.

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

Each guest pass is applicable for one adult, one senior, or one child admission. Digital guest passes cannot be redeemed for a dog admission.

Can I use a digital guest pass for an event like Light in the Forest? Or for a class or program that I've registered for?

Digital guest passes are not valid for special events or programs. They can only be applied for regular daily admission.

I can't remember how many passes I've redeemed or how many I have left. How can I find out?

Contact the Membership Office between 10 am-5 pm, seven days a week at (513) 965-4893 or membership@cincynature.org. A Membership Associate will look up your member record and find out how many passes you have available.

My guest cannot carpool with me. We are meeting up at the Nature Center. How can I use a digital guest pass when we are not arriving in the same car or at the same time?

Please arrive before your guest and inform gatehouse staff about your intention to redeem a pass for a friend who will be arriving after you. Gatehouse staff will ask for that person’s name. When your guest arrives, your guest simply needs to provide their name and explain that they are your guest. If you cannot arrive before your guest, please call (513) 831-1711 and inform staff ahead of time.

What happens to my digital guest passes when I renew my membership early? Are the previous year's passes still available to use?

Many members renew their membership a few weeks before it expires. When you do this, your previously issued guest passes will still be available until the original expiration date. New digital passes are issued upon renewal, so during this short crossover period, you will have access to last year’s unredeemed passes in addition to this coming year’s unredeemed passes. Gatehouse staff will redeem the oldest passes first.

I've used up all my passes and I'd like more. Can I request more?

We cannot issue more passes than what your membership provides. However, we do sell memberships that will allow you to bring a guest at any time you visit throughout the year.

Level of Membership = Number of Guests

Any +1 Guests Level = 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. Midterm upgrades cannot be done online.

Can I use a digital guest pass at Long Branch Farm & Trails?

Digital guest passes can be used at Long Branch Farm. When you arrive, tell the gatehouse staff that you have a guest with you. If a staff person is not present, please call (513) 831-1711 to inform staff.

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. As of August 12, 2024, 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.