Cincinnati Wild Flower Preservation Society

Ohio Native Plant Society, Southwest Ohio Chapter
Updated Sunday September 24, 2023 at 11pm

Our hikes and lectures are free and open to the public, and all are welcome. (but we depend on our memberships to cover our expenses.) ."You don’t have to be a plant expert to enjoy these trips and lectures. The locations are amazing and the atmosphere is casual. I’ve enjoyed every event that I’ve attended for many years!"- BB

What you missed- On Friday September 8, 2023, we enjoyed our Photo-Sharing program at Avon Woods Nature Center (& by Zoom). Six people shared their photos with about 20 attending the meeting.

---------------- October 2023 -----------------*

** Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 at 10am Great Outdoor Weekend: Howard Creek Family Walk at Miami Whitewater Forest, Hamilton Co, OH (RSVP, for Families with kids)

Great Outdoor Weekend(s) has changed format and will now run throughout the year, instead of only the last weekend in September. Go to https://www.greatoutdoorweekend.org/featured-events for details of our event (and all the others). You may wish to visit the GOW website throughout the year for many free public events of all varieties.

On our Howard Creek Hike, we will walk in the creek, looking for fish, frogs, etc; and will be great fun, but is for only for families with kids. (This is our Society’s only event oriented totally for families with kids). For details, go to https://www.greatoutdoorweekend.org/featured-events

RSVP to Bob Bergstein at Bergstein123@gmail.com 513-477-4437 and he will confirm your reservation. Limited to 4-5 families.

Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 at 10am: Hazeldell Meadow, Pulaski County, KY

Please join Dave Kuehner who will lead us through Hazeldell Meadow. Hazeldell Meadow Nature Preserve is Kentucky's only protected Highland Rim Wet Barrens, a rare ecological community that does not occur anywhere in Ohio. It is a unique type of prairie that possesses characteristics of both a grassland and a wetland. It is about two acres in size. It was originally purchased by The Nature Conservancy and is currently owned by Pulaski County.

We will see the gorgeous Soapwort Gentian, Gentiana saponaria, an endangered species in Ohio found only in the Oak Openings. We will also target Nodding Ladies'-tresses, Spiranthes cernua, as well as Dwarf Sundew, Drosera brevifolia, Kentucky's only carnivorous plant species. Hazeldell is Kentucky's only known site for this diminutive rarity which occurs nowhere in Ohio. We should also see Bushy Bluestem, Andropogon glomeratus; Flat Topped Aster, Doellingeria umbellata; Roudleaf Thoroughwort, Eupatorium rotundifolium, as well as other unique species.

This is an easy to moderate field trip since there are no trails once we enter the meadow. Plan on packing water, snacks and a potential lunch since this is approximately 2.5 hours from Cincinnati.

Please contact Angela Carter, amcarter@fuse.net or 513-300-2787, for directions or if you have any questions.

Friday, October 13, 2023 at 7:30 pm: Lecture Program, Avon Woods Nature Center (and by Zoom)
"Rare Encounters in Southern Ohio" by John Howard

Join John Howard for a guided tour of some of the unusual and rare plants and animals of southern Ohio. From obscure tiny mustards to showiest of orchids, from tiny insects to timber rattlesnakes, this presentation will take you through many habitats and show many of the things that few people ever get to see.

As always, you will have the opportunity to meet our speaker afterwards, and the refreshments are great. You may wish to bring something to share.

Google maps knows the location Avon Woods Nature Center, 4235 Paddock Road. Use 4235 Paddock for Apple maps.

The Zoom registration link in red below will be activated 7 days before the event.
Click here to register to attend by Zoom. Registration will close 11pm the night before the event and the actual Zoom link will be sent out the morning of the event.

** Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 9 am-noon: Give Back Day, Honeysuckle Blitz at Caesar Creek Nature Center, Warren County, Ohio

Janet Lasley was one of the founders of the Dayton Area Wild Ones and its first president. Her sudden and unexpected death in January was a tremendous loss to our community. Janet was involved in our community in many ways, but what gave her the most satisfaction was the volunteer work she did at the Caesar Creek Nature Center.

To honor her memory, a major renovation of the grounds at the Caesar Creek Nature Center is underway. Join the Cincinnati Wild Flower Preservation Society, the Dayton Area Wild Ones and other supporting groups as we remove invasives to assist this project. Lunch will be provided.

RSVP to Christine Hadley at 513-850-9585 or christinehadley@earthlink.net.

Directions: Meet at the Caesar Creek Nature Center at 4006 Pioneer Village Road, Waynesville, OH 45068, which Google maps knows.
Please note that this event is at the Caesar Creek Nature Center, NOT the Caesar Creek Lake Visitor Center.
Take I-71 to Wilmington Road (exit 36).
Head east on Wilmington Road. Take the first left onto Olive Branch Road (crossing over I-71).
Take the first right onto Jeffrey Road. At the first stop sign, turn right onto Oregonia Road.
Turn left onto Pioneer Village Road following the signs to the Caesar Creek Nature Center.

** Sunday, October 29, 9 am-noon: Give Back Day, 15th Annual Honeysuckle Blitz at Caesar Creek U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gorge Spillway Tail Water Area, Warren County, Ohio

Join the Cincinnati Wild Flower Preservation Society, Cincinnati Wild Ones, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and supporters as we sponsor this volunteer effort in its 15th year to help remove that invasive alien, bush honeysuckle, from the Caesar Creek Lake Spillway Tail Water area.

Come help your friends and kindred spirits continue the protection of this natural treasure. One of the area’s prime features is a gorge formed by glacial meltwaters cutting down through the bedrock. Steep walls formed, rising 180 feet above the river, with more than two miles of Caesar Creek flowing through the gorge. We will be working in the diverse habitat of this natural area, which features heavily wooded hillsides above the gorge of beech, maple, hickory, oak and a luxuriant herbaceous-flora-covered floodplain. The Cincinnati Wild Ones have been working in this area for the past 14 years with a very positive impact to wildflower diversity.

This is a terrific social, educational and work activity, with a great lunch provided.

Your RSVP is greatly appreciated. Please contact Christine Hadley at email christinehadley@earthlink.net or at 513-850-9585, for more information. Chainsaw & steel blade trimmer operators must be pre-registered.

Bring your favorite tools: gloves, loppers, saws, trimmers, and protective gear for power equipment. We will provide tools & safety equipment to volunteers new to honeysuckle removal. Stump treatment will be furnished.

Directions: Meet at the Gorge parking lot off Clarksville Road.

Take I-71 to Wilmington Road (exit 36).
Head east on Wilmington Road. Take the first left onto Olive Branch Road (crossing over I-71).
Take the first right onto Jeffrey Road.
At the first stop sign, take Oregonia Road; jog right and then jog left onto Clarksville Road.
Follow across the dam, turn left at the gorge sign, and drive to the parking lot.
We’ll meet near the gorge shelter. Look for signs directing you to the event.

Google maps knows our parking area as “Caesar Creek Fishing Pier, Caesar Creek Gorge Access Road, Waynesville, OH 45068”

Do NOT go to the state nature preserve area on Corwin Road, which is where we often have spring events.

---------------- November 2023 -----------------

Friday, November 10, 2023 at 7:30 pm: Lecture Program, Avon Woods Nature Center (and by Zoom)
"Lighting up the Shadows: Fireflies in the Midwest" by Matthew Speights.

Learn the illuminating science of firefly biology, taxonomy, behavior and conservation. Matthew will describe common local species as well as his research and field work, while also discussing conservation issues, site management and tourism. As always, you will the opportunity to meet our speaker afterwards, and the refreshments are great.

Directions- Google maps knows the location Avon Woods Nature Center, 4235 Paddock Road 45229. Use 4235 Paddock for Apple maps.

Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 9 am: Give Back Day, Hazelwood Botanical Preserve

Join us to help eradicate invasive bush honeysuckle in the preserve. Volunteers need to bring their gloves, loppers, and other implements of destruction. Spray bottles with glyphosate will be furnished. Dress appropriately for the weather.

The Harris M. Benedict Nature Preserve, aka Hazelwood Botanical Preserve, owned by the University of Cincinnati Department of Biological Sciences, was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1977 by the Department of the Interior for the study of plants and animals in eastern deciduous forests. This preserve, unique for its location and diverse habitat, has a wonderful mature forest. Interestingly, Harris Benedict was chair of the UC Botany Department at the time of his death in 1928, when a streetcar struck his auto. Benedict was E. Lucy Braun’s doctoral advisor. Braun studied Hazelwood.

Many of the mature trees were destroyed by the lethal April 9, 1999, F4 tornado, drastically altering the landscape. Although our members have successfully removed honeysuckle here for 16 years, the honeysuckle experienced a great resurgence after the tornado opened the forest canopy to e sunlight.

For more information, contact Christine Hadley at 513-850-9585 or christinehadley@earthlink.net.

Directions: From I-71, take exit #15 (Pfeiffer Rd).
Drive east for 0.7 mile. Turn left (north) on Deerfield Road for 0.8 mile to the "T".
Turn left (west) STILL on Deerfield Rd. for 0.1 mile.
Meet at the Johnson Nature Preserve parking lot on the right. Google maps knows the address 10840 Deerfield Road, Montgomery, Ohio. Driving time from downtown Cincinnati is 20 minutes.

**Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 10am: Give Back Day, Avon Woods Nature Preserve

This preserve is only 15 minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Your assistance on this project directly benefits our Society, since we now have a written agreement allowing our use of Avon Wood Nature Center for five meetings per year in exchange for our volunteer hours working in Avon Woods (and other Cincinnati Parks). There is a new program to train (and test) volunteers about invasive identification. More about this will posted on our website soon.

Google maps knows the location Avon Woods Nature Center, 4235 Paddock Road. For Apple maps, use 4235 Paddock Road

---------------- December 2023 -----------------

**Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10am: Give Back Day, Avon Woods Nature Preserve

Google maps knows the location Avon Woods Nature Center, 4235 Paddock Road. For Apple maps, use 4235 Paddock Road

Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 3:00 pm: Annual Hardy Souls’ Hike, Triple Creek Park, Hamilton County, Ohio (followed by the holiday potluck and program)

Join us for a winter hike at Triple Creek, a Hamilton County Park. Angela Carter will lead us on this 0.8-mile moderate trail that takes you past a prairie and through a beautiful, mature forest. We will meet in the parking lot next to Triple Creek Pond and the address for Triple Creek is 2700 Buell Road, Cincinnati, OH 45251

After the hike you may proceed to the Gathering at Northern Hills (only 15 minutes away), at 460 Fleming Road.

Wine and fellowship at 5:15; dinner at 5:45. Bring a dish of your choice: appetizer, main or side dish, or dessert.

Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 7:00 pm: Lecture, Gathering at Northern Hills (and by Zoom)
“Connect the Dots: Plant Diversity, Pollinators, & Pest Management” by Joe Boggs

Protecting plant pollinators is commonly viewed as just an insecticide issue. However, how does the abundance of flowering plants translate into fewer plant pests? How do pollinators themselves play a critical role in the reduced need for insecticides? Pest management and plant pollinators are two sides of the same coin in urban landscape ecosystems. This presentation reveals the multi-layered connections between pollen, nectar, and a parade of unsung insect heroes that can keep pests in check in the gardens of the future.

Directions: If you attending in person, The Gathering at Northern Hills is located at 460 Fleming Road, Cincinnati Ohio 45231.

If you attending by Zoom, the Zoom registration link in red below will be activated 7 days before the event.
Click here to register to attend by Zoom. Registration will close 11pm the night before the event and the actual Zoom link will be sent out the morning of the event day.

-----January 2024 -----
Details of the following events will be posted Jan 2024

Friday Jan. 12, 2024 at 7:30 pm -Lecture Program
Avon Woods Nature Center (& Zoom)
"The Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub: More ways to recycle in the Queen City"
by Colleen McSwiggin, Director

-----February 2024-----

Sunday Feb. 4, 2024 at 11:30 am
Sunday Guided Tour
Cincinnati Art Museum
“Nature in Art”

Friday Feb. 9, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Avon Woods Nature Center
(& Zoom)- Lecture Program
“Masters of Deception: The Biology of Non-Photosynthetic Plants of SE Ohio” by Matthew Klooster

Sunday Feb. 18, 2024
Field Trip
Richardson Forest Preserve, RSVP limit 15, Hamilton Co, OH

-----March 2024-----

Friday March 8, 2024:
Potluck & Lecture
The Gathering at Northern Hills (& Zoom)
5:15 pm Appetizers and fellowship
5:45 pm Covered dish potluck dinner
7:00 pm Annual Meeting and Lecture Program
"Biodiversity Collapse and the Future of the Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome"
by Dr. Walter Carson

Saturday March 23, 2024
Field Trip
Versailles State Park, Ripley County, IN

-----April 2024-----

Saturday April 6, 2024: Field Trip
TBD, Adams County, OH

Saturday Apr. 13, 2024: Field Trip
Quiverheart Gorge Preserve
Adams Co, OH

Sunday Apr. 14, 2024: Field Trip
Kope Hollow, Brown County, OH

Apr. 27-28, 2024
Weekend Field Trip
Big South Fork, McCreary Co, KY & TN

-----May 2024-----

Saturday May 4, 2024: Field Trip
Caesar Creek Gorge SNP
Warren Co, OH

Saturday May 11, 2024
Give Back Day
Garlic Mustard Pull
Caesar Creek Gorge SNP, Warren Co, OH

-----June 2024-----

**Sunday June 2, 2024
Potluck Picnic
At Keystone Flora
Hamilton Co, OH

Saturday June 29, 2024
Field Trip
Bender Mountain, Hamilton Co, OH

-----July 2024-----

Sunday July 7, 2024
Field Trip
Location TBD by Shaun Pogacnik

Sunday July 14, 2024
Field Trip
Shawnee State Park, Scioto Co, OH

-----August 2024-----

Saturday Aug. 31, 2024
Field Trip
Pearl’s Fen, Greene Co, OH

-----September 2024-----

Friday Sept 13, 2024
Avon Woods Nature Center (&Zoom)
6:30 Optional Picnic
7:30 Photo-Sharing Program

Next Schedule will be available in Sept 2024