CGC Updates: Spring 2025
No hibernating at the CGC this winter! Here’s what we’ve been up to since our last update.
Hauck Botanic Garden Mapping Project
Time and again, visitors to Hauck Botanic Garden stop at our front desk and ask if we have a map of the grounds. Until recently, we had to say no. But this winter, our Horticulturist, Julie, took it upon herself to hand-draw both an overall map of Hauck and close-ups of our most important beds—complete with plant labels! In addition to offering printed copies of the overview map below, we’ve built out (and will continue improving) an online component that will help you identify and learn about the plants we have growing in our gardens. Stop in for a map or click here to explore the online maps!
CGDT Graduates
In April, 23 Civic Gardener Development Training (CGDT) participants completed their practicum by revitalizing the Art Apartments Community Garden in the West End. They had the audacity to squeeze in 11 weeks of development training to learn how to grow their own food in any urban space, including funding their projects, starting seeds, identifying and manage pests...and more. Congratulations to the CGDT class of 2025!
Greenspace Guardians
At the start of the year, we launched Greenspace Guardians, a multi-month training program intended to teach people how to lead and organize conservation projects. Our first cohort has been busy identifying and planning out projects to be completed over the course of the training. Recently the group visited Bender Mountain to learn about spring ephemerals and their important ecological role in our forests.
Lobby Library
Have you noticed the old spinner rack in our lobby? Until recently, it has held a somewhat random assortment of resources and handouts…but not anymore! Our staff has put together 24 different information sheets in four categories: Horticulture How-To, Urban Ag Basics, Conservation Quick Tips and Meet the CGC. Stop by next time you’re in and take what interests you—they’re free!
Queen City Food Quest Pilot Program
In the first months of 2025, we piloted a new program for fourth graders—Queen City Food Quest—that celebrates the environmental benefits of eating local food. Students at Gamble Montessori Elementary and Parker Woods Montessori welcomed us to their schools for lessons on food miles, local food and making pizza from locally sourced ingredients. In May, we’ll bring this program series to Midway School. We look forward to working with more fourth graders next school year.
ReRooted Native Plant Propagation
Our ReRooted Program is up and running for the season. This year, we’ll grow at least 50 species of native plants on site. We’ve been working hard with volunteers to clean up our propagation space and work on expanding to be able to grow more shade species as well. Some of our CGC-grown native plants will even be available at GrowFest on May 3! Want to help out with ReRooted? We have volunteer workdays scheduled on most Fridays in May. No experience necessary!
New Board Members
We’re pleased to announce the addition of two new board members!
Donna Sontag Grummich was born and raised in Cincinnati and has traveled extensively for pleasure and business. She leads Box Canyon Group, an award winning HR communication consulting firm that she founded more than 40 years ago. Gardening is high on her list of hobbies, of course, and she recently joined CGC’s beloved Dirt Crew. Traveling and cruising to the beautiful parts of our planet warms her heart while playing golf is her passion…and frustration. Now in her 70s, she still sings in the soprano section of her church choir. Donna currently lives in Dayton, KY, near her three grown children, where she has a fantastic view of the Ohio River and downtown Cincinnati. In her retirement years, she hopes to continue to live with purpose and consciousness as she learns from and shares experiences across generations.
Happy moments for Andrea Schenck are when her hands are in soil or clay (yes, she did grow up in Cincinnati) or arranging flowers. She has had adventures exploring these enthusiasms in Japan, Washington, D.C., and Charleston, SC, as well as while at her alma mater Wittenberg University. As managing principal of Pacifica Human Communications, LLC., Andrea’s career has focused on workplace well-being, addressing internal communications, governance and conflict management. Their clients include Fortune 300 companies, global organizations and non-profits. Her transformational work extends to community, including her involvement in writing the draft resolution for the City of Charleston’s apology for its role in slavery and lobbying for its adoption. In Charleston she also helped start the award-winning TEDxCharleston and several non-profits, including Lowcountry Local First. She lives in Hyde Park with her husband John Zinsser and their furry friends.
Looking Ahead
GrowFest (This Weekend!)
We don’t have to look very far ahead to see the first thing we’re excited about: GrowFest, happening this Saturday, May 3, from 9am-3pm! We’re really proud of the plant selection we’ve pulled together for your shopping pleasure, and we can’t wait to hear the rumble of carts and the strains of live music floating through the park on what we hope will be a beautiful day in the park. If you’re able and interested, we’re still seeking volunteers, too!
Green Teens Awards Ceremony
As the school year draws to a close, we will once again welcome our participating Green Teens Challenge schools to the CGC for an awards ceremony to celebrate their hard work over the past eight months. It’s always a fun and rewarding way to spend the afternoon!
Summer Sprouts—Including a Session at the CGC!
At the CGC, summertime is synonymous with our Summer Sprouts program. In recent years, this program has only been offered through two partner summer camps within walking distance of our Pendleton Children’s Garden. But we heard you asking for a session at the CGC that’s open to the public…and we listened! If you and your 7- to 11-year-old are looking for a unique, nature-based opportunity this summer, check out the details. We start on June 3!
HUB Garden Classes
Tis the season…for free garden-based education! Our beloved summer classes held in community gardens around Cincinnati are back for 2025. We love this opportunity to get out of the office and meet people in the garden, and we hope you do, too. Whether you’re a HUB class veteran or you’ve never taken one before, there’s a place for you. The June and July schedule is up now. Check it out here!
