Prior to 2000, there were no comprehensive programs existing in Cincinnati specifically to help teachers provide environmental education in the urban environment. The Nature Connections program is focused directly on the inner-city audience and emphasizes an inquiry-based approach, meets state and district science proficiency standards, uses neighborhood natural areas and provides teacher training and support materials/resources. The ultimate goal for the program is to instill in inner-city children a sense of connection to and stewardship for the natural areas in their neighborhoods, by helping their teachers use those areas in their instruction. Through Nature Connections, teachers gain the tools and training they need to effectively utilize city parks as land labs, for hands-on investigations and ecological explorations.

The Miracle of Cincinnati Parks