Our language reflects a time when we lived close to the land. Agricultural terms are pervasive in our language. Since I live in Cincinnati, lovingly known at one time as “Porkopolis,” it seems appropriate to consider words and idioms (a word with a figurative meaning) that come from the pig! February is filled with holidays. […]

With cold temperatures, bad weather and other challenges that come with winter, it can be hard to get motivated to get outside. However, if you can muster the strength to do so, you may find a winter walk can be quite calming and rejuvenating. At first glance, it can appear as though there isn’t much […]

For the last couple months, I’ve been seeing an American bald eagle along the Great Miami River near the Lawrenceburg Road bridge. I know their numbers are increasing, but it really never gets old for me – seeing such a majestic, enormous bird just hanging out in a prominent place like it’s no big deal. […]

Groundhog Day is a uniquely American holiday. It is also one of the most relaxed. There is no pressure to meet all your in-laws, write hundreds of cards or get your kids the best costume. You don’t even have to put up decorations (of course you can if you like). You can wake up at […]

Winter gives us the ability to spot the secrets that the trees were hiding during the warmer months. The nests of bald-faced hornets are one of my favorite secrets to find. Most people have probably seen their teardrop-shaped nests. The unlucky among us have felt the damage these insects can inflict. These nests actually hold […]

When I present animal programs, there is one animal that always causes the crowd to lean back in their seats. It’s by no means the largest, and by far not the most dangerous to handle (I’m looking at you Mr. Box Turtle), but every time I bring him out there is at least one squeal […]

During this season, most animals have made their preparations for cold winter months and are laying low, only to be seen on the occasional sunny day searching for food. Usually, squirrels can be counted among these animals. But recently at the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo, gray squirrels have given up gathering nuts […]

Here at Glenwood Gardens, plants are near and dear to our hearts. Luckily, the cold dreary days of winter don’t require a complete withdrawal from matters of horticulture. We can enjoy the botanical offerings traditional to the holidays and appreciate some of the history behind their use. Our common practice of hanging evergreen boughs to […]