The Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden, nestled within the Rockdale Academy campus in Avondale, is a captivating two-acre oasis that serves as a living classroom and mini-botanical garden. This collaborative project between the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and local organizations offers a wealth of educational opportunities and community engagement for visitors.
Overview of the Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden
The Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden is a unique green space located in the heart of Avondale, just a stone’s throw away from the renowned Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Spanning approximately two acres, this garden serves as a hub for hands-on learning, community events, and sustainable initiatives.
Key Features of the Garden
Garden Beds
The Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden boasts an array of garden beds showcasing a diverse array of plants, including:
– Vegetables
– Fruiting trees
– Herbs
– Flowers
– Native plants
– Pollinator-friendly plants
These carefully curated beds provide a living laboratory for students and visitors to explore the wonders of horticulture and the importance of sustainable gardening practices.
Interactive Spaces
Designed with education and community engagement in mind, the Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden features interactive spaces that invite visitors to immerse themselves in hands-on learning experiences. These spaces include:
– Outdoor classrooms
– Demonstration areas
– Gathering spaces for community events
Solar Panels and Greenhouse
As part of the 2021 Community Makeover project, the garden has been enhanced with the addition of solar panels and a greenhouse. These features not only contribute to the garden’s sustainability but also serve as educational tools, showcasing the benefits of renewable energy and controlled growing environments.
Community Impact and Partnerships
The Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden is a true collaborative effort, fostering partnerships with various local organizations and community groups. These partnerships include:
– Rockdale Academy
– Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
– Procter & Gamble (P&G)
– The Reds Community Fund
Through these collaborations, the garden has become a hub for community engagement, hosting events, providing job opportunities, and promoting sustainability initiatives.
Volunteer Engagement
The 2021 Community Makeover project saw the involvement of over 500 volunteers, who contributed their time and effort to the garden’s development and ongoing maintenance. This level of community participation reflects the garden’s importance as a shared green space and educational resource.
Seasonal Employment Opportunities
The Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden also provides seasonal employment opportunities for young adults through Groundwork ORV’s Green Team program. This initiative not only offers job experience but also fosters a deeper connection between the community and the garden.
Community Events
The Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden regularly hosts events that bring the community together, such as the Rockdale Garden community event. These gatherings promote sustainability, environmental awareness, and a sense of shared ownership over the garden.
Awards and Recognition
The Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden has garnered recognition for its outstanding contributions to the community. In 2022, the garden received the Perennial Plant Association’s Award of Merit, a prestigious accolade that celebrates its excellence in design, maintenance, and educational impact.
Maintenance and Support
To ensure the long-term sustainability and success of the Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden, several key elements are in place:
Full-time Horticulturist
A dedicated full-time horticulturist has been hired to facilitate environmental curriculum, oversee the garden’s maintenance, and engage with visitors and students.
Biannual Plant Sales
The garden hosts biannual plant sales, with the funds raised being reinvested into the program to support local initiatives and ongoing operations.
Expansion and Future Impact
The Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden is not only a vibrant green space in Avondale but also serves as a hub for expanding pollinator habitats and community gardens throughout the neighborhood and beyond. As the garden continues to grow and evolve, it will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the local community and the environment.
Visiting the Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden
The Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden is open to the public and admission is free. Visitors can explore the garden during Rockdale Academy’s operating hours and attend special events hosted throughout the year.
To find the garden, simply head to the Rockdale Academy campus, located just two blocks from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. A detailed map and directions are available on the Cincinnati Zoo’s website.
Whether you’re a local resident, a student, or a visitor to the area, the Cincinnati Zoo Urban Learning Garden is a must-visit destination that offers a unique blend of education, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
References:
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Community Gardens. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/gardens/community-gardens/
- WCPO. (2022, June 30). Avondale’s Rockdale Urban Learning Garden gives neighborhood the opportunity to bloom and grow. Retrieved from https://www.wcpo.com/marketplace/positively-cincinnati/avondales-rockdale-urban-learning-garden-gives-neighborhood-the-opportunity-to-bloom-and-grow
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2021, July 29). Cincinnati Zoo and Community Partners Put Final Touches on Rockdale Academy Urban Learning Garden. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/cincinnati-zoo-and-community-partners-put-final-touches-on-rockdale-academy-urban-learning-garden/.