To receive certification, upon completing the OCVN course participants must document 40 hours of volunteer service and/or continuing education at any Ohio organization with a compatible program mission. In addition, after certification, 30 hours of volunteer service and/or continuing education are required annually to remain certified.

If you choose not to pursue certification, you are still welcome to take this course for your own knowledge and enjoyment.

More information about the OCVN program can be found on Extension’s Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Page.

To understand more about the certification requirements, visit the OCVN’s Frequently Asked Questions Webpage.

The mission of the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program is to “promote awareness and citizen stewardship of Ohio's natural resources through science-based education and community service.”

The course is offered throughout the state, and Cincinnati Nature Center is the largest provider. Here, we offer four different formats—one is sure to fit your needs! Plan ahead and mark your calendars to register, because each cohort sells out quickly!

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$300 includes OSU certification fees and all required reading materials. Application deadline is Friday, January 10, but spots fill fast, so don’t delay!

This program is available to adults and mature teens 16 and up; however, only participants ages 18 and up who complete the course will receive certification through OSU. All courses require a computer or tablet for you to watch videos and take quizzes at home.

To receive certification, upon completing the OCVN course, participants must document 40 hours of volunteer service and/or continuing education at any Ohio organization with a compatible program mission. After certification, 30 hours of volunteer service and/or continuing education are required annually to remain certified. If you choose not to pursue certification, you are still welcome to take this course for your own knowledge and enjoyment.

This is a great way to meet like-minded new friends and get to know nature center staff while taking your commitment to nature a step further!

Program Benefits:

• Meet like-minded new friends and get to know Nature Center staff while taking your commitment to nature a step further!

• Learn about the biology, ecology, and natural history of Ohio and how to share the knowledge with others.

• Become part of a local and statewide network of dedicated volunteers.

• Apply your talents and passion to protecting, restoring, and understanding Ohio's natural treasures.

• Meet experts in a variety of fields.

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Course Schedule:

This schedule offers a lot of flexibility and can be done from anywhere in the state. The evening lectures are live on Zoom, where you can talk with presenters and classmates in the comfort of your home. The required 12 hours of homework will get you outside, anywhere you choose in Ohio!

Course Runs January 14–February 27, 2025 and includes:

Every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6–8 pm on Zoom (Tuesday, January 14–Thursday, February 27, 2025)

• January 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30

• February 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27

• 12 hours of fun self-guided outdoor assignments are also required

Attendance is mandatory; do not register if you will miss more than 8 hours of time, as you cannot make these classes up at a later date.

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Cancellation and Transfer Policy:

All cancellations or transfers are subject to a $50 administrative fee per request. Cancellations made with less than two weeks’ notice will not be refunded.