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!

‍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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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.

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Scroll to register for upcoming courses!

Registration NOW OPEN!

This schedule is ideal for people working traditional hours. It blends evening online lectures every Monday and Wednesday from 6–8 pm with two Saturday field days to enjoy spring wildflowers, vernal pools, bird migration, and more!

Course Runs March 15–April 26, 2025 and includes:

Two required in-person Saturdays, 8:30 am–4:30 pm at Cincinnati Nature Center (no make-ups)

• March 15 (first class)

• April 26 (last class)

Every Monday and Wednesday night from 6–8 pm on Zoom on the following nights:

• March 17, 19, 24, 26, 31

• April 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23

Attendance is mandatory; do not register if you will miss more than 4 hours of time, as you cannot make these classes up at a later date.

$310 includes OSU certification fees and all required reading materials. Application deadline is Tuesday, March 11, 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.

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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.

Registration Opens March 31!

This schedule lets you do much of your learning online over your lunch break, and includes three field experiences that won’t take up your whole weekend. If you have the flexibility to take a long lunch break twice a week, you’ll enjoy the convenience of the live 90–minute online lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The required field sessions will delight you with an evening of fireflies, sunshine, and owls calling plus two early Saturdays exploring fields, forests, ponds and streams.

Course Runs May 17–July 22, 2025 and includes:

Three required in-person Field Experiences at Cincinnati Nature Center (all required, no make-ups)

• Saturday, May 17, 8 am–2 pm (first class)

• Saturday, June 7, 8 am–2 pm

• Friday, July 11, 6–10 pm

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 am–1 pm on Zoom on the following days:

• May 22 (first online session), 27, 29

• June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26

• July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22

Attendance is mandatory; do not register if you will miss more than 4 hours of time, as you cannot make these classes up at a later date.

$310 includes OSU certification fees and all required reading materials. Application deadline is Tuesday, May 13, 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.

‍

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.

Registration Opens August 11!

Fall is the perfect time to be outdoors! Enjoy Tuesday lectures and hikes outdoors from 9 am–5 pm where, over the course of five weeks, you’ll watch summer turn to fall in a stunning display of color. The air is fresh and cool, birds are migrating, and it’s too hard to stay indoors.

Course Runs Tuesdays, September 30–October 28, 2025 and includes:

All in-person at at Cincinnati Nature Center (all required, no make-ups)

• Tuesday, September 30 (first class), 9 am–5 pm

• Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, 9 am–5 pm

Attendance is mandatory; do not register if you will miss more than 4 hours of time, as you cannot make these classes up at a later date.

$310 includes OSU certification fees and all required reading materials. Application deadline is Friday, September 26, 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.

‍

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.