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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$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.

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 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.

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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.