Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Training Orientation
Welcome to the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program, hosted by Cincinnati Parks. The OCVN program is led by The Ohio State University, School of Environment and Natural Resources. This program offers a unique educational experience that combines natural resource education with community service.
Program Overview:
Cincinnati Parks is proud to be a host site and partner for this 40-hour course encompassing topics such as Ecological Concepts, Ohio's Watersheds, Aquatic Life, Geology, Soils, Plants, Forests, Insects, Reptiles, Amphibians, Birds, and Mammals. Each is topic taught by experts and community stakeholders from across the region.
Continuing Education and Recertification are parts of maintaining your OCVN Certification. In the first year of the course, participants volunteer 40 hours in categories such as Education/Interpretation & Outreach, Citizen Science, Land Stewardship, and Program Support. Participants may also take additional continuing education to count towards their 40-hour goal. Volunteer Service Must be completed in Ohio at a non-profit organization, with compatible mission as the OVCN program.
More information about the OCVN program can be found on Ohio State University's Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Page.
To understand more about the requirements for certification please visit OSU's: Frequently Asked Questions from Ohio State University OCVN program.
Cincinnati Parks OCVN Program Details (Fall 2023):
Program Fee: $250
Student Fee: $170 (current student status required)
Dedicated Volunteers Fee: $120**
Fall Instructional Schedule
OCVN Orientation: Wednesday, September 6th | 7:00pm-8:30pm | Bettman Nature Center
Saturday, September 9th | 10:00am-12:00pm | Avon Woods Nature Center
Saturday, September 16th | 10:00am - 3:00pm (break 12:00-1:00pm) | Avon Woods Nature Center
Saturday, September 23rd | 10:00am - 12:00pm | California Woods Nature Center
Saturday, September 30th | 10:00am - 3:00pm (break 12:00-1:00pm) | Caldwell Nature Center
Saturday, October 7th |10:00am - 3:00pm (break 12:00-1:00pm) | LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center
Saturday, October 14th | 10:00am - 1:00pm | Trailside Nature Center