Course runs August 31–October 9, 2027, and includes:

• Every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6–8 PM on Zoom on the following nights:
  • August 31
  • September 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
  • October 5, 7
• Two required in-person Saturdays 9 am–5 pm at Cincinnati Nature Center (no make-ups)
  • Saturday, September 18
  • Saturday, October 9 (last class)

Registration Requirements: Preregistration required. Register by August 30, 2027, at 6 pm.

Recommended Audience: 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.

Program Description: Cincinnati Nature Center is proud to be a host site and partner with Ohio State University Extension for this 40-hour educational course that includes 10 educational topics taught by experts and community stakeholders from across the region. You will build your knowledge of critical science and natural history concepts, and practice your 21st-century naturalist skills. Our topics include environmental education, birds, geology, weather and climate, water resources, soils, plants and fungi, insects, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals.

The Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program equips Ohioans with research-based training in ecology, interpretation, and stewardship, then helps connect graduates with volunteer service opportunities that advance conservation statewide.

21st-Century Naturalist Skills:

• • Learn about the natural world and take time to notice and wonder about our natural systems in Ohio
  • Make a positive change for the health of people and the planet
  • Help people connect with nature right outside their door
  • Explore a variety of approaches to build scientific knowledge, and
  • Grow the naturalist community. Each topic is taught by experts and community stakeholders from across the region.

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 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.

Please note:

• 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.
• We strongly suggest that anyone uncertain about their comfort level with Zoom contact [email protected] to answer any technology questions and make sure you are ready for the Zoom parts of the course before you complete your registration.

What to Expect: Fall Cohort (live online evenings and two weekend field-based learning sessions at Rowe Woods)

This schedule is ideal for people working traditional hours. It blends evening online lectures every Tuesday and Thursday from 6–8 pm with two Saturday field days.

Course runs August 31–October 9, 2027 and includes:

• Every Tuesday and Thursday night from 6–8 PM on Zoom on the following nights:
  • August 31
  • September 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
  • October 5, 7
• Two required in-person Saturdays 9 am–5 pm at Cincinnati Nature Center (no make-ups)
  • Saturday, September 18
  • Saturday, October 9 (last class)

$320 includes OSU certification fees and all required reading materials. 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.

Check your email for registration information regarding this transaction. SAVE A TREE, please retain your order number or save an electronic copy of the email acknowledgement as a receipt. You may be asked for your order number from your transaction to gain entry at the gate/to attend your program. Visitor Services associates can also verify your etickets from the order number or by name.

Please note that our program and cancellation policies vary. By completing registration for this program, you agree to the following Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist at Cincinnati Nature Center Policies.