Registration Requirements: Preregistration required. Registration is open now! Register by January 10, 2025.

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 encompasses the topics of Ohio's watersheds, aquatic life, geology, soils, plants, forests, insects, and animals (reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals).

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 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.

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.

What to Expect: Winter Cohort (all live online, weeknights)

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

Cost: $300 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 Policy.