Program Description: Hosted by Cincinnati Nature Center in collaboration with OSU Extension in the School of Environment and Natural Resources. For more information see: https://ocvn.osu.edu/

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 program emphasizes hands-on natural resource and environmental education coupled with volunteer service. Coursework includes training in geology, plants, insects, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, ecology, stewardship, and interpretation. Classes are offered throughout the state, and Cincinnati Nature Center is the largest provider.

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.

All courses, including the live course, require a computer or tablet for you to watch videos and take quizzes at home.

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. 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.

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 cancellations or transfers are subject to a $50 administrative fee per request. Cancellations made with less than two weeks’ notice will not be refunded.

We are proud to host Ohio State University’s very popular OCVN program in four different formats—one is sure to fit your needs! Join Nature Center staff and other local experts for an experience that will build your confidence and knowledge about our natural environment. Plan ahead and mark your calendars to register, because each cohort sells out quickly!

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.

$300 includes OSU certification fees and all required reading materials.

Registration is open now!  Click on a date above to register.

Spring Cohort (live online evenings with some weekend field trips)

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 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

$310 includes OSU certification fees and all required reading materials.

Registration opens on January 20, 2025.

Summer Cohort (live online lunch breaks with early Saturdays and a night hike)

This schedule lets you do much of your learning online over your lunch break, and includes three lovely field experiences. If you have the flexibility to take a long lunch break twice a week, you’ll enjoy live 90–minute online lectures every Tuesday and Thursday in June and July. The required field sessions will delight you with an evening of fireflies, eyeshine and owls calling, plus two early Saturdays exploring fields, forests, ponds, and streams in late May-early June before things heat up.

Course Runs May 17 – July 31, 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
    • Saturday, June 7, 8 am –2 pm
    • Friday night, July 11, 6–10 pm
  • Every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 am–1 pm on Zoom on the following days:
    • June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 (12 hours)
    • July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 (12 hours)

$310 includes OSU certification fees and all required reading materials.

Registration opens on March 31, 2025. 

Fall Cohort (all-in-person Tuesdays)

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.  Join us!

Course Runs Tuesdays, September 30–October 28, 2025

• • All in-person at Cincinnati Nature Center, Rowe Woods (all required - no makeups)
    • Tuesday, September 30 (first class), 9 am–5 pm
    • Tuesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, 9 am–5 pm

$340 includes OSU certification fees and all required reading materials.

Registration opens on August 11, 2025.

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.