This program is SOLD OUT. Please find more information to register for our spring program here: https://8271a.blackbaudhosting.com/8271a/Ohio-Certified-Volunteer-Naturalist-Course-Online--In-Person-Spring-2023
LIVE ZOOM INSTRUCTION:
Live online instruction on Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 10-March 2, 6:30-8:30 pm (32 hours) plus independent outdoor study (8 hours)
- Tuesday, January 10
- Thursday, January 12
- Tuesday, January 17
- Thursday, January 19
- Tuesday, January 24
- Thursday, January 26
- Tuesday, January 31
- Thursday, February 2
- Tuesday, February 7
- Thursday, February 9
- Tuesday, February 14
- Thursday, February 16
- Tuesday, February 21
- Thursday, February 23
- Tuesday, February 28
- Thursday, March 2
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/
$270 for the full course, including all reading materials, certification fee with OSU, and online instruction. Available to adults and mature teens 16 and up. Application deadline is December 27, 2022, but spots fill fast, so don’t delay!
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.
Participants of this OCVN course will have 32 hours of live online class time, plus self-directed outdoor homework, readings and multiple-choice quizzes. You must have access to a computer and internet to take this course.
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, 20 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of 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.
For this cohort, all classes are online, with live presenters and lots of interaction. If you prefer to attend an all in-person version, we will offer an in-person course on Tuesdays next summer. If you prefer to attend an all in-person version, click here to be notified when registration becomes available: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-mqIJCP6giJHKp02kraL5T9yZv_Wr-L-YkE4wgv77uE/edit?usp=sharing
OCVN courses, both live and virtual, are a great way to meet like-minded new friends and get to know nature center staff while taking your commitment to nature a step further! The winter online format works great for people with weekday work schedules and busy weekends. For more information, contact Connie O’Connor at coconnor@cincynature.org.
Program Benefits:
- 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.
Attendance is mandatory; do not register if you will miss more than 4 hours total.
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. No refunds will be issued after December 27 at 5 pm.
Program Policy: Cincinnati Nature Center may update the status or format of programs based on conditions at the time of the program.
Media Release: All participants (18 and older) associated with this transaction grant permission to Cincinnati Nature Center to utilize images, likenesses, actions, or statements in any form taken during a visit to the Nature Center, a Nature Center sponsored event, or virtual presentation for the purpose of promoting the Nature Center in perpetuity.