Registration is CLOSED. If you would like to register or have a question, please call 513-831-1711.
LIVE ONLINE: Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 14 – October 28, 6 – 8 pm on Zoom
IN-PERSON: Saturdays, September 25, October 16, and November 6, 9 am – 5 pm at Rowe Woods
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/
$265 for the full course, including all reading materials, certification fee with OSU, and live instruction.
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.
An overwhelming number of people have requested a “hybrid” version of this very popular course. This fall, the required 40 hours of instruction will be divided into 24 hours online and 24 hours in person. You must attend BOTH online and in-person classes to qualify for certification. Do not register if you will miss more than 4 hours of in person or online instruction.
Weekly supplemental readings and mini-quizzes are also required.
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 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.
This is 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! For more information contact Connie O’Connor at coconnor@cincynature.org.
Available to adults and mature teens 16 and up. Application deadline is September 3, 2021, but spots fill fast, so don’t delay!
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.
- Enjoy guest speakers in the evenings from the comfort of your own home. (I suggest pajamas and your favorite beverage!)
- Enjoy a full day of hands-on discovery one Saturday a month in September, October, and November.
- Meet nature center staff, professors, and experts from a variety of organizations.
This is a hybrid offering with both live online Zoom classes and in-person course offerings. Attendance is mandatory; do not register if you will miss more than 4 hours of in person or live online instruction.
- Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 9 am-5 pm: IN-PERSON at Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford OH 45150
- Tuesday, September 28, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Thursday, September 30, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 9 am-5 pm: IN-PERSON at Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford OH 45150
- Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 6-8 pm: Online
- Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 9 am-5 pm: IN-PERSON at Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford OH 45150
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.
As of August 23, 2021, masks are required in all our buildings for all vaccinated and unvaccinated people (all individuals kindergarten and up). Masks are not required outdoors or under pavilions and tents.
Cincinnati Nature Center will run advertised programs and events in accordance with current guidelines outlined by the CDC and local health agencies. The status or format of programs may change based on COVID-19 best practices and conditions at the time of the program. In the event that Cincinnati Nature Center cancels a program, full refunds will be issued.