Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) Program Details:

Cincinnati Parks 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.

The mission of Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program is to: promote awareness and citizen stewardship of Ohio's natural resources through science-based education and community service.” OSU OCVN PAGE

The OCVN program includes an online portion of the class produced by Ohio State University. The online portion of this program includes weekly virtual lectures, followed by short assessments.

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.

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.

Program Benefits:

- Make connections with like-minded individuals hoping take their commitment to understanding the natural world to the next level

- Learn how to share knowledge about Ohio's biology, natural history, and ecology with others

- Become part of a statewide network of dedicated volunteers

- Learn about how Cincinnati Parks Explore Nature operates behind the scenes by meeting several of our naturalists.

- Meet experts in several different biological/ecological/historical fields

Cincinnati Parks Fall 2025 Cohort

Fee includes OSU certification fees and all required reading materials.

Must be 18 and up to apply and receive an OCVN certification. All courses require a computer or tablet for you to watch videos and take quizzes at home.

Program Fee: $250

Student Fee: $170 (current student status required)

Dedicated Volunteers Fee: $120**

**Dedicated volunteers are those who have demonstrated a consistent and significant commitment to Cincinnati Parks. If you believe you qualify for the dedicated volunteer discount, please contact our office at [email protected]

OCVN Certification Requirements:

1. Complete the 40-hour in person and online instruction course*.

2. Perform 40-hours of volunteer service with any non-profit Ohio organization, with compatible mission statement and/or obtain additional continuing education.

3. Recertify annually with 30 hours of volunteer service or continuing education.

Become part of a local and statewide network of dedicated volunteers and learn about Ohio's ecology! Apply your passion to protect, restore, and understand Ohio’s natural resources.

*Each in-person session Is mandatory. This includes both AM and PM sessions.

*Participants must be 18+ and have access to a computer/tablet at home to complete certification

A Keen interest is more important than prior experience. No experience needed to apply or succeed in the OCVN program. We encourage everyone to apply.

READY TO APPLY?

Please fill out the application form below.

Deadline to Apply is Midnight on Monday, September 1st, 2025

Fall Instructional Schedule

Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | OCVN Orientation | | 6:00pm-7:30pm | Bettman Nature Center

Saturday, September 6, 2025 | Forests and Plants | 10:00am - 3:00pm (break 12:00- 1:00pm) | Caldwell Nature Center

Saturday, September 13th | Birds and Water | 10:00am - 3:00pm (break 12:00- 1:00pm) | California Woods Nature Center

Saturday, September 20th | Geology and Soils | 10:00am - 3:00pm (break 12:00- 1:00pm) | Avon Woods Nature Center

Saturday, September 27th | Insects and Mammals | 10:00am - 4:00pm (break 12:00- 1:00pm) | Trailside Nature Center

Saturday, October 4th | Reptiles & Amphibians |10:00am - 12:00pm | LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center

*Attendance is mandatory and there will be no opportunity for rescheduling/make-up. Do NOT register if you are going to have to miss 4+ hours of any given day*

CANCELLATIONS

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

Name

Address

Phone Number

Yes, it's okay to send me text messages including confirmations, changes, and updates. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to cancel. View our terms of service & privacy policy.

Confirm Email

BACKGROUND AND INTEREST

How would you like to benefit from the OVCN program? (What do you hope to learn?)

Why are you interested in becoming an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN)?

Please describe any past or current community involvement (community service or civic organizations, sports clubs, associations, etc.):

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Are you comfortable outdoors in various weather conditions, and do you have any physical limitations that we should be aware of?

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you, your background, or your interest in the OCVN program?

How did you hear about this program?

COMMITMENT AND AVAILABILITY

Schedule Confirmation

I have read and understand the Fall 2025 OCVN schedule. I understand that the times and locations vary from week to week.*

I understand the Cancellation Policy*

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.

WAIVER

Read and Sign Below

-I am 18 years of age or older.

-I hereby release and save harmless the Cincinnati Board of Park Commissioners and its employees from any and all liability for any injuries, loss, or other claims arising out of this program.

- I give permission for me to be photographed and for his/her picture to be used without identification or compensation in Park publications.

-In the event that the program is either cancelled or postponed, Cincinnati Parks will make every effort to contact every patron via e-mail, time permitting. While we regret the inconvenience caused by these circumstances, Cincinnati Parks cannot be held responsible for any cost or damage such postponement or cancellation may incur. All patrons purchasing from Cincinnati Parks must do so in the light of the above limitations.

I, the undersigned, agree to the terms above.

PROGRAM FEES

To cover the costs associated with the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program, we have established the following fee structure:

Program Fee: $250

Student Fee: $170 (Proof of current student status required)

Dedicated Volunteer Fee: $120**

REGISTRATION

Registration

$250

Online Processing Fee

$3.00

Cincinnnati Parks Scholarship Vouncher:

Total

$253.00

BILLING TOTAL: