Cincinnati Parks is an Official Host Site for the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program

  • Aug 1, 2024

Group of volunteers in training at a table listening to Naturalist speak

Cincinnati Parks is proud to be a host site and partner for the 40-hour Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) course encompassing topics such as Ecological Concepts, Ohio's Watersheds, Aquatic Life, Geology, Soils, Plants, Forests, Insects, Reptiles, Amphibians, Birds, and Mammals. Each topic is taught by experts and community stakeholders from across the region. 

Continuing Education and Recertification are parts of maintaining your OCVN Certification. In the first year of the course, participants volunteer 40 hours in categories such as Education/Interpretation & Outreach, Citizen Science, Land Stewardship, and Program Support. Participants may also take additional continuing education to count towards their 40-hour goal. Volunteer Service Must be completed in Ohio at a non-profit organization, with compatible mission as the OVCN program.

More information about the OCVN program can be found on Ohio State University's Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Page.

Registration is open from August 1, 2024 - September 1, 2024

Register here

Cincinnati Parks OCVN Program Details (2024):

Program Fee: $250

Student Fee: $170 (current student status required)

Dedicated Volunteers Fee: $120

Fall 2024 Schedule

Wednesday, September 4th | OCVN Orientation | | 6:00pm-7:30pm || Park Administration Building

Saturday, September 7th | Geology and Reptiles/Amphibians | 10:00am - 3:00pm (break 12:00- 1:00pm) | Trailside Nature Center

Saturday, September 14th | Insects and Soils | 10:00am - 3:00pm (break 12:00- 1:00pm) | Avon Woods Nature Center

Saturday, September 21st | Water and Birds | 10:00am - 3:00pm (break 12:00- 1:00pm | California Woods Nature Center

Saturday, September 28th | NO CLASS Free Event at NKU Field Center- info will be shared with cohort 

Saturday, October 5th | Forests and Plants |10:00am - 3:00pm (break 12:00- 1:00pm) | Caldwell Nature Center

Saturday, October 12th | Mammals | 10:00am - 12:00p | Bettman Nature Center