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

  • Aug 16, 2023

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.

Cincinnati Parks OCVN Program Details (2024):

Program Fee: $250

Student Fee: $170 (current student status required)

Dedicated Volunteers Fee: $120

Be on the lookout for the Fall 2024 schedule in the coming months.