Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist
The Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program equips Ohioans with research‑based training in ecology, interpretation, and stewardship, then helps connect graduates with volunteer service opportunities that advance conservation statewide. Delivered through county Extension offices and a robust network of local hosts—such as parks and nature centers —OCVN ensures courses and service are locally relevant while maintaining statewide standards. OCVN extends Ohio State’s education and outreach capacity far beyond campus, strengthening programming for parks, and conservation partners across Ohio.
Photo credit: Kat Christen.
Find an Ohio Certified Volunteer Course near you!
If a course is full, please visit the local host site for information on additional offerings.
FAQs
The Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program is an environmental and natural resources outreach and service program led by OSU Extension in the School of Environment and Natural Resources in collaboration with county Extension offices and Ohio parks. The mission is to promote awareness and stewardship of Ohio’s environment and natural resources through science-based education and community service.
The OCVN program requirements include a 40-hour education course at an approved location followed by 40 hours of volunteer service and/or continuing education with a nonprofit agency or organization in Ohio.
You select and arrange volunteer service after the course. The volunteer service should be with a nonprofit organization and/or agency with a compatible program mission and be completed in Ohio. You will learn about some organizations during your course and we provide updates of service opportunities a few times per year. Categories of service include program support, outreach and education, community science and land stewardship. You can count travel as part of your service hours.
The continuing education should be with an agency or organization with a compatible mission as the OCVN program but does not need to be in Ohio. You can obtain continuing education hours with organizations and agencies such as Universities, libraries, state and local parks, private nature centers and non-profits. Many types of programs can count towards continuing education (e.g., formal or non-formal courses, workshops, webinars that are live or pre-recorded) but travel time does not count as part of continuing education.
The education course is 40 hours. After that you we suggest you complete the volunteer service and/or continuing education in one year. But you can remain an active participant in our certification portal for up to 3 years without entering anything if you need additional time.
This varies by location. Please check with your individual course host. Courses typically range from $50 - $350.
Find a course in your area and follow the link to register listed on the card.
You will feel more confident in your knowledge of Ohio’s environment and participating in a variety of environmental volunteer service opportunities and have a better idea of where you would like to volunteer.
Please contact baird.41@osu.edu and describe your volunteer service opportunity. If it is compatible with our program mission, we will share it as a service or continuing education opportunity.
We work with our Ohio State University Extension educators and their local partners to host courses so please reach out to baird.41@osu.edu to discuss a course for your area.
Please reach out to baird.41@osu.edu directly and/or join our listserv as we may have additional courses being created.