OCVN group at the wetlands

Learn About OCVN

Observe, share and care for nature  

The OCVN program is for anyone who wants to learn more about Ohio’s environment and how to help share and care for it as a volunteer with a non-profit agency or organization that matters to them. Led by Ohio State University Extension in the School of Environment and Natural Resources, the mission of the OCVN program is to promote awareness and stewardship of Ohio’s environment and natural resources through science-based education and community service. 

To become a Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist or OCVN you first complete the 40-hour educational course at an approved location. Following successful course completion you perform 40 hours of volunteer service and/or continuing education with a non-profit organization and/or agency of your choice with a similar mission.   

Belong 

No prior experience is needed to become an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist beyond an interest in becoming a 21st century volunteer naturalist. OCVN participants engage in life long learning experiences, connect with professional and volunteer naturalists and make a positive impact on nature in Ohio.   

Grow your interests and discover new passions 

Our educational course includes 10 educational topics taught by expert and community stakeholders from across the state. You will build your knowledge of critical science and natural history concepts,  and practice your 21st century naturalist skills as you explore potential volunteer service. Our topics include environmental education, birds, geology, weather and climate, water resources, soils, plants and fungi, insects, reptiles and amphibians, and mammals.

21st Century naturalist skills 

  • Learn about the natural world and take time to notice and wonder about our natural systems in Ohio
  • Make a positive change for the health of people and the planet
  • Help people connect with nature right outside their door
  • Explore a variety of approaches to build scientific knowledge and
  • Grow the naturalist community. 

Make a difference  

After your education course you will be ready to go on to provide service to Ohio non-profit organizations and agencies that help the environment.  

Here’s a few examples of how you can make a difference for nature.    

  • Education and outreach: Help with hikes and tours, creeking, newsletters, websites, table events and nature book clubs.  
  • Community science: Collect data on plant and wildlife communities through projects led by scientists.  
  • Land stewardship: Promote ecosystem health through conservation including planting trees or pollinator gardens or removing invasive species.  
  • Program support: Helping sustain your local park or non-profit through board membership, help with animal care, collect trail cam footage, be a trail ambassador or help on a planning committee.  

OCVN listserv

The Ohio Certified Naturalist listserv is managed by the statewide office located in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. If you have any questions, please send a message to baird.41@osu.edu, or call 614-292-8603. If you would like to subscribe, subscribe to the statewide listserv.

Guidelines for OCVN listserv use

The OCVN listserv is intended for the positive exchange of information pertinent to the OCVN program. The OCVN program is offered by The Ohio State University in partnership with state, regional and local agencies and community organizations. The list serv cannot be used for certain types of information and/or commentary including commercial or political activities, lobbying, or advocacy. The listserv should not be used as a forum to criticize other people, agencies or organizations. 

To be removed from the listserv, send a message to: ocvn-owner@lists.osu.edu and put ‘"unsubscribe" in the subject heading. 

Links to impacts, partners and program achievements  

OCVN received a 2026 Excellence in Engaged Scholarship designation from The Ohio State University Office of Outreach and Engagement. 

OCVN connects people, knowledge and nature to strengthen Ohio communities. With 1,384 active participants and 15 course host organizations, the program builds understanding of ecology, stewardship, and environmental education, empowering participants to lead conservation efforts, engage in environmental education and outreach and community science statewide.  

In 2025 courses were hosted at nine locations around the state including Ohio State University Extension Medina, Cincinnati Nature Center, Ohio State Extension Adams, Old Woman’s Creek National Estuary Research Reserve/ODNR, Ohio State Extension Stark, Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Ohio State University SENR in Franklin and Ohio State Extension Cuyahoga. 

  • We issued 182 course completions and 677 certifications (course plus 40 hours service or continuing education or 30 hours service or continuing education for renewal) for 2025 statewide. 
    • Participants reported 37,819 hours volunteer hours valued $1,287,230 (2025 ISV)