Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program
OCVN Mission:
To promote awareness and citizen stewardship of Ohio's natural resources through science-based education and community service.
Program Summary:
As Ohio’s population grows more urban, it is becoming more difficult for people to make the connection to nature that ultimately allows them to value and thus protect their local natural resources. In an effort to address this issue, the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program was developed. This research-based scientific training program provides hands-on natural resource education coupled with community-based volunteer service.
OCVN is setting out to reach new, non-traditional, diverse constituencies and is developing partnerships with local and statewide natural resource organizations. Interested individuals will receive training in environmental issues, wildlife and other natural science areas. Upon graduation they will provide volunteer service in their community.
Volunteer Naturalist Certification Requirements:
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40 hours of combined classroom and field instruction.
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40 hours of approved volunteer service projects.
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8 hours advanced training
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After certification, requires 20 hours volunteer service and 8 hours advanced training annually.
- Local programs will be organized by chapter. Local partners will be responsible for providing leadership to chapter including volunteer service projects.