The Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) Training is scheduled to be offered in Lucas County this fall in collaboration of OSU Extension and Metroparks Toledo in 2024. The educational portion of the training will be held on the following Fridays, from 9 am - 3:30 pm - October 11, 18, and 25; and November 1, 8, 15, and 22.
Mission
The mission of the OCVN program is to promote awareness and citizen stewardship of Ohio's natural resources through science-based education and community service.
What is an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist?
An Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist is an individual with a passion for the natural world who wishes to attend training and use his or her knowledge by giving back to the community through volunteer service. The program has three components: training, volunteer service hours, and continuing education.
The OCVN program emphasizes hands-on natural resource and environmental education coupled with volunteer service. Participants in the OCVN program receive 40 hours of combined classroom and field instruction. Upon completing the OCVN course, participants provide 40 hours of volunteer service.
After course completion, OCVNs typically volunteer in the following service categories.
Education/Interpretation & Outreach
Volunteer to give an educational and/or interpretive program at a park or arboretum. Lead a nature hike or help develop a visitor guide for a natural area! Many of these places depend on volunteers for helping educate visitors.
Citizen Science
Volunteer to collect data for a University, agency, or not for profit organization. Wildlife and plant surveys, water quality monitoring, and other scientific monitoring are some examples. These surveys are critical for maintaining and managing for biological diversity.
Land Stewardship
Volunteer to maintain a natural area, control invasive species or restore native vegetation. Or, perhaps you’d like to assist in maintaining a trail or other public recreation area. If you like to get your hands dirty, this might be your way of volunteering.
Program Support
Nature centers, local, state, and federal park visitor centers, and various natural resources groups need volunteers to work on newsletters, help with educational events, help manage meetings, websites, and even meet and greet the public at information stations. This is a great way to give back if you have physical limitations, want to hone your skills in these areas, or just want to contribute in a way that may be less physically taxing.
Education
The education program is the responsibility of the OCVN Program Director, state steering committee, and local course host staff. Instructors vary but can include OSU faculty, ODNR professionals, park naturalists, and experienced Volunteer Naturalists, and other experts. The education program seeks to offer a balanced, integrated practical course on Ohio’s environment and natural resources. The following are the core topics. Other topics based on local needs may also be part of the curriculum.
- OCVN Program Overview
- Ecological Concepts
- Nature Interpretation
- Ohio's Watersheds
- Aquatic Life
- Stewardship
- Geology
- Soils
- Plants
- Forests
- Insects and other macroinvertebrates
- Reptiles & Amphibians
- Birds
- Mammals
Volunteer Naturalist Certification Requirements:
- 40 hours of combined classroom and field instruction
- 40 hours of approved volunteer service and/or continuing education.
- Recertification requires 30 hours volunteer service and/or continuing education.
The classes will be hosted at various Metroparks throughout our county. Session topics include:
Those interested in the program should complete an application https://lucas.osu.edu/sites/lucas/files/imce/2024%20OCVN%20Application%20FInal.pdf.