Registration Opens January 15, 2025

Scholarship Applications Due January 3, 2025 (click here)

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Glen Helen Nature Preserve is proud to be a host site and partner for this 40-hour educational course that encompasses the topics of Ohio's watersheds, aquatic life, geology, soils, plants, forests, insects, and animals – reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.

 

Each topic is taught by experts and community stakeholders from across the region. 

 

The OVCN program includes an online portion of the class produced by Ohio State University Extension. The online portion includes weekly pre-recorded virtual lectures, followed by short assessments.

 

To receive certification, upon completing the OCVN course, participants must document 40 hours of volunteer service and/or continuing education at any Ohio organization with a compatible program mission. In addition, after certification, 30 hours of volunteer service and/or continuing education are required annually to remain certified.

 

More information about the OCVN program can be found on Extension’s Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Page.

 

To understand more about the certification requirements, visit the OCVN’s Frequently Asked Questions Webpage.

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Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) Program at Glen Helen

Every other Wednesday, March 12- May 21, 2025

Glen Helen’s OCVN Course

Glen Helen Vernet Center & Nature Preserve 

405 Corry St. Yellow Springs, OH

 

Join the Glen Helen OCVN course for an in-person blend of classroom and field training. This course includes Glen Helen hikes, visits to the Raptor Center, Trailside Museum, and Outdoor Education Center and a day at the Beaver Creek Wetlands. Sessions led by regional and local content experts as well as practicing land stewards. 

The Glen Helen OCVN course is an engaging training to better understand, teach and steward our natural resources in Ohio and locally. 

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Topics Covered:

• Environmental Education

• Geology

• Climate & Weather

• Watershed & Aquatics

• Plants

• Forests

• Birds

• Amphibians & Reptiles

• Insects

• Mammals

• Stewardship & Conservation

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Spaces in the 2025 course will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Course size is limited to 15 participants. Scholarships are available. Persons from BIPOC communities are encouraged to apply. You must be at least 18 years old to participate.

 

Total Course Cost: $350

Includes all instruction and printed OCVN manual.

The course includes six in-person sessions, online work, manual readings and an independent project.

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The Glen Helen OCVN is in partnership with OSU extension, the certifying organization for the Ohio- wide program, and the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association. 

Certification Requirements:

To become an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist: 

• Complete the 40 hours training with the Glen Helen OCVN course

• Perform 40-hours of volunteer service with an Ohio organization of your choice and/or take additional continuing education

• After certification, 30 hours of volunteer service and continuing education annually.