Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Training
A naturalist training and service program of The Ohio State University led by
Glen Helen Association
Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) Training includes:
- Six in-person sessions at Glen Helen Nature Preserve and Beaver Creek Wetlands with local and state experts
- An online platform with resources and quizzes
- An OCVN manual with the latest state wide info on course topics such as Birds, Mammals, Forests, Soils & Botany, Water Resources, Insects, Geology, and more.
- An opportunity to learn with an engaged cohort of future volunteer naturalists
Registration Details
Due to popular demand, we have moved to an application process for registration. Each course is limited to 16 participants. To participate in the Fall OCVN course, you must apply and be selected to register.
Applications to participate in the Fall OCVN course will be accepted June 15- July 15,2026. Applicants selected will be notified by August 1, 2026 and expected to pay the registration fee by August 9, 2026. Once the course is full of selected applications, applicants not selected will be placed on the waiting list.
Scholarship requests can be made in the application. We are pleased to offer scholarships to persons from low income and/or under-represented communities in conservation, such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities. If you identify with one of these communities, you are encouraged to apply.
- Cost is $350 per person.
- All participants must commit to attending at least 5 of the 6 in-person sessions, completing online assignments, and a final capstone project.
- In-person sessions are held six Wednesdays, 9:00am-5:00pm. Sept 2, 16, 30. Oct 14, 28. Nov 11.
- 2026 Fall Course Applications are open June 15-July 15, 2026 and available below during those dates.
OCVN Certification Requirements
- Complete the 40-hour training, such as the course at Glen Helen Nature Preserve
- Perform 40-hours of volunteer service with an Ohio conservation organization of your choice and/or participate in continuing education.
- After certification, complete 30 hours of volunteer service or education annually
OCVN Training Topics
Birds Geology Soils & Botany Forests Water Resources Insects Reptiles & Amphibians Mammals Climate & Weather Conservation
OCVN Program Details
Glen Helen Association is proud to be a host site and partner for this 40-hour educational course that encompasses the topics of Ohio's climate and weather, 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 Extension.
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.
Glen Helen Association hosts a Spring (March-May) and a Fall (Sept-Nov) OCVN training course.
