Shortly after moving back to Ohio, I found the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) course hosted by Cincinnati Nature Center. I love nature, hiking, giving back, and learning about animal and plant identification through field guides and books. I like to learn as much as I can about the physical world in the area where I live and share this information with the public, my friends, and family. Because of this, OCVN sounded right up my alley! It would help me learn more about Ohio’s natural resources and how to protect and communicate their importance to others. I was also hoping it would help me make some new friends.

I live far from Cincinnati Nature Center, so attending onsite programs can be difficult. Thankfully, the Nature Center offers a hybrid option for the OCVN course, with virtual lectures and two in-person field days. This made it possible for me to participate!

Cincinnati Nature Center’s OCVN course taught me about Ohio ecology in an easily digestible way, through readings, lectures, hands-on learning, and in-person field days at Rowe Woods. The instructors came from all walks of life; professors, retired professors, current PhD students, professionals working in the field, and everyday naturalists. All were friendly, knowledgeable, and more than happy to answer any and all questions. They took their time walking us through complex ideas, ensuring that everyone understood the material. My favorite part of the course was the hands-on learning activities we did during our field days. I really liked learning how to make a slime that can be used to show how glaciers move and expand.

Throughout the course, you’re encouraged to make connections with your classmates as well as your instructors. Not only did I learn more than I expected, but I made lasting friendships along the way. It was easy to form strong bonds with one another as we shared our favorite places, plants, insects, and rocks.

This program helped me advance my skills as a naturalist. It showed me ways to teach others about Ohio’s natural communities and how to help protect our natural treasures. If you want to become a naturalist, learn more about the world around you, and make some new friends, then the Cincinnati Nature Center’s Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist course is for you!