Registration Opens January 1, 2025

Scholarship Applications Available December 1, 2025

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Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) Program, March-May 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 Cost: $350

Includes all instruction and printed OCVN manual

 

During the Glen Helen OCVN course, participants will attend in-person sessions, read the OCVN manual by topic chapter, and complete short quizzes online. 

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The Glen Helen OCVN is in partnership with OSU ext, 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.