What is the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program?
I recently wrote about the Master Gardener Volunteer programs in the Miami Valley and some of the great work these volunteers are doing in their community. There is another Ohio State University Extension volunteer program that might interest you as well.
The Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist is a program sponsored by OSUE. This is like other state’s programs called master naturalists.
Let me set the record straight. Neither MGVS nor OCVNS would claim to be experts or masters of the subject. Rather, they have had training and can provide the research-based information as needed.
They are not experts, but they are passionate about the subject. With the OCVN program, these volunteers are passionate about our natural areas and tend to work with parks and green spaces.
The OCVN course requires training and volunteer hours, like the MGV program. The volunteers then work with organizations who have compatible missions with the program.
The OCVN program’s mission is to promote awareness and stewardship of Ohio’s environment and natural resources.
After the column regarding the MGV program, one of my readers, Janet Lasley, emailed some of the great work of one of the OCVN programs in the Miami Valley.
They had just spent two mornings at Caesar Creek Nature Center teaching third-graders attending Kettering’s Kennedy Elementary School about a variety of topics focused on Ohio’s natural wonders.
During the training, they learn about these topics and how to teach them to others. They taught about the two rescue raptors, the seven rescue reptiles, tree health and life and the history of the park.
They have an event planned for this month where they collect natural materials to make wreaths, centerpieces and ornaments.
Janet, thanks for your email and for the good work you are doing for the state of Ohio.
Ohio is truly blessed with natural areas. If you haven’t explored these areas in Ohio and you love to get outside, consider starting in your county and then going to others in Ohio.
We have a couple of the best natural areas in Ohio in Clark and Greene counties with Clifton Gorge and Mad River Nature Preserve.
Clifton Gorge, a state preserve, has an incredible display of wildflowers in the spring and summer and is great for hiking. Mad River Gorge and Nature Preserve is a new natural area owned by the Clark County Parks District and rivals Clifton Gorge for the wildflower display.
During the winter months, when things get a little cold and you are getting a bit stir crazy, go for a brisk walk. These areas are open year round and are great places to get outside and just rejuvenate your brain and body.
Remember, research shows that a 30-minute walk in a park (or nature preserve) can improve heart circulations and lower cholesterol, blood glucose and bloom pressure. The simple act of listening to birds and observing animals promotes wellbeing, reduces stress, improves mood and reduces attention fatigue, according to the National Park Service.