Lifelong learning available through Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program

Do you love spending time outdoors? Are long walks in the woods, hiking, or bird watching some of your favorite activities? If so, you’re not alone.

But you’re also not alone if you wish you knew more about the natural world around you and would enjoy spending time with others who share your passions. If that sounds like you, the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist (OCVN) program might be a perfect fit for you!

As Ohio’s pulsation becomes more and more urban, people sometimes struggle making connections to nature. But those meaningful connections are important, because the instill an appreciation for the natural world and help spark a passion to manage and conserve those resources for future generations.

OCVN gives participants an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in a hands-on way when it comes to Ohio’s environment and natural history. Participants then apply what they’ve learned through service to local parks, museums, nature centers and arboretums.

For the second year, Ashland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will be hosting an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program at the district’s Hazel Willis Woods property near Mifflin. The course will be taught by renowned naturalist Carrie Elvey of Darwin’s Dream.

The Hazel Willis Woods is an outdoor learning laboratory owned and operated by Ashland SWCD since 1980. Walter Willis envisioned just this type of experience when he donated 40-acres of woodlands near Mifflin to Ashland SWCD in loving memory of his wife. In fact, he specified that the land must be used as an outdoor educational laboratory for all ages.

The OCVN program is designed to promote awareness and citizen stewardship of Ohio’s natural resources through science-based education and community service. This research-based scientific training program emphasized hands-on natural resource education combined with community based service. Certification include 40 hours of instruction and 40 hours of volunteer service.

This year’s program at the Hazel Willis Woods will be led by Elvey, who spent much of her career as a naturalist at The Wilderness Center before striking out on her own as a naturalist entrepreneur. Elvey will provide fun, hands-on training for participants in economical concepts, nature interpretation, stewardship, fundamental identification skills, natural history of Ohio’s flora and fauna and soils.

The program will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from June 19-30 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Hazel Willis Woods. The woods provides plenty of opportunities for education and exploration. The property contains a Loop Road then circles the perimeter of the 40 acres as well as a primitive cabin, garage, outhouses and pavilion. Children can also try their hand at using a hand-pump water well or scout for wildlife as the woods’ spring tank.

Cost for the program is $225; spaces are limited, and registrations can be completed online at https://2023ocvn.eventbrite.com For more information, contact Ashland SWCD Outreach Specialist Ruth McCrea at 419-281-7645. McCrea is even a graduate of the 2022 Hazel Willis Woods Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist program.