2018 Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Conference

At the Edge: Protecting, Restoring, and Interpreting Ohio’s Unique Natural Areas

June 8-9^th, 2018, Lake County Ohio

The 2018 Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Conference begins Friday, June 8 at 1:00 PM with two exciting field trip options: A guided walk through Stebbins Gulch, a National Natural Landmark at the Holden Arboretum, or a tour to Lake Erie Bluffs Metroparks, one of the of the few remaining natural lakefront habitats on Lake Erie. After the field trip the Holden Arboretum will host a (herbivore and carnivore friendly) barbecue.   Field trip capacity is limited so register soon!

On Saturday, we will meet at the Lake County Environmental Learning Center where you can expand your knowledge and skills of natural area stewardship with in-depth learning sessions including:

·        Earthworms Above and Below Ground—Earthworms have brought gradual but enormous changes to soil structure, soil chemistry and soil life, impacting not only relationships among the organisms both below and above the ground but also the atmosphere.  During these two linked presentations we will explore these dynamics and make sure to add earthworm identification to your skills.  

·        Waving the Green Flag in Fighting Phragmites—Mentor Marsh’s sheer size makes it a treasure on Ohio’s Lake Erie coast event with its invasion of Phragmites. Learn how Mentor Marsh has changed over the years and how recent restoration efforts, hard work, and many partnerships have led to both increases in biodiversity and community engagement. 

We have reserved a block of rooms at Quail Hollow but your reservation must be made by May 9^th by 5:00PM to receive the group rate of $119.00 (plus tax) which includes breakfast.  Details on Quail Hollow and several other area hotels can be found on the attached document.  

To find out more and to register for all of the conference events go to: https://ocvn.osu.edu/news/friday-june-8-and-saturday-june-9-2018-ocvn-conference