In February, a new class of Volunteer Pollinator Specialists will begin training. Through 2018, approximately 35 participants will take part in at least 30 hours of educational training through our specialization programs across Ohio, or by attending workshops closer to home. Earn certification as a Volunteer Pollinator Specialist by completing 30 educational hours and 20 volunteer hours by September of 2019. Volunteer hours can be obtained through pollinator-related projects, gardens or outreach in your area.
Priority is given to Master Gardeners, OCVN volunteers, OSU Extension staff, Phenology Garden Network Cooperators and 4-H volunteers. Space is limited.
New for the 2018 class: bee collections (pinned, photo or hybrid), iNaturalist, and Olivia Carril just for our training class. Just like past classes, we’ll have great participants, instructors, locations and bees.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a less-intensive program, we have space available in our Pollinator Short Course on 12/8/17 on the OARDC campus in Wooster. Participants in this class will leave with the brand new Pollinator Advocate Certification and some tools to help spread the word (handouts, access to PowerPoints, packets of bee ID cards) to protect pollinators. This one-day class is from 10AM to 3PM. Master Gardeners, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists and others interested in helping pollinators are invited to attend this workshop.
The Short Course will be held at OARDC’s Fisher Auditorium in Wooster, 1680 Madison Ave. Fee to attend: $25, including handouts. Lunch is not included (please bring your own). Register here by November 30th.
Lots to think about! But don’t think too hard/long….spaces are limited. Let me know what questions you have.
Thanks for your continued interest in pollinators!