What is the Junior Naturalist Program?

The Junior Naturalist Program is designed to engage and educate youth about the natural world through hands-on activities, workshops, and leadership opportunities. The program aims to foster a lifelong love for nature, develop environmental stewardship, and provide young participants with the skills and knowledge to become advocates for the environment.
*Dates and time listed below

Who is the Program for?

Designed for middle school students aged 11-14 who are passionate and curious about the natural world.

The Junior Naturalist Program also serves as a pathway to volunteering at the Nature Center. Once completing the entire program, participants aged 14+ can begin volunteering without the need for orientation.

How it works

The Jr. Naturalist Program consists of 4 six-week sessions. Sessions can be signed up for independent of each other, but to achieve the Jr. Naturalist title, students must complete all 4 sessions. The entire program takes place over the full duration of the school year (2 sessions per semester).

Covers topics of sustainable food systems, recycling & composting, climate change
6 Week Series: February 6th, 13th, 27th, March 6th, 13th, 20th
Day & Time: Thursdays 3:30-5:30pm

Covers topics of education animals, animal husbandry, community science projects
6 Week Series: April 3rd, 10th, 24th, May 1st, 8th, 15th
Day & Time: Thursdays 3:30-5:30pm

Covers topics of geology, orienteering, weather and climate
Dates to be announced summer 2025

Covers topics of forest ecology, wildlife observation, plant & animal identification
Dates to be announced summer 2025