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.
After school on Thursdays, middle school students explore their passion for plants, animals, and the environment. Junior Naturalists dive into the interconnectedness of ecosystems with interactive experiences over multiple weeks. Students learn from professional Naturalist Educators and earn a new Junior Naturalist badge with every completed session.
*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 four sessions. Sessions can be signed up for independent of each other, but to achieve the Jr. Naturalist title, students must complete all four sessions. The entire program takes place over the full duration of the school year (2 sessions per semester).
Adventurer Badge Session (2026)
Covers topics of forest ecology, wildlife observation, plant & animal identification
5 Week Series: October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
Day & Time: Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm
Explorer Badge Session (2026)
Covers topics of geology, orienteering, weather & climate
5 Week Series: November 5th, 12th, 19th, December 3rd, 10th
Day & Time: Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm
Conservationist Badge Session (2026)
Covers topics of sustainability, sustainable food and fashion systems, & climate change
6 Week Series: January 29th, February 5th, 12th, 26th, 26th, March 5th, 12th
Day & Time: Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm
Leadership Badge Session (2026)
Covers topics of education animals, animal husbandry, & community science projects
6 Week Series: March 26th, April 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th, May 7th
Day & Time: Thursdays, 3:30-5:30pm
