Junior Naturalists
Explore
New year, new parks, and new things to learn. Whether you're a Junior Naturalist veteran or this will be your first time, you won't want to miss out!
Learn
Stop by on the third Saturday of the month to explore the featured park and try out hands-on activities.
Prizes
Every time you join us at a program, you will receive a stamp. At the end of the year, you will earn prizes based on how many stamps you've collected!
Want to be a Super Naturalist?
Check out National Geographic's Citizen Science Projects!
There's always something new to learn and discover
Program details
What is the Junior Naturalist Program?
Junior Naturalists is a free, outdoor program for families with children of all ages to encourage the exploration of local parks while learning something new about nature!
Join our Naturalist Educators on the third Saturday of every month in a different park around the Truckee Meadows. You'll be able to explore the featured park and learn about the month's exciting topic through hands-on activities.
What is a Naturalist?
A Naturalist is someone who studies nature--the natural history of the plants, animals, and other things in their environment. You use your awesome observation and analysis skills to become a Naturalist!
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Anyone who has an interest in the natural world around them can become a Junior Naturalist! An adult must accompany their Junior Naturalist to the programs.
How do I Become a Junior Naturalist?
As a Junior Naturalist, you will explore the natural world around you by visiting eleven of our local parks this year.
Register to come by the park during the program on the third Saturday of each month and you will discover exciting, hands-on activities that will help you learn something new about nature!
Junior Naturalist Park Passport
If you want to be a Junior Naturalist, you'll need your very own Park Passport to help you explore the program's featured parks! Passports will be given out at the Saturday programs to new participants.
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Our Park Passport holds information about each park that we will be visiting and exclusive activities to do as you explore. Each time you attend a Jr. Naturalist program, you will receive a special stamp in your Passport. You will earn prizes at the end of the year based on how many stamps you have collected!
2021 Virtual program archive
Missed last year's programs? Click on the button for each month below for video links and activity supply lists!