Youth Conservation Club

Junior Naturalist Club

Inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards ready with the knowledge and passion to protect our changing world.

Become a Junior Naturalist

Are you a 7th – 12th grader interested in nature, science, and giving back to the community? Read more about how you can venture outdoors with other kids, meet scientists and conservationists, participate in community science, and give back to our natural world.

Who?

7th-12th grade nature enthusiasts interested in gaining deeper knowledge about our environment and improving their community.

What?

Junior Naturalists stay connected to nature throughout the year, and every activity we do is focused on protecting, learning and teaching about our natural world. Members will learn about the scientific method and STEM careers, become climate change ambassadors by participating in citizen science projects, gain confidence in public speaking through teaching at summer EcoCamp, and explore nature through variety of outdoor activities. Active members will join us on educational meetings, service events and outdoor adventure trips. JN’s will learn new outdoor activities, like hiking, canoeing, birding and fishing, which could turn into lifelong passions and career interests.
During the school year, JN’s attend meetings to explore local habitats, discuss local and global environmental issues, and practice games and techniques to use at EcoCamp. Family members & friends are encouraged to share outdoor and education experiences with the student by volunteering at Pickering public programs and restoration events in order to foster a more inclusive & eco-minded community. During the summer JN’s volunteer at our EcoCamp to help share their knowledge with younger students while participating in outdoor activities and games. 
This year’s Calendar of Events:

September 10, 4pm-7pm: Welcome Meeting and Fall Mushroom Walk
A chance to welcome new and returning Junior Naturalists to a new year! We will wander the New Forest, looking for seasonal mushrooms.
October 8, 4pm-7pm: Monarch Tagging and Nature Journaling
Join me and Education Director Mary Helen (and participate in an international citizen science effort) as we look for monarchs to tag and release!
December 10, 4pm-6pm: Fire Building
Learn about fire safety in the outdoors, then practice building one yourself with Field Programs Manager Patrick as our guide.
February 11, 4pm-6pm: Animal Tracking
Our Junior Naturalists will learn how to see the disturbances in the landscape that show us how animals move through it, how they find resources and shelter in the winter. 
March 11, 6:30pm-8pm: Timberdoodle Walk
We will join Operations Director Susanna Scallion on an evening walk to try to see the elusive Timberdoodle!
April 8, 4pm-7pm: Amphibians/Herps
The Junior Naturalists will learn about the amphibians and reptiles that are beginning to stir and lay eggs in the waters in and around Pickering Creek Audubon Center.
May 13, 4pm-7pm: Buds and Blooms: Signs of Spring
Plants are waking up at this time, and we will learn to see signs of spring bursting around us.  The spring peepers are out, the daffodils are up and the redbuds are full of purple haze.
June 13, 10am-4:30pm: JN Training Day!
This day will be full of games and fun as the Junior Naturalists perfect their game-playing skills and learn useful ways to mentor campers during their summer activities.
Additional volunteer opportunities (also open to the public):
November 12, 3:30pm-5:30pm:  Birdseed Social
November 16, 9:30am-noon: Nestbox Trail Maintenance Day
 And then . . . EcoCamp! Monday- Friday, 9am-4pm June 16- August 8!

Why?

Join the Junior Naturalists to become a part of a like-minded, nature-enthusiastic group. Explore what nature has to offer though fun activities and trips and prepare yourself for your future.
  • Career Development – learn about STEM careers & opportunities
  • Field Research – learn why and how scientists do what they do
  • Resume Builder – for your part-time jobs and college application
  • Service Learning – collect hours for high school graduation and scholarships
  • Leadership Skills – become a leader by gaining confidence through public speaking
  • Have Fun – spend time doing outdoor activities you like, and learn new ones!

How to apply:

  1. Fill in the Junior Naturalist Application 
  2. Print out, sign, and email the Release of Liability & Use of Image to Alex at alloyd@pickeringcreek.org 
  3. After we have received your completed application and liability form, we will email with the schedule of upcoming programs.

    QUESTIONS?      Contact Alex Lloyd at alloyd@pickeringcreek.org

More info on Junior Naturalists

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