Jr. Naturalist Program

In the interest of safety due to COVID-19 concerns, the Jr. Naturalist classes scheduled for April 11th and May 16th have been cancelled.

The Jr. Naturalist Program is offered through the Orange County Environmental Protection Division to provide opportunities for students, ages 8-14, to learn about nature through outdoor exploration, environmental activities and wildlife interaction. All classes are free and open to the public. Space is limited and varies per class. If registration is full, you may select to be added to the waitlist. Please note that most of our classes are held on conservation properties that do not have restrooms or other public facilities.

We have a new feature to this season’s Jr. Naturalist program. During each class we will have a nature journaling session, where we will be utilizing different art medias to create your very own nature journal. Participants attending the September class will receive their own Jr. Naturalist nature journal. Each class you attend after that we will add more memories!

Attention scout and group leaders!

If you would like to have your group attend of one our Jr. Naturalist programs please contact us separately to make a reservation. We are more than happy to accommodate your group and can register your participants to ensure a spot for everyone.

For more information contact Marcia Anderson Clark at marcia.anderson@ocfl.net or 407-836-1529

Click here to be notified when class registrations open.

Spring 2020 Schedule

April 11: Gopher Tortoise Day at ONP (Cancelled)

It’s National gopher Tortoise day! Come celebrate this keystone species and learn why they are so vital to our ecosystem!

Location: Oakland Nature Preserve,747 Machette Trail, Oakland, FL 34760

May 16th: Seashells (9:30 am) (Cancelled)

Get ready to go beachcombing and learn about seashells. Florida is full of living beaches teeming with mobile mollusk homes. This class will discuss gastropod anatomy, how to collect shell, and classify them into basic categories.

Location: Mead Garden, 1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL https://www.meadgarden.org/

*Activity schedule and topics are subject to change.

Registration dates will open individually, as each activity date is completed.

By registering for a class, you agree to the following Orange County waivers and photo/video release forms:

Photo and Video Release Form

Event Participation Release - Minor Form

Event Participation Release Form