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.

Fall 2019-Spring 2020 Schedule

September 14th: Get to Know Your Watershed (10 am)

What flows down the street, ends up in your creek! This class will focus on watersheds: areas of land that drain rainfall and streams to a common point. Participants will learn the importance of watersheds, how to help protect them, and identify examples of point and nonpoint source pollution. An outdoor tour will be given to show how different types of waterbodies and a stormwater treatment pond make up the Little Wekiva Watershed.

Location: Barnett Park at 4801 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808

October 19th: Things That Go Bump in the Night! (5 pm)

No ghoulies or ghosties here, but we may find some long-legged beasties. Join us on a twilight trek to solve the mysteries of nocturnal noises and learn how to call for owls with special guest speaker Resee Collins.

Location: Lake Lucie Conservation Area at 43 Rainey Road, Sorrento, FL 32776

Novemeber 16th: Wildlife Detectives (10am)

Do you know how to recognize animal signs? There are many animals living in and around us that we never see, but they leave behind clues. Learn how to be a wildlife detective and investigate skulls, scat, tracks, and more.

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

January (TBD) : Tree Tour at Split Oak

Location: 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Rd, Orlando, FL 32832

Febuary (TBD): Birds at Johns Lake

Location: Johns Lake

March 16th: Entemology

Location: TBD

April (TBD): Gopher Tortoise Day at ONP

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

May 18th: Seashells

Location: TBD

*Activity schedule and topic 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