Polk's Youth Naturalist Program (FALL 2025)

What is a the Polk's Youth Naturalist Program?

A naturalist is someone who spends their time studying the natural world around them. The Polk's Youth Naturalist Program aims to instill a love for learning and the natural world into the hearts and minds of Polk County's youth.

Over the span of 4 days, through hands-on activities, fields trips, and lessons, participants will learn about the diverse ecology of Polk County's habitats.

Topics Include: Freshwater, Upland, and Urban habitats, plants, birds, reptiles, mammals, fish, macroinvertebrates, habitat fragmentation, habitat restoration, careers in natural resources, and more!

Activities Include: Presentations by experts in the field, guided hikes, dip netting, sweep netting, touring various habitats within Polk County's Environmental Lands, bird identification, plant identification, gopher tortoise monitoring, data collection, interactive projects, and more!

Date & Time : November 22th-26th (Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday; 8:30am-3:30pm)

November 22: Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Introduction to Environmental Issues

November 24: Freshwater Systems - Habitats, Flora and Fauna, Conservation

November 25: Uplands Systems – Habitats, Flora and Fauna, Conservation

November 26: Urban Landscapes, Modern Conservation Efforts, Group Project Presentations, and Graduation!

Program Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Drop off/ Sign-In: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Pick up/ Sign-Out: 3:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Who should sign up for this? This program is for youth, ages 14-18.

Location: 4399 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland Fl. 33803

The class will be held in the Discovery Center Workshop Building at Circle B Bar Reserve (Please see maps below for details)

Tickets & Sign-Ups: Tickets and completed registration packets are required for participation in this program. A registration packet will be sent to the participant's email used at sign-up.

Other Helpful Info:

• Participants should bring a cold-packed lunch each day and be prepared to be outdoors and hike up to 2.5 miles per day.
• Dress to be outdoors and appropriate for current weather conditions.
• Close-toed shoes are required.
• Make sure to apply sunscreen and bug spray.
• Bring a refillable water bottle.

If you have questions or issues registering, please contact the Natural Resources Educator, at

NREducator@polk-county.net

(863) 668-4673 Ext. 203