Wildlife Photograph

Junior Naturalists

Who is the Junior Naturalist program for?

The program is designed for children 10-14 years old who are interested in nature and outdoor activities.

What is the goal of the program?

The goal of the Junior Naturalist program is to actively put children in touch with nature and teach them about nature in East Tennessee so that they can become comfortable outdoors and can share their knowledge with others.

How do I become a Jr. Naturalist?

The program is a series of nine classes. To graduate as a Junior Naturalist you must attend six of the nine classes and participate in an Ijams service project.

You can earn certificates and rewards while training to be a Junior Naturalist

  • receive a certificate for every session attended
  • attend all sessions in Level 1 and earn an Ijams badge
  • attend all sessions in Level 2 and get to do an animal presentation for friends and family
  • successfully complete all Levels and an Ijams service project and participants will be a certified Ijams Junior Naturalist and receive a Junior Naturalist Badge

General Info

  • sessions are designed to function individually or as part of a series; take them all, or take just one!
  • spaces are limited to 15 students per session. Students must sign up and pay in advance
  • a small snack will be provided at each session
  • students should wear closed toe shoes and weather appropriate clothes to each session (they will be outside a great deal)
  • Sessions are $5 for members and $15 for non-members

Junior Naturalist Levels and sessions are distributed as follows :

Level 1

The Nature of East TN

  • Learn about plants and animals of East Tennessee
  • Make a field guide
  • Begin learning Ijams trails
  • Make bird feeders

Mammals and Tracking

  • Learn about the mammals of East Tennessee
  • Learn to detect tracks and other signs of animals
  • Make your own animal track

Orienteering and Outdoor Skills

  • Learn how to prepare for hiking trips
  • Learn to read a map and use a compass
  • Go on a scavenger hunt

Animal Care at Ijams

  • Investigate how to best help wildlife
  • Learn how we care for our non-releasable animals at Ijams
  • Learn how to handle our non-releasable snake

 

Level 2

Birds of Prey

  • Learn about birds of prey in East Tennessee
  • Investigate owl pellets
  • Go on an owl prowl and see Ijams at night

Amphibians and Reptiles

  • Get to know the herps at Ijams
  • Hike the trails and look for herps
  • Make toad houses

Earth Day Extravaganza

  • Learn about why we have EarthDay
  • Learn how to improve air and H2O quality
  • Learn how to help the Earth through crafts, games and outdoor activities

Level 3

Hiking 101

  • Learn some hiking essentials
  • Go on a 5 mile hike
  • Use tracking and identification skills to participate in an animal survey

Investigate Ijams' Cave

  • Learn about East Tennessee Caves
  • Investigate the Ijams cave
  • conduct an animal survey in the cave

Spend the Night at Ijams

  • Learn about nocturnal animals found around Ijams
  • Go hiking at night
  • Make a reuse craft
  • A snack Friday and breakfast Saturday will be provided

Orienteering and Outdoor Skills

  • Learn some basic First Aid and how to prepare for a hike
  • Learn to use a GPS unit and comopass
  • Go on a scavneger hunt

Please click here for this year's Junior Naturalist Program Registration Form: Jr Naturalist Form

For more information or to register call Kara at 577-4717 ext. 115.