Junior Master Naturalist: Explore the True Nature of Texas
Open to 4th - 6th graders, September - May
Biodiversity Education Center at Coppell Nature Park
Led by the Biodiversity Center's educational staff and North Texas Master Naturalist volunteers, this program combines engaging classroom training with inspiring field-based discovery to help young people develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of Texas' ecosystems. Through hands-on explorations and outdoor adventures, students will gain the knowledge and skills to become a lover of nature and responsible steward of the environment.
The Junior Master Naturalist program includes seven courses that introduce different aspects of the natural environment. Each course consists of one classroom lesson followed by a field trip practicum. Classes take place at the Biodiversity Education Center, where students explore foundational concepts through engaging activities. Each Field trip is hosted at various conservation sites throughout North Texas. These practicums give students the opportunity to apply the concepts they learned in class, develop skills, and experience wildlife first-hand.
Once they've completed the program, graduates will have the opportunity to help train future Junior Master Naturalists by becoming volunteers themselves!
Register to join the first cohort of Jr. Master Naturalists at coppellactivities.com. The cost is $115 for Coppell residents, $125 for non-residents. Space is limited.
Please note that at least one guardian must provide transportation and accompany his or her children during each field trip activity.
2018-2019 SCHEDULE
| ORIENTATION | |
| Class* | Field trip |
Date: September 13 Time: 6 – 7:30pm Location: Biodiversity Education Center | NO FIELD TRIP |
| GEOLOGY | |
| Class | Field trip* |
Date: October 11 Time: 6 – 7:30pm Location: Biodiversity Education Center | Date: October 20 Time: 10am – 12pm Location: Benbrook Spillway |
| MAMMALS | |
| Class | Field trip* |
Date: November 8 Time: 6 – 7:30pm Location: Biodiversity Education Center | Date: November 17 Time: 10am – 12pm Location: Coppell Nature Park |
[break for December]
| ORNITHOLOGY | |
| Class | Field trip* |
Date: January 10 Time: 6 – 7:30pm Location: Biodiversity Education Center | Date: January 19 Time: 8 – 10am Location: Connemara Conservancy |
| AQUATIC | |
| Class | Field trip* |
Date: February 7 Time: 6 – 7:30pm Location: Biodiversity Education Center | Date: February 16 Time: 10am – 12pm Location: John Bunker Sands Wetland Center |
| BOTANY | |
| Class | Field trip* |
Date: March 7 Time: 6 – 7:30pm Location: Biodiversity Education Center | Date: March 23 Time: 10am – 12pm Location: Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area |
| CISD spring break: 3/11 – 15 | |
| | |
| ENTOMOLOGY | |
| Class | Field trip* |
Date: April 11 Time: 6 – 7:30pm Location: Biodiversity Education Center | Date: April 20 Time: 7 – 9pm Location: TBD |
| HERPITOLOGY | |
| Class | Field trip* |
Date: May 9 Time: 6 – 7:30pm Location: Biodiversity Education Center | Date: May 11 Time: 7 – 9pm Location: Oak Point Preserve |
GRADUATION CEREMONY*
Date: June 13
Time: 6 – 7:30pm
Location: Biodiversity Education Center
*parent attendance required
