Junior Ranger Program

Checkout this interactive program where youth grow their outdoor skills and help steward the earth. Youth ages 7-13 will have the opportunity to explore their parks with a ranger each month. Bring a snack, water, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing and wear comfortable footwear. 

For participants to earn their official SCRP Junior Ranger badge and certification, youth must complete the Junior Ranger Passport, which consists of earning two patches and attending two service day events. The skill building or natural exploration patches are earned by attending two of our Junior Ranger programs that fall under that classification.

Nature Exploration: Stargazing

Wednesday, December 11 • 5:30-7:30PM  
Crane Creek Regional Park
Ranger Ilana and Ranger Stephen

This event is full.
Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered about the constellations? Where do you look to find each one? How did they get their names? Find your way around the night sky, and learn some of the myths behind these shining images. Dress warmly, bring blankets or chairs. For more information, contact Ranger Ilana by email at  Ilana.Stoelting@sonoma-county.org or by phone at  (707) 433-1625.  
Fee: $5; parking $7 or  free for Regional Parks members

Nature Exploration: Whale Watching

Saturday, January 4 • 12-2PM   
Gualala Point Regional Park - Visitors Center      
Ranger Carson

Have you ever seen a whale spout? A tail fluke? Join Ranger Carson to see if you can spot these whale signs as they migrate by. Dress warmly and bring binoculars if you have them. If you don't, we'll provide a few. For more information, contact Ranger Carson by email at  Carson.Hunter@sonoma-county.org or by phone at  (707) 785-2377.  
Fee: $5; parking $7 or  free for Regional Parks members

Register

Nature Exploration: Animal Tracking

Saturday, February 15 • 10AM-12PM 
Riverfront Regional Park 
Ranger Darren and Ranger Assistant Michaela

All kinds of animals call our parks home, but sometimes spotting them is difficult. Thankfully they leave behind clues to let us know where they've been. Ranger Darren and Ranger Assistant Michaela know all about animal tracks, scat and the other clues our animal neighbors leave behind. For more information, contact Ranger Darren by email at  Darren.Davis@sonoma-county.org or by phone at  (707) 433-1625.  
Fee: $5; parking $7 or  free for Regional Parks members

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Skill: First Aid Outdoors

Sunday, March 15 • 10AM-12PM  
Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach
Ranger Ryan and Park Aide Sierra

What do you need to know or do to hike safely? Ranger Ryan knows what it takes to safely adventure outdoors and what to do in an emergency. Learn some basic first aid and some safety tips especially for kids. For more information, contact Ranger Ryan by email at Ryan.Conradi@sonoma-county.org or by phone at  (707) 433-1625.  
Fee: $5; parking $7 or  free for Regional Parks members

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Nature Exploration: Tree & Plant ID

Saturday, April 25 • 2-4PM 
Ragle Ranch Regional Park - Gazebo     
Ranger Darren and Ranger Assistant Megan

Can you name all the trees in the park? What about all the wildflowers or bushes? Each plant has unique characteristics that help tell one from the other. Learn about some of the flora around us. Wear walking shoes and bring some water and snacks. For more information, contact Ranger Darren by email at  Darren.Davis@sonoma-county.org or by phone at (707) 433-1625.  
Fee: $5; parking $7 or  free for Regional Parks members

Register

Skill: Kayaking & Water Safety

Saturday, May 16 • 1-3:30PM  
Riverfront Regional Park
Ranger Kep, Park Aide Sierra, & Lifeguard staff

Exploring our parks by canoe or kayak is so much fun and a great way to see new things, but doing it safely is important. Paddle out on Lake Benoist and see the park from a new perspective with our staff who know all about the park and water safety! Wear clothes and shoes that can get wet and spare clothes for the drive home. Kayaks and life jackets provided. For more information, contact Ranger Kep by email at Kep.Eng@sonoma-county.org or by phone at  (707) 433-1625.  
Fee: $15; parking $7 or  free for Regional Parks members

Register