Junior Ranger Day at Everglades National Park

Date: April 5, 2011
Contact: Linda Friar, 305-242-7714; Media Contact
Contact: Everglades Education Program, 305-242-7753

Junior Ranger Day at Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is pleased to announce Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 9, 2011. Junior Ranger Day is an annual event that highlights youth in national parks and the Junior Ranger Program. The Junior Ranger program is a national program designed specifically for kids and families who visit National Park Service sites.

Three of south Florida’s national parks—Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve—have a joint Junior Ranger program. Junior Ranger Activity Guides are available in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole and may be obtained at any of the park visitor centers. The program is designed for kids 8-12 years old, but is available to kids of all ages!

On Junior Ranger Day, kids can participate in special activities at the park and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Come join us on April 9th to “Explore, Learn, and Protect” your national parks!

Junior Ranger Day activities include:

Miami, FL: Shark Valley Visitor Center – located on US Highway 41, 25 miles west of the Florida Turnpike

• Aspiring Junior Rangers and their families will be treated to a FREE guided tram ride through the Everglades. Seating is limited so reservations must be made in advance by calling 305-242-7753.
• Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 2.5 hour guided tram tour. Participants will then gather for a picnic lunch (please bring your own), with time for Junior Rangers to complete their activity guides.
• At 1:30 p.m. we will have a ceremony to award the new Junior Rangers with their badges. Join us for all or part of the day! (Please note, participants will be asked to sign a photo/video release).
• Short ranger talks, guided walks, a touch table, and exhibits for kids will be available for all from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Homestead, FL: Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center – 10 miles west of Homestead. 

• An Open-House style event begins with registration at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center.
• Rangers will be stationed along the Anhinga Trail at Royal Palm and the Nature Trail near the Long Pine Key picnic area with activities for children.
• Event takes place from 10 AM – 2 PM and families may proceed at their own pace.
• Please bring your own lunch and water, wear long pants, socks and closed-toed shoes and be prepared to have fun!

All participants will receive Junior Ranger badges and patches upon completion of the program. Come out to Explore, Learn, and Protect your park!

For more information and to RSVP, call the Loop Road Education Center at 305-242-7753.

-NPS-