Yosemite’s future depends on its future stewards. Conservancy-supported Junior Ranger programming helps sow seeds of stewardship in a new generation, by inspiring kids to get in touch with their natural surroundings. Each year, thousands of children earn their wooden Yosemite Junior Ranger badges through ranger-led walks and talks, educational worksheets, and stewardship activities.

In 2019, with your support, more than 18,600 kids connected with Yosemite through Junior Ranger activities throughout the park. Those young stewards and their families built a deep appreciation for nature as they learned about ecology, safety and Leave No Trace ethics. Park rangers also offered special “spring break” activities in April, culminating with the annual Junior Ranger Day; hosted drop-in “Discovery Table” activities, including wildlife-themed puppet shows; developed activities that take advantage of the new MicroEye microscope at Happy Isles; and more.

Your support helped Yosemite’s next stewards explore, learn about and protect the natural world.

Completed in partnership with Yosemite National Park.

Robert Loudon

Branch Chief of Field Interpretation, Yosemite National Park

Project Notes

The Junior Ranger program is an investment in Yosemite’s future. We are planting the seeds of stewardship in youth participants that will grow into support from committed adults.