Parks Victoria is celebrating the success of a pilot program that saw nature-loving kids learn about local plants and animals and what it takes to manage a park.
Thanking the Department of Environment, Water and Planning for its support of the pilot, Parks Victoria said the partnership with Scouts Victoria inspired young people to explore the State’s precious environment to understand the value of protecting its remarkable biodiversity better for the future
“Each Wednesday for six weeks, the Joey Rangers met at Lysterfield Park on Bunurong Country and Wurundjeri Country, a huge natural reserve full of iconic native wildlife,” the Parks said.
“Activities included a wildlife encounter, minibeast discovery, bushwalking, cooking, canoeing, first aid and even bushfire safety,” it said.
“The first six-week program booked out quickly, with 30 Joey Scouts attending with their parents and caretakers.”
Parks Victoria said that following the success of the pilot program, it hoped to announce more Joey Rangers programs soon.
In the meantime, it said its Junior Rangers school holiday program may be perfect for nature-loving kids who couldn’t wait until a future Scouts Victoria Joey Rangers program was offered.
It said Junior Rangers was not a club as, “no membership is needed for families to take part, get curious, explore and learn about our parks, wildlife and cultural heritage – with a real Park Ranger!”
“Our Parks Victoria’s Rangers are busily preparing the spring program, bookings open just prior to school holidays,” it said.
“Don’t miss out on your family’s free spot – visit the Junior Rangers website and subscribe for updates,” it said.
“While you’re there, be sure to check out the Junior Rangers blog to learn about what’s growing, swimming, crawling, flapping and scratching around Victoria’s parks.”
Parks said the website also featured tips and tricks from real rangers about what park ranger life was like.
“Plus, there’s a huge range of free nature-based activities you can download to enjoy in your local park or backyard,” it said.
Parks Victoria’s Junior Rangers website can be accessed at this PS News link.
