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Junior Master Naturalist
Class Information
- Junior Master Naturalist: Explore the True Nature of Texas
- Open to 4th to 6th graders, September to May
- Biodiversity Education Center at Coppell Nature Park
Led by the Biodiversity Education 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.
About the Program
The Junior Master Naturalist program aligns with the academic calendar year, and each month learners are introduced to a different aspect of the local ecology. Each section of study consists of one classroom lesson followed by a field trip (see course schedule below). The lesson takes place indoors at the Biodiversity Education Center, where students explore foundational concepts through engaging activities. Field trips are hosted at various conservation sites throughout North Texas. Field investigations give students the opportunity to apply concepts they learned during the 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 volunteer mentors!
Registration
Registration for the 2021 to 2022 Junior Master Naturalists program will open July 1st and close August 24th, 2021. Register at www.coppellactivities.com. Space is limited.
2021 to 2022 Schedule
Orientation
- Date: September 1
- Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
- Location: Biodiversity Education Center
- Parent attendance required.
Geology
- Class: October 6
- Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
- Location: Biodiversity Education Center
Geology Field Trip
- Class: October 16
- Time: 10 am to 12 pm
- Location: Benbrook Spillway
- Parent attendance required.
Mammals
- Class: November 10
- Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
- Location: Biodiversity Education Center
Mammals Field Trip
- Class: November 20
- Time: 10 am to 12 pm
- Location: Coppell Nature Park
- Parent attendance required.
Break
- No Junior Master Naturalist classes during December.
Ornithology
- Class: January 5
- Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
- Location: Biodiversity Education Center
Ornithology Field Trip
- Class: January 15
- Time: 8 to 10 am
- Location: Connemara Conservancy
- Parent attendance required.
Aquatic Life
- Class: February 9
- Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
- Location: Biodiversity Education Center
Aquatic Life Field Trip
- Class: February 19
- Time: 10 am to 12 pm
- Location: John Bunker Sands Wetland Center
- Parent attendance required.
Botany
- Class: March 9
- Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
- Location: Biodiversity Education Center
Botany Field Trip
- Class: March 26
- Time: 10 am to 12 pm
- Location: Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area
- Parent attendance required.
Entomology
- Class: April 6
- Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
- Location: Biodiversity Education Center
Entomology Field Trip
- Class: April 16
- Time: 10 am to 12 pm
- Location: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
- Parent attendance required.
Herpetology
- Class: May 11
- Time: 6 to 7:30 pm
- Location: Biodiversity Education Center
Herpetology Field Trip
- Class: May 21
- Time: 6 to 8 pm
- Location: Oak Point Nature Preserve
- Parent attendance required.
Graduation
- Date: June 1
- Time: 6 to 8 pm
- Location: Biodiversity Education Center
- Parent attendance required.