The outdoors is calling and Alabama’s next generation of explorers is invited to answer.
Alabama State Parks has launched the new Junior Ranger Program, designed to inspire young adventurers, spark curiosity and cultivate a life-long love for conservation and stewardship of the great outdoors.
Open to children of all ages, with activities specially designed for ages 5-12, this program welcomes families, school groups, scout troops, homeschoolers and youth organizations to jump in and start exploring. No experience required. Just bring your curiosity, your sense of wonder and your love of nature.
“Our Junior Ranger Program is about more than exploring the outdoors,” Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said. “It’s about inspiring the next generation of conservationists. We want every child who visits an Alabama State Park to leave with a sense of wonder, a deeper appreciation for nature, and the confidence to help protect it for years to come.”
Blankenship joined State Parks leaders and Paul McCormack, president of the National Association of State Park Directors, on Tuesday at Oak Mountain State Park to formally launch the Junior Ranger Program. The program is funded through a grant from the Bronco Wild Fund, an initiative of Ford Motor Company that supports conservation, preservation and responsible enjoyment of the outdoors.
“Ford has long been committed to helping preserve public lands and promoting responsible access,” said Natalie Simon, Ford’s manager for enthusiast brand customer experiences. “Bronco Wild Fund makes good on the Ford promise to build a better world where everyone is free to move and pursue their dreams. We’re proud to support Alabama State Parks, through an America's State Parks access grant, with creation of their Junior Ranger Program—an important educational initiative in Alabama and the local community.”
The Junior Ranger Program is available at every Alabama State Park, giving kids the chance to explore mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, beaches and breathtaking caverns across the state.
Free program booklets are available online and at park offices, nature centers, and from park naturalists. Many parks also offer guided Junior Ranger programs throughout the year, featuring immersive activities, interactive learning experiences and special events that bring Alabama’s natural beauty to life and promote environmental literacy.
This isn’t just a program, it’s a statewide adventure.
“We’re inviting kids across Alabama to step outside, get their boots dirty and discover something amazing,” Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. “The Junior Ranger Program turns every park visit into an adventure, and it makes every young explorer into a steward of our state’s incredible natural resources. Today’s junior park rangers will become tomorrow’s conservation leaders.”
Teachers and homeschool families can easily integrate the Junior Ranger Program into science, ecology, conservation and outdoor recreation curriculum.
Being a Junior Ranger means having fun and protecting the places you love.
Junior Rangers pledge to:
- Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and help keep them wild and safe.
- Leave No Trace: Dispose of waste properly and leave rocks, flowers, and artifacts exactly where you found them.
- Stay Safe: Stick with your family and explore responsibly to protect Alabama’s natural habitats.
Download the free Junior Ranger booklet or schedule a guided field trip with a park naturalist for a hands-on, standards-aligned outdoor classroom experience. Educator resources are available, and programs can be tailored to meet specific learning goals. Program details can be found online at www.alapark.com/JuniorParkRanger.
“The Junior Ranger Program blends hands-on learning with real-world adventure,” Capps said. “It supports educators, engages families and empowers young people to understand conservation not just as a concept, but as a responsibility.”
About the Alabama State Parks Division
The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Learn more at www.alapark.com.
###
