City of Melbourne’s Junior Rangers program takes children aged four to twelve on an adventure through Melbourne’s wetlands and uncovers the amazing secrets of the animals that live in the inner city parks and gardens.
Led by a qualified Park Ranger, Junior Rangers will have the opportunity to get close to creatures that live in the peaceful ponds of the wetlands and/or discover the wonders of the City of Melbourne’s many parks and gardens.
They’ll also learn about the animals that live in the area, including owls, possums, bandicoots, dragonflies, bugs, water birds and some very shy skinks, and the impact that everyday activities have on the environment.
Trin Warren Tam-boore (Royal Park Wetlands) is our most popular site for activities as it provides a suitable setting for activities such as water-watch and macro-invertebrate study, tree planting, wildlife and habitat creation, and Indigenous education.
The Junior Rangers program runs during schools holidays. Visit What’s on for more information.
Junior Rangers duties
City of Melbourne Junior Rangers will also have some important duties during and after the program which includes:
- promise to keep parks, gardens, rivers, ponds and playgrounds clean
- respect the rights and property of others
- teach others to conserve and wisely use natural and cultural resources
- help people work to protect natural resources
- learn the park rules and follow them
- respect all living things in the parks and gardens
- only share your food with humans, not wildlife. Make sure you take all your food scraps home with you
- inspire others to visit Melbourne’s parks and gardens and become involved in the outdoors
- know why the city parks and gardens are important
- stay safe outdoors
- have fun.
Tips for Junior Rangers
Here are some great tips for the City of Melbourne Junior Rangers:
- learn the rules before exploring the park
- leave everything you find in the park for others to enjoy
- never explore a park alone, always have an adult with you
- make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat
- always stay with your group when you go on a walk
- never enter an area that is fenced off,or is close to the edge of a waterway
- look at wildlife from a safe distance, animals are easily scared
- let a Park Ranger know if you see something unsafe or if you have any questions.