Junior Naturalists

Celebrating 20 Years!

Although Junior Naturalists is completed for this year, we truly had a great summer season with over 300 participants. Our many thanks go to Xcel Energy Foundation for their support of this year's 20th Celebration! See you next year!

The Junior Naturalists program series offers environmental education through games, art and outdoor experiences for children ages 5-12, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. – noon throughout the summer. There is a cost of $7 for non-members and $5 for members per program or $55/$77 for the series of 12 programs.  Reservations are not required, this is a drop-in program.  Program scholarships are available to Junior Naturalists participants.

Tuesday, June 22

Junior Naturalists: Making Tracks for 20 Years!

Is it Science or is it Magic?

Junior Naturalists has been Making Tracks for 20 Years! Al Stawicki, the “Great PHEOC” will whisk you away to the exciting world of illusion and science as he leads you through the scientific process using magic to present a problem. Come celebrate our kickoff event! Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member. (Junior Naturalists “4th of July” Parade - Float Prep: Noon-2:00 p.m. Bring lunch.)

Wednesday, June 23

Junior Naturalists: Art of the Northwoods

Explore nature through the art of Walter Bohl and other artists. Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member. (Junior Naturalists “4th of July” Parade - Float Prep: Noon-2:00 p.m. Bring lunch.)

Tuesday, June 29

Junior Naturalists: Investigate!

Become a detective to investigate nature and science. Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member. (Junior Naturalists “4th of July” Parade - Float Prep: Noon-2:00 p.m. Bring lunch.)

Wednesday, June 30

Junior Naturalists: Choose Your Own Adventure

Participants help design their own outdoor explorations. Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member. (Junior Naturalists “4th of July” Parade - Float Prep: Noon-2:00 p.m. Bring lunch.)

Sunday, July 4

Junior Naturalist Float

Watch for the Junior Naturalist float in the Cable parade  starting at 12:00pm!

Tuesday, July 6

Junior Naturalists: Workin’ Out

What effect does exercise have on your short term memory? Find out the answer to this and try your hand at other cool experiments. Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member.

Wednesday, July 7

Junior Naturalists: Animal Behavior

Why do some animals do what they do? Experiment to find out more about animal behavior.

Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member.

Tuesday, July 13

Junior Naturalists: Become a Junior Ranger!

Explore the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, a unit of the National Park Service, during this program along the river. Learn about the life history of bald eagles and participate in other activities that will help you earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member.

Wednesday, July 14

Junior Naturalists: River Rats

Join the fish crew of the Wisconsin DNR and a park ranger from the National Park Service St. Croix National Scenic Riverway to learn more about what lives in the Namekagon River. Bring water shoes and dress for wet! Parents or grandparents are invited to attend. Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member.

Tuesday, July 20

Junior Naturalists: The Lost Ladybug

Work together in small groups to find and photograph ladybugs. Send your images to the “Lost Ladybug Project” as part of a national science research project. Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member.

Wednesday, July 21

Junior Naturalists: Science at Play

How can we create invisible ink? Find out and participate in other simple science experiments. Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member.

Tuesday, July 27

Junior Naturalists: Butterflies

Catch some of Wisconsin’s amazing butterflies with scientist and educator, Eric North.

Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member.

Wednesday, July 28

Junior Naturalists: Pollution Patrol

Learn how to protect the earth by participating in a community-wide clean up and then produce your own environmental skit. Parents are invited to join us for the final 30 minutes to watch the productions and eat ice cream! Meet at the Museum 10:00 a.m.-Noon. $5 member/$7 non-member.

The 2010 Series was supported, in part, by the Xcel Energy Foundation.