LANESBOROUGH- Mount Greylock State Reservation announces the Junior Ranger program for children ages 8-12. The program is FREE and is held at Mount Greylock State Reservation, Pittsfield State Forest, Clarksburg State Park, Natural Bridge State Park, Savoy Mountain State Forest, and Mohawk Trail State Forest, on specific Thursdays in July and August from 10:00am to noon. Space is limited to fifteen participants. All participants must be accompanied by a parentor guardian.
The Junior Ranger program captures the imagination of young people through fun activities that grow future stewards of the environment. Work toward earning your Junior Ranger Patch and Certificate by attending programs and completing the activities in the Junior Ranger Activity Guide. Each week, participants will explore different topics that promote outdoor recreation and appreciation of the natural world. Led by Park Interpreters, Junior Ranger activities may also include easy hikes that explore the water, geology, climate, plants, and animals at the respective parks. Children must wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Sturdy walking shoes, water, a snack, sun screen and insect repellent are recommended. Parents, guardians and siblings are encouraged to participate.
Program sessions take place during a seven-week period where participants will meet at alternate parks that offer a unique theme and activity. Participants are required to attend a minimum of two programs (first and last) and complete the Junior Ranger Activity Guide to qualify for the Junior Ranger patch and certificate.
CONTACT INFORMATION for each participating park is listed below, along with the specific dates and locations for each of the seven Junior Ranger sessions. All Junior Ranger sessions will run from 10am to 12 noon.
Session #1 on July 13th will be held at:
Pittsfield State Forest Ski Lodge
1041 Cascade St., Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 442-8992 - Please call for directions.
Session #2 on July 20th, and Session #7 on August 24th will be held at:
Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center
30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA 01237
Phone: (413) 499-4262 - Please call for directions.
Session #3 on July 27th, will be held at:
Savoy Mountain State Forest Nature Center
260 Central Shaft Road, Florida, MA 01247
Phone: (413) 663-8469 – Please call for directions.
Session #4 on August 3rd, will be held at:
Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center
McAuley Road, North Adams, MA 01247
Phone: (413) 663-6392 - Please call for directions.
Session #5 on August 10th, will be held at:
1199 Middle Road, Clarksburg, MA 01247
Clarksburg State Park Nature Center
Phone: (413) 664-8345 - Please call for directions.
Session #6 on August 17th, will be held at:
Mohawk Trail State Forest
P.O. Box 7, Route 2, Charlemont, MA 01339
Phone: (413) 339-5504 – Please call for directions.
Certificates and patches are awarded to those who attend at least two sessions, complete the Junior Ranger Activity Guide, and show outstanding participation. The Mount Greylock Visitor Center is located at 30 Rockwell Road, 1.5 miles from North Main Street and Route 7 in Lanesborough. Sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Registration forms are available at the Visitor Center in Lanesborough or call (413) 499-4262 for more information and session locations.
