Massachusetts DCR proudly presents the FREE Junior Rangers Program at Mount Greylock State Reservation in Lanesborough on consecutive Thursdays during the months of July and August. Three additional state parks in Berkshire County will always hold programs: Pittsfield State Forest, Clarksburg State Park, and Natural Bridge State Park. Designed for children age 8-12 but open to all ages, the Junior Ranger Program is a fun way for kids to get acquainted with the state parks and outdoor recreation skills, while discovering the natural and cultural resources of the region.
Please see the schedule below for more information on dates, times, program themes and descriptions, meeting locations, and contact information.
2022 Junior Ranger Schedule:
Things to know: Junior Rangers happens rain or shine, so dress appropriately for outdoor activity and the weather, including sturdy footwear. Bring a snack and plenty of water. PLEASE NOTE: PARK LOCATIONS CHANGE WEEKLY!
1. July 14th – INTRODUCTION TO JUNIOR RANGERS at Pittsfield State Forest Ski Lodge. Learn about the Junior Ranger program, participating parks, and how to complete activities to qualify for Junior Ranger patch and certificate. (mandatory session)
2. July 21st – FOREST RESOURCES at Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center. Become a woodland detective. Take a short trail hike and learn to identify trees and plants within the forested landscape. Share your observations. Make tree cookie name tags!
3. July 28th – ALL ABOUT BUGS! at Clarksburg State Park Nature Center. All About Bugs ~ The Good, The Bad, and The Bugly! Crawl in and join us for this hands-on educational program all about bugs. Go on a bug hunt, do a bug craft, and learn how to keep an eye out for the WANTED invasive bugs.
4. August 4th – TO BE ANNOUNCED at Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA 01247. Phone: (413) 663-6392 - Please call for directions.
5. August 11th – LIFE IN A BEAVER POND at Pittsfield State Forest Nature Center. Discover the life of an active beaver pond and become acquainted with many types of plants and animals. Learn how all live together in a pond community as you explore this unique wetland.
6. August 18th – LETTERBOXING/GEOCACHING! at Clarksburg State Park Nature Center. Go on a hike and learn how to use clues and GPS devices to navigate the trails and find "treasures boxes". There will be GPS devices on hand but feel free to bring your own GPS devices as supplies are limited.
7. August 25th – ASK AN EXPERT and GRADUATION at Mt. Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center. A special day to meet different DCR staff members, ask questions and complete your activity guides before our Graduation Celebration! All participants must be present to receive their certificates and patches.
DETAILS:
• Participants must complete a total of 8 activities (6 can be from either the Junior Ranger booklet or any combination of JR sessions, booklet activities, state park visits, or attending free public interpretive events), in order to receive a Junior Ranger patch and certificate.
• Participants are required to attend a minimum of two park programs (the first and last are mandatory) to qualify for the Junior Ranger patch and certificate.
As always parents or guardians are required to attend all of the Junior Ranger sessions. Come to Session One for more info.
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 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Session #1 on July 14th and Session #5 on August 11th will be held at: Pittsfield State Forest
1041 Cascade St., Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: (413) 442-8992 - Please call for directions. pittsfield.forest@state.ma.us
Session #2 on July 21st and Session #7 on August 25th will be held at: Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center
30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA 01237
Phone: (413) 499-4262 - Please call for directions.
Mount.Greylock@state.ma.us
Session #3 on July 28th and Session #6 on August 18th will be held at: Clarksburg State Park Nature Center
1199 Middle Rd, Clarksburg, MA 01247
Phone: (413) 664-8345 - Please call for directions. clarksburg.park@state.ma.us
Session #4 on August 4th will be held at:
Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center
McAuley Road, North Adams, MA 01247
Phone: (413) 663-6392 - Please call for directions.
NaturalBridge.Park@state.ma.us
For questions or additional information, please contact the park.
