Junior Master Naturalist

Class InformationJunior Master Naturalist

  • Junior Master Naturalist: Explore the True Nature of Texas
  • Open to 4th to 6th graders, September to May
  • Biodiversity Education Center at Coppell Nature Park

Led by the Biodiversity Education Center's educational staff and North Texas Master Naturalist volunteers, this program combines engaging classroom training with inspiring field-based discovery to help young people develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of Texas' ecosystems. Through hands-on explorations and outdoor adventures, students will gain the knowledge and skills to become a lover of nature and responsible steward of the environment.

About the Program

The Junior Master Naturalist program aligns with the academic calendar year, and each month learners are introduced to a different aspect of the local ecology. Each section of study consists of one classroom lesson followed by a field trip (see course schedule below). The lesson takes place indoors at the Biodiversity Education Center, where students explore foundational concepts through engaging activities. Field trips are hosted at various conservation sites throughout North Texas. Field investigations give students the opportunity to apply concepts they learned during the class, develop skills and experience wildlife first-hand.

Registration

Registration for the 2023 to 2024 Junior Master Naturalists program will open August 7 and close August 31, 2023. Register at www.coppellactivities.com. Space is limited.

2023 to 2024 Schedule

Orientation

  • Date: September 13
  • Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
  • Location: Biodiversity Education Center
  • Parent attendance required.

Geology Lesson

  • Date: October 11
  • Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
  • Location: Biodiversity Education Center

Geology Field Trip

  • Date: October 21
  • Time: 10 am - 12 pm
  • Location: Benbrook Spillway
  • Parent attendance required.

Mammals Lesson

  • Date: November 8
  • Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
  • Location: Biodiversity Education Center

Mammals Field Trip

  • Date: November 18
  • Time: 10 am - 12 pm
  • Location: Coppell Nature Park
  • Parent attendance required.

Break

  • No Junior Master Naturalist classes during December.

Ornithology Lesson

  • Date: January 10
  • Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
  • Location: Biodiversity Education Center

Ornithology Field Trip

  • Date: January 20
  • Time: 8 - 10 am
  • Location: Connemara Conservancy
  • Parent attendance required.

Aquatic Lesson

  • Date: February 14
  • Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
  • Location: Biodiversity Education Center

Aquatic Field Trip

  • Date: February 24
  • Time: 10 am - 12 pm
  • Location: John Bunker Sands Wetland Center
  • Parent attendance required.

Botany Lesson

  • Date: March 4
  • Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
  • Location: Biodiversity Education Center

Botany Field Trip

  • Date: March 23
  • Time: 10 am - 12 pm
  • Location: Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area
  • Parent attendance required.

Entomology Lesson

  • Date: April 10
  • Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
  • Location: Biodiversity Education Center

Entomology Field Trip

  • Date: April 27
  • Time: 10 am - 12 pm
  • Location: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
  • Parent attendance required.

Herpetology Lesson

  • Date: May 8
  • Time: 6 - 7:30 pm
  • Location: Biodiversity Education Center

Herpetology Field Trip

  • Date: May 18
  • Time: 7 - 9 pm
  • Location: Oak Point Nature Preserve
  • Parent attendance required.

Graduation

  • Date: May 29
  • Time: 6 - 8 pm
  • Location: Biodiversity Education Center
  • Parent attendance required.