Yavapai News

The City of Prescott Recreation Services Park Rangers have created a free Junior Ranger program to promote the Appreciate AZ Leave No Trace Principles, while also teaching the ecology, culture, history, and outdoor recreational opportunities of the Prescott area.

“Our goal is to create future stewards of our open spaces,” said Sean Underhill, a Ranger for Prescott Recreation Services.  “The target age range for this program is 6-12, but all ages are welcome to participate and become stewards of our parks and open spaces.  Adding on to our free Nature Niños program, the Junior Ranger program integrates new topics and leadership opportunities for local and visiting youth.”

The Appreciate AZ Leave No Trace Principles are to plan ahead and prepare, stick to the trails, respect wildlife, share the outdoors, trash your trash, leave what you find, and be careful with fire. These principles are integrated throughout the Junior Ranger program.

This program consists of a free downloadable guidebook that maps out all of Prescott’s historic sites and outdoor recreational spaces, while teaching participants proper outdoor ethics. It will also be available in print at select locations. Within the Guidebook is a special Passport to Prescott’s museums and local attractions. Those who visit at least 7 passport sites and take the Appreciate AZ Leave No Trace pledge will earn a Prescott Junior Ranger badge.  

While supplies last, printed copies of the guidebook and badges will be available to those who sign up for the Prescott Library’s Youth Services Summer Reading Program, at our Recreation Services department, and at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.

They are seeking sponsors to help grow and sustain this program into the future. Visit the Prescott Junior Ranger/ Nature Niños site online to donate or download your free copy of the Junior Ranger Guidebook. Questions or suggestions can be sent to the City of Prescott Park Rangers at sean.underhill@prescott-az.gov.

Original source can be found here.