This year offers new and exciting activities for kids in SD state parks. The improved Junior Naturalist Program is built around a workbook that allows kids to explore the rich natural and historical wonders of our state. The program helps young people age 7-12 enjoy the outdoors and better understand the plants, animals, cultural heritage and ecosystems encountered in everyday life. The SD Junior Naturalist Guidebook is full of activities exploring people and places, historical events, conservation principles and fun with plants and animals. Activities focus on ways people can protect and preserve South Dakota's natural and cultural heritage for future enjoyment.
New incentives are available for different levels of participation.
Kids age 7-12 earn Junior Naturalist certificates for completing the first level of activities at specific sites. Once completed, they continue advanced work toward earning embroidered patches. Learning continues through involvement in additional programs and activities, earning participants special gold seals for their efforts. The new Junior Naturalist Program is available at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, Bear Butte, Custer State Park, Fort Sisseton, Hartford Beach, Lake Herman, Lake Poinsett, Lewis and Clark, Newton Hills, Oakwood Lakes, Palisades, Pickerel Lake, Roy Lake, Sandy Shore and Snake Creek. In addition to many state parks and recreation areas around the state, kids can work on activities at The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls and Cleghorn Springs Fish Hatchery near Rapid City.