Petrified Forest National Park - Junior Ranger Programs

Petrified Forest by US-Parks

Would you believe that there are thousands of park rangers who protect Petrified Forest National Park? Well, it is true, and most of them are Junior Rangers!

Junior Rangers are very special to our park. They learn about park resources and take a special oath to help protect and preserve Petrified Forest. They even receive a gold badge so that they will not forget how important they are to the National Park Service. Would you like to become a Junior Ranger?

Becoming a Junior Ranger is not difficult, though it does take a little time and work. If you are interested in becoming a Junior Ranger, once you arrive in the park stop by the Painted Desert Visitor Center or Rainbow Forest Museum to ask for a Junior Ranger Activity Booklet.

In the booklet, complete at least three of the activities within your age group. These activities will help you learn about the prehistoric animals and plants, animals and plants that live in Petrified Forest today, ancient people that lived in the area, and of course, all about petrified wood. When you have completed these activities, stop at either visitor center and turn in your completed book. A park ranger will check your work and present you with your badge.

The Junior Ranger Activity Booklet is on-line, too! This will help you prepare for the activities, giving you a head start. You must, however, be in the park to receive your badge.

We are always happy to add another name to our Junior Ranger team. We invite YOU to become a member of this very special group of people. When you take the time to learn about the park and its valuable resources, you will be able to share your knowledge with friends and family to help them understand why Petrified Forest National Park is a special place.