Become a TOPS Junior Ranger!

What is it?

The Trails, Open Spaces, and Parks (TOPS) program and Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) have partnered to offer our very own Junior Ranger Nature Pack. Did you know that there are dozens of Open Spaces throughout Colorado Springs? Explore our local parks and open spaces, and complete at least one activity from all five parks/open spaces to earn a Junior Ranger badge!

What’s inside?

Each Pack includes everything needed for over thirty fun outdoor activities! Activities Include:

• Measuring a tree to find its age

• Finding wetland wildlife to estimate habitat health

• Finding fossils and signs of long-gone environments

• Measuring pollution in park waters

• Finding and identifying insects

• Using all five senses for journaling

• Drawing ancient landscapes

• And many more!

How can I get a Nature Pack?

Junior Ranger Nature Packs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at all Pikes Peak Library District locations. At checkout you will receive a complete Nature Pack, as well as the Junior Ranger Activity Book. You can check the status of Nature Packs HERE.

What do I do next?

You can bring your completed Junior Ranger Book to a swearing-in ceremony to take your Junior Ranger pledge, and receive your Park Expert stickers/Junior Ranger badge! The ceremony will be followed by a Ranger-Guided hike. Bring your completed Junior Ranger Book, ceremonies will begin at 11:00 AM.

Schedule:

July 2nd 2022: Red Rock Canyon Open Space (Picnic Area) - 3550 W High St

Aug 6th 2022: Stratton Open Space (Ridgeway Parking Lot) – 1602 Ridgeway Ave

Sep 3rd 2022: Bluestem Prairie Open Space (Picnic Area) – 6254 Goldfield Dr

Nov 5th 2022: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center – 1805 N 30th St

Nov 5th 2023: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center – 1805 N 30th St

Mar 4th 2023: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center – 1805 N 30th St

Jun 3rd 2023: Ute Valley Open Space – Ute Valley Tr (see map)

July 1st 2023: Red Rock Canyon Open Space (Picnic Area) - 3550 W High St

Aug 5th 2023: Stratton Open Space (Ridgeway Parking Lot) – 1602 Ridgeway Ave

Sep 2nd 2023: Bluestem Prairie Open Space (Picnic Area) – 6254 Goldfield Dr

 

CLICK HERE FOR FLYER AND MAPS

 

The Junior Ranger Nature Pack is a no-cost program available to everyone; however designed for ages 7-13. The Nature Pack is loaded with supplies for fun and educational outdoor activities.  The pack and self-guided activity book encourages children and their families to get out, explore, observe, describe, engage the senses at designated parks falling within the umbrella of the TOPS (Trails Open Space and Parks) program! 

The activities in the book are aligned with Colorado Academic Standards for Science and Social Science and emphasize STEAM education. Each pack is self-contained, and includes all the materials and supplies needed.  Activities can be done at any time during the year.

After completing different portions of the activity book which correspond to specific parks; children can earn Park Expert stickers or finish all the activities from at least five (5) of the listed TOPS parks to earn a Junior Ranger badge.

Questions

Email: Gillian.Rossi@ColoradoSprings.Gov

Program Partners

  • Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
  • TOPS Program
  • Pikes Peak Library District