A peek inside second annual junior ranger day at local elementary school

On April 29th, the Bureau of Land Management’s Monticello Field Office partnered with Montezuma Creek Elementary School to host its second annual Junior Ranger Day — an exciting event that welcomed approximately 250 students from kindergarten through sixth grade for a day of learning, exploration, and fun. 

Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of hands-on learning stations led by experts in recreation, range, archaeology, paleontology, and wildlife. Activities included: 

• Creating a nature-inspired art project 

• Learning the 7 Leave No Trace principles 

• Exploring a raft while learning river safety skills 

• Using your senses to identify local plant names and their different uses 

The highlight for many was a special appearance by Smokey Bear, reminding students about the importance of fire safety. 

Thanks to the generous support of the Canyonlands Natural History Association, every student received a Bears Ears Junior Ranger drawstring bag filled with exciting items like a reusable water bottle, a 7-in-1 survival whistle, and more! 

Junior Ranger Day not only celebrated the importance of community engagement but also helped inspire the next generation of Junior Rangers to continue protecting and exploring their public lands.