Education

Cedar Ridge Preserve offers a variety of educational programs designed to engage children and families with the natural world, including:

Junior Ranger Program: Tailored for children aged 5–10, this program introduces young explorers to outdoor stewardship and local wildlife through interactive activities. Sessions often include hands-on experiences like insect pinning, where participants learn about entomology by preserving specimens.

Young Naturalist Program: Aimed at 4th and 5th graders, this eight-session series delves into topics such as aquatic life, insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Participants engage in field research and nature photography, fostering a deeper understanding of local ecosystems.

Owl Pellet Dissection: This activity allows participants to dissect owl pellets, providing insights into owl diets and food chains. Supported by community partners, it offers a hands-on approach to learning about predator-prey relationships.

Garden Planting: Volunteers and visitors contribute to the preserve’s butterfly gardens by planting native flora, supporting pollinator populations and learning about plant life cycles.

Kids’ Chalk Walk: An artistic event where children use sidewalk chalk to create nature-inspired drawings, encouraging creativity and environmental appreciation.

Junior Ranger Expeditions:  Junior Ranger Expeditions is the next series of programs designed to take our Jr. Rangers to the next level.   In these programs, the Jr. Rangers take a closer look at the world around them.

Night Hikes: Along  with experts on bugs, bats, owls and other night creatures, explore the Preserve at night.

Bilingual Spanish/English guided hikes:  On these two-hour hikes we learn from each other as we identify plants, wildlife, and maybe a few other things in two languages.

Specialty classes:  Come and meet the experts and learn more about the Nature of North Texas. Local experts lead classes on:

 -Edible plants
-Birds of the Preserve
-Insects
-Reptiles
-Fossils.

These programs provide immersive experiences that promote environmental education and stewardship among youth and families.  Visit our calendar to see upcoming programs.