Become a Junior Master Naturalist!

Discover the Outdoors: Join Our Junior Master Naturalist Program!

Does your child love exploring outside, observing wildlife, or just asking "why" about the natural world? Our Junior Master Naturalist (JMN) program is the perfect place for them to turn that curiosity into knowledge and a lifelong love for nature.

This hands-on program is led by the Fort Bend chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program. It's a chance for young people to learn by doing, exploring the ecology and wildlife right in their own backyard and beyond.

What is the Junior Master Naturalist Program?
Our goal is to foster a lifelong appreciation of Texas's natural history and natural sciences in the next generation. Through fun, educational activities and direct contact with nature, kids don't just learn about the environment—they experience it.

Here's what participating youth can expect:

  • Hands-On Learning & Field Trips: The program involves engaging classroom activities that are then brought to life with outdoor exploration and field trips to local nature conservation sites.

  • Real-World Science: Participants will learn about diverse topics like Geology, Mammals, Insects, Reptiles and Amphibians, Birds, Botany/Native Plants, and Nature Journaling. They'll also get to use tools like iNaturalist to make and record their own observations, contributing to real citizen science projects.

  • Building Skills for the Future: The program focuses on more than just facts. It helps develop personal skills and leadership abilities, teaching kids how to be active participants in their community and care for the world around them.

Program Requirements & Details

  • Who: Student participants must be in 4th, 5th, or 6th grade at the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

  • Adult Attendance: One adult (over 18 with appropriate legal standing) must attend each session with the student. It is preferred to have the same parent/guardian/adult for all sessions. If the adult must change, a new Designation of Adult Form and all required forms must be completed prior to the new adult attending.

  • Location: Most classes will be held at Hesed House. There are 2 field trips away from Hesed House—transportation to and from these trips is the responsibility of the family.

  • Graduation Requirements: To graduate with a Junior Master Naturalist Certificate, the student must complete 6 out of 9 sessions plus 2 hours of approved/supervised volunteer time during the course.

  • What to Bring: Students and adults must wear appropriate clothing for safety and each bring a water bottle and bug spray to every session.

  • Cost: The total cost of the program is $50.00 (covers both the student and the attending adult).

  • Required Forms: The following 5 forms must be completed and returned by August 15, 2026:

    1. Health/Medical Information

    2. Emergency Contact Form

    3. Liability Release

    4. Media/Photo Release

    5. Safety Acknowledgment

Questions or Ready to Sign Up?
For any questions, please text JTMN to (281) 433-3629 with your name and a good number/time to return your text or call. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response.

Spaces are limited—don't wait! Give your child the gift of discovery and sign up for the Junior Master Naturalist program today!