The Parks Connect Cadet Ranger program provides teens aged 13–18 with hands-on conservation experiences, ecological skills training, and citizen science activities that will deepen their connection with Queensland’s protected areas.
Develop real-world skill in these cumulative 1.5–2-hr sessions to set yourself on a pathway for a rewarding career in biodiversity management! Working collaboratively from within national parks or QPWS Gateway Visitor Centres, you’ll discover how to use camera traps, mapping, acoustic monitoring and environmental surveys to detect and report threatened species.
Through fun, hands-on activities and interactions with Park Rangers, Traditional Owners and committed conservationists, Parks Connect Cadet Rangers gain valuable insights into how to manage and preserve protected areas for future generations.
Choose from a range of Cadet Ranger events at QPWS Gateway Visitor Centres or within national parks and protected areas in South East Queensland.
WALKABOUT CREEK DISCOVERY CENTRE
You’ll be learning all about Park Rangering in a bushland oasis that includes a wildlife centre, short walking and mountain biking trails, a shady deck cafe, and picturesque Enoggera Reservoir for swimming and paddling. Image: NPAQ/Parks Connect
DAVID FLEAY WILDLIFE PARK
Stroll the shady boardwalks of this 7.5-acre enclosed fauna reserve on the Gold Coast where Cadet Rangers will be able to learn the tips of the trade working alongside Park Rangers. Image: Ian Wilkinson © Queensland Govt
“ROAMING” CADET RANGERS
Enhance your skills with this ongoing program of discovery in some of SEQ’s most stunning places. Spend time in Qld’s national parks while you learn all about the crucial role Rangers play in conserving threatened species. See below to book. Image: NPAQ/Parks Connect
The Parks Connect Cadet Rangers Program is back with two new exciting themes this February. Click on the images below to book.
CADET RANGERS 13–18 YEARS AT WALKABOUT CREEK DISCOVERY CENTRE (ENOGGERA RESERVOIR)
Cadet Rangers (aged 13–18 years), come along on Sunday 22 March to learn more about the secret life of trees!
Join Ecologist Dr Kat Lowe on a FREE guided Forest Science session around Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre (Enoggera Reservoir).
Cadet Rangers will learn tips and tricks for measuring tree height and coverage – using basic maths and geometry – but also make your own simple measuring tools like a clinometer and densiometer.
You will complete a data sheet recording forest density, canopy cover and structure to reach a consensus on scientific measurements and patterns. It’s a TREEmendous opportunity to learn more about simple botanical surveying techniques in the field. This fully supervised FREE session is part of the Parks Connect Cadet Ranger program.
CADET RANGERS 13–18 YEARS AT DAVID FLEAY WILDLIFE PARK (BURLEIGH HEADS)
Discover the hidden world of mangroves at this FREE Cadet Ranger event – MANGROVE DISCOVERY – at David Fleay Wildlife Park!
Does your teen aged 13–18 dream of being a Park Ranger? Sign them up for this FREE 1.5 hr MANGROVE DISCOVERY Cadet Ranger walk at David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads, on Saturday 21 March from 11am–12:30pm.
Guided by ecologist Dr Kat Lowe, Cadet Rangers will wander the extensive mangrove boardwalks of David Fleay Wildlife Park to learn all about how these vital nurseries for Queensland’s marine life operate – as well as try to spot some of the species that depend on them. This fully free supervised session is part of the Parks Connect Cadet Ranger program.
Looking for family fun where you can attend events with your Cadet Ranger teen?
Check out our PARK OF THE MONTH events! Each month, we run a series of fun outdoor activities in a SEQ National Park or Conservation Park. Hurry, tickets for these FREE events sell out fast.
Parks Connect is proudly supported through funding from the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
