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
Check out what’s on for our Cadet Rangers. 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 11 April to learn how to care for and regenerate local ecosystems.
Eco-minded teens aged 13–18, ready to get hands-on with habitat restoration? Join a FREE guided BUSH REGENERATORS session at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre (Enoggera Reservoir).
You’ll plant tube stock to strengthen the surrounding environment and reduce erosion when these region-specific plants establish and grow in the future.
Gain practical skills in caring for local habitats while observing how plants contribute to healthy forests and attract wildlife.
Bring a hat and enclosed shoes for this fun outdoor session.
CADET RANGERS 13–18 YEARS AT DAVID FLEAY WILDLIFE PARK (BURLEIGH HEADS)
Discover how to care for the local environment with this FREE Cadet Ranger event – BUSH REGENERATORS – at David Fleay Wildlife Park!
Eco-enthusiast teens aged 13–18, ready to roll up your sleeves? Join a FREE guided BUSH REGENERATORS session at David Fleay Wildlife Park, Burleigh Heads.
You’ll help remove invasive weeds and plant native tube stock, learning how these actions support local habitats and wildlife. As an introduction, a Maintenance Ranger will help you identify common weeds and understand the importance of restoring regional ecosystems.
Bring a hat and enclosed shoes for this hands-on outdoor session. Gloves are provided. It can be tough work, but helping the environment thrive makes it totally worth it.
Looking for family fun where you can attend events with your Cadet Ranger teen?
Save the date for our PARK OF THE MONTH events! Each month, we run a series of fun outdoor activities in a SEQ National Park or Conservation Park. Tickets for these FREE events are available from the start of each new month and sell out fast, so don’t miss out.
Parks Connect is proudly supported through funding from the Queensland Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
