Gain valuable, transferable skills as a Cadet Ranger …

Real skills. Real confidence. Real impact.

The Parks Connect Cadet Ranger program provides teens aged 13–17 with hands-on conservation experiences, ecological skills training, and citizen science activities that will deepen their connection with Queensland’s protected areas.

Challenge yourself, make friends and learn valuable skills in these cumulative 1.5-hr sessions that will help set you on a pathway for a rewarding career in biodiversity management!

Working collaboratively from QPWS Gateway Visitor Centres, or from within select SEQ national parks as part of Park of the Month, you’ll have fun outdoors while also picking up handy know-how, such as:

how to set wildlife camera traps
how to conduct acoustic monitoring or environmental surveys
how to detect and report threatened species
and other useful skills, like navigation, bushcraft and first aid in the wild.

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

Learn all about Park Rangering in a bushland oasis that includes a wildlife centre, short walking and mountain biking trails, a shady 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 13–17 YEARS AT WALKABOUT CREEK DISCOVERY CENTRE (ENOGGERA RESERVOIR)

Learn how to care for injured wildlife at this FREE Cadet Ranger (ages 13–17) WILDLIFE WELFARE event at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre..

Ever wondered what it actually takes to rescue and care for injured wildlife?

This FREE Cadet Ranger (ages 13 to 17) WILDLIFE WELFARE session at Walkabout Creek Discovery Centre goes beyond the basics and into practical tips, useful whether you are thinking about a future in wildlife care, conservation or veterinary science, or you simply want to know how to do the right thing when you come across an animal in distress.

Guided by wildlife carer Annette who has over 30 years of experience in the field, you will explore risk assessment, communication and response pathways for lizards, snakes and baby birds, and dig into the Leave No Trace principles that apply to wildlife. Make sure you bring a hat and enclosed shoes to this session!

BOOK HERE.

CADET RANGERS 13–17 YEARS AT DAVID FLEAY WILDLIFE PARK (BURLEIGH HEADS)

Sign your teen up for a FREE wildlife rescue education session at this Cadet Ranger (ages 13–17) WILDLIFE WELFARE event at David Fleay Wildlife Park.

Teens, do you know what actually happens after a wild animal is rescued?

This FREE Cadet Ranger (ages 13 to 17) WILDLIFE WELFARE session at David Fleay Wildlife Park takes you through the process, from first response through to rehabilitation and release. You will be taught by Annette, a wildlife carer with over 30 years of experience to explore wildlife rescue principles, with a focus on lizards, turtles and baby birds.

Turtles will take centre stage, with a closer look at their biology, when intervention is not required, and what responsible action looks like when you find one in trouble. You will also cover risk assessment, communication and response pathways, all through a Leave No Trace lens. Make sure you bring a hat and enclosed shoes on the day!