Artwork by Doug Henderson, Copyright PFMA

Doug Henderson worked with scientists to paint this image of a Late Triassic ecosystem.

Petrified Forest National Park welcomes kids to learn more about the ancient environment of the Late Triassic - when the petrified trees were alive and dinosaurs roamed the land.

Junior Rangers "Explore, Learn, and Protect" their national parks. Become a Junior Ranger and you can learn about fossils, human history, wilderness and more! You'll even receive a gold badge so that you will not forget how important you are to the National Park Service.

Would you like to become a Junior Ranger? Once you arrive in the park stop by the Painted Desert Visitor Center, Painted Desert Inn, or Rainbow Forest Museum to ask for a Junior Ranger Activity Booklet.

The Junior Ranger Activity Booklet (12.3 MB PDF) is on-line, too! This will help you prepare for the activities, giving you a head start. You must, however, be in the park to receive your badge. If you need some help with the answers, check out the park brochures.

We are always happy to add another name to our Junior Ranger team. We invite YOU to become a member of this very special group of people. When you take the time to learn about the park and its valuable resources, you will be able to share your knowledge with friends and family to help them understand why Petrified Forest National Park is a special place.

NPS

Junior Rangers Explore, Learn and Protect!

Junior Ranger Essay Contest
Here is an exciting opportunity for kids across the nation! You could earn an all expense paid family vacation to Everglades National Park and a starring role in an electronic field trip! Essays must be 500 words or less and received by March 14, 2008. Go to the news release for more information.

Junior Ranger Activity Days, March 2008
Petrified Forest National Park is looking for kids interested in human history to participate in several activities in March in recognition of Arizona Archeology and Heritage Awareness Month. At 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on March 21, 22, 28 and 29, join Rangers Marge Post and Jay Theuer to explore pottery through hands-on activities. Meet at the Painted Desert Visitor Center, located at the north end of the park, off Interstate-40, Exit 311. Activities are free and every participant will earn a Petrified Forest Junior Park Ranger Badge and Certificate!

Junior Ranger Activity Days, April 2008
Family-friendly activities and hikes are planned for April 19 and 26 at Petrified Forest National Park in recognition of National Park Week (April 19-26) and Children and Nature Awareness Month. Check back for more details!