Junior Rangers celebrate 35 years of connecting Territory kids to nature
The Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Service’s iconic Junior Rangers program is celebrating 35 years of inspiring young Territorians to connect with the natural world.
Launched in 1991, the much-loved program marked the milestone with special celebrations held across Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs, bringing together participants, families and communities to recognise its enduring impact.
Over the decades, the program has grown into a true Territory institution. Its influence is now intergenerational, with some of today’s participants following in the footsteps of their parents—who once proudly wore the Junior Ranger badge themselves.
In 2026, more than 110 children aged 9 to 12 and their families took part in Junior Rangers, exploring national parks, learning about the Territory’s unique flora and fauna, and developing a deeper understanding of how to care for Country.
At the Alice Springs celebration, participants continued a long-standing tradition: the Simpsons Gap water bug survey. Running for more than 20 years, the activity remains a program highlight, offering hands-on environmental learning while connecting generations through shared experience.
The strength of the program’s legacy was also evident in the wider community response. Passersby stopped to share memories of their own children participating more than 25 years ago, reflecting on how the free program sparked a lifelong curiosity, respect for nature and connection to the Territory’s unique environment.
For 35 years, Junior Rangers has done more than teach children about parks—it has helped shape future custodians of the Territory’s landscapes, ensuring the next generation continues to value and protect the natural places that make the Northern Territory so special.
