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CNC Announces the Family Naturalist Certification Program

If you're looking for something to do with your children this winter, the Chattanooga Nature Center is a great place to be. Scoop up the family, get outside and learn about nature together to earn your "Family Naturalist" Certificate!

The program is FREE for members; non-members pay $20 for the entire immediate family to participate in three self-guided hikes using the provided Family Naturalist Journal. With journal in hand, the crew can explore the woods, wetlands, and meadows together, observe native wildlife, take an extended hike on one of the many trails at Reflection Riding, and learn how to help nature in your own backyard. At the completion of the program, your family will receive an official certificate. Earning a Family Naturalist Certificate is sure to result in many great memories for you and your children! The following is a short summary of the program:

The program components or “quests” include the following experiences:

Explorer—learning basic ecological knowledge by taking a self-guided walk and completing journal exercises.

Observe birds visiting the courtyard birdfeeders
Look for animal homes in the treehouse
Compare your eyesight to a hawk’s
Measure your “wingspan”at the bald eagle exhibit
Watch the red wolves and learn how they are different from coyotes
Adventurer—experiencing an adventure in nature

Enjoy a nature scavenger hunt
Explore the habitat under a log
Play “living camera” in the woods
Earth Keeper—incorporating positive environmental lifestyle changes at home

Discover how to create a backyard habitat
Set up a recycling program at home

Program Essentials

Teams: Participants must work in teams composed of at least one adult and one child to complete the requirements of each quest.

Supplies: Participants will be provided with all supplies and equipment needed to accomplish each quest.
Documentation: All activities and experiences will be documented with narratives, drawings, and photos in a journal (yours to keep).

Rewards: Upon completion of all three quests, and the program evaluation, each team will receive an official Family Naturalist certificate.