The program is run by the Parks and Wildlife Commission NT and, in 2015, 30 Katherine children will don their special junior rangers shirts to take part.

During a visit to Katherine on February 27, Parks and Wildlife Minister Bess Price said it was extremely encouraging to see interest in the program swelling.

“Being a junior ranger is a great way for Territory kids to get hands-on with nature,” she said.

“Children are able to discover their natural and cultural environment through practical, fun activities that build knowledge and skills, providing an insight not only into nature, but also what our national park rangers do.”

PWCNT community engagement and education officer Clare Pearce said two groups of 15 children would become junior rangers this year.

“I am always very excited about the level of interest that our kids in Katherine have shown in the program,” she told the Katherine Times.  

“These are our leaders of tomorrow, the decision makers who will ensure that our national parks and reserves, and the plants, animals and people who depend on them, will be safe, sustainable and protected long into the future.”

For more information about signing up to be a junior ranger, email  clare.pearce@nt.gov.au or visit the PWCNT office at 32 Giles Street during business hours.