Welcome to the Young Naturalists Club!
Does your family love exploring and learning about nature? Do your kids want to meet other kids who love nature? JOIN THE YNC!
The YNC is a nature club geared toward youth and their families. Our programs run from September through June every year, and take place at fascinating natural spaces around the province. At YNC field trips and special events, we learn from expert naturalists, explore local parks & trails, and experience the many fascinating natural phenomena that make Nova Scotia so awesome.
Our presentations and field trips are led by volunteer adult naturalists and guest scientists. Our events are age-appropriate, engaging and interactive. Here’s what we are talking about…
What We Do
Discover Nova Scotia’s natural history and learn naturalist skills
A focus of the YNC is teaching young naturalists to identify many of the amazing wild plants and animals (and lichens, and mushrooms, and more…) that surround us in Nova Scotia. We learn how to use basic naturalist equipment such as magnifying loupes, binoculars, and field guides. Members get to connect with keen adult naturalists who share their love of exploring nature.
Meet local subject experts and other nature-nut families
Our chapters have regular meeting times each month, but attendance at each event is not necessary to stay in the Club. Come to all of our meetings and field trips, or just those that fit your family’s schedule. See our chapter locations and upcoming events in the menus on the right and at the top of this page.
Connect to the places dear to you
If you are interested in starting a Young Naturalists Club Chapter in your community, contact us! We’ll help you get started and support you as you grow. Please contact the YNC Coordinator.
Attention “grown-up” naturalists!
If you would like to volunteer as a guest presenter, field trip leader or by helping out at your local Chapter, let us know.
What’s Going on Now
Covid-19 had many of us stuck at home in 2020 and may still prevent some families from enjoying their favourite outdoor activities. In the Spring 2020, we ran a virtual Species-At-Risk-themed trivia series connecting Nova Scotian youth from around the province. By September that year, we were able to resume our normal outdoor programing, with a few adaptations. We’re now looking for ways to better engage families experiencing greater barriers to participating in our events. Reach out to your local chapter leader for more on how we can best protect you and your family!