Junior ACORNS

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The ACORNS (Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces) are the volunteer friends group at the Genesee County Parks! Together with Genesee County Parks, Recreation & Forestry staff, ACORNS connect people with nature through outdoor learning, exploration and fun. You can join them by becoming a Junior ACORN.

Junior ACORNS are young people ages 7 – 16 who care about nature and want to make a difference at the Genesee County Parks. They help at the parks by learning about plants, animals, forestry, aquatic ecosystems, and much more. Become a Junior ACORN today by registering online and join us for fun activities all year long. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Junior ACORNS do?

Junior ACORNS attend programs led by our experienced volunteers and parks staff and earn points by completing volunteer projects, exploring our parks, and having fun! At the end of the year, Junior ACORNS are invited to join a celebration at the Interpretive Nature Center.

How do I become a Junior ACORN?

You can become a Junior ACORN by registering on the Genesee County Parks webpage. Complete the registration form by answering a few questions about yourself and why you want to be a Junior ACORN! Parents and guardians are welcome to help their child complete the form.

When are the Junior ACORNS Programs?

There are four Junior ACORNS programs scheduled in 2025: 

  • Saturday, March 15th - Junior ACORNS Orientation and Trail Ranger Training
  • Saturday, April 12th - Wildlife and Animal Stewardship
  • Saturday, June 14th - Aquatic Ecosystems at DeWitt Recreation Area
  • Saturday, August 16th - Native Species at the Outdoor Learning Center

Programs are held from 10AM – 1PM. Snacks will be provided! A parent or guardian, at least one adult per 5 youth, must accompany Junior ACORNS for the duration of each program. 

Do I need to attend all four of the Junior ACORNS programs?

No! You may not be able to attend every program throughout the year and that is okay! Your goal as a Junior ACORN is to earn 50 points in 2025. You earn points by attending programs, volunteering at the parks, or ACORNS events! There are lots of different types of activities—we hope that each Junior ACORN can find something that they are excited about.

What is the program fee?

The cost for participating in the Junior ACORNS program is $25 per child. This fee covers the cost of all four programs! Junior ACORNS will receive a free hat, ACORNS family membership, snacks during programs, and a coupon to attend a free Parks program.





Junior ACORNS 2025 Schedule

There are four Junior ACORNS programs scheduled in 2025: 

  • Saturday, March 15th - Junior ACORNS Orientation and Trail Ranger Training
  • Saturday, April 12th - Wildlife and Animal Stewardship
  • Saturday, June 14th - Aquatic Ecosystems at DeWitt Recreation Area
  • Saturday, August 16th - Native Species at the Outdoor Learning Center

Junior ACORNS programs are held from 10AM – 1PM and meet at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center unless otherwise noted. Snacks will be provided! A parent or guardian, at least one adult per 5 youth, must accompany Junior ACORNS for the duration of each program. 

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You may not be able to attend every program throughout the year and that is okay! Your goal as a Jr. ACORN is to earn 50 points in 2025. You earn points by attending Jr. ACORN’s programs, volunteering at the parks, ACORNS events, or attending parks programs! There are lots of different types of activities—we hope that each Jr. ACORN can find something that they are excited about.



Learn more about the ACORNS

Since 2006 the Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc. (ACORNS), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization has been providing financial and volunteer support to the Genesee County Parks by connecting people with nature through outdoor learning, exploration, and fun! 

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Junior ACORNS Point System - Earn 50 Points in 2025

Your goal as a Junior ACORN is to earn 50 points in 2025. You earn points by attending Junior ACORNS programs, volunteering at the parks, ACORNS events, or attending parks programs! There are lots of different types of activities—we hope that each Junior ACORN can find something that they are excited about.

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