Can you imagine living just a short drive from one of the most iconic national parks in the country, but never having visited? For many students in Washington, Kane, and Iron counties, this is a reality. Limited resources, transportation challenges, and other barriers often prevent young learners from exploring Zion National Park, a natural wonder that’s practically in their backyard.
The Rangers in the Classroom program bridges this gap by delivering Zion’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage directly to local schools. Through hands-on lessons and engaging storytelling, park rangers bring the beauty of Zion into classrooms, inspiring a connection to the land and sparking stewardship among students who might otherwise miss out.
“Having a park ranger visit a classroom is a wonderful way to bring Zion National Park to the students,” shared Jorge Hernandez, Project Lead. “In some cases, it’s their first exposure to the park’s beauty and the critical role they can play in preserving it.”
The program offers innovative, curriculum-based presentations tailored to different grade levels. Fifth-grade students participate in the “Sand Detectives” program, using light microscopes to analyze sediment samples from Zion. These hands-on activities teach students about the park’s unique geology while honing their critical thinking and observation skills. Younger students explore the “A Sky Full of Stars” program, which introduces K–3rd graders to how animals and people interact with the nighttime and about the importance of protecting the dark night sky.
For many students, these lessons are more than just fun—they’re transformational. By meeting students where they are, rangers build bridges between Zion and the local community, ensuring that every child has an opportunity to learn about and connect with the park.
“These visits are more than lessons,” Hernandez explained. “They’re about fostering lifelong relationships between students and Zion National Park. It’s about showing them that this park belongs to them.”
Beyond igniting curiosity, the program also introduces students to potential careers in the National Park Service. Through conversations and activities, students learn that they, too, can play a role in protecting public lands, whether as a future park ranger, scientist, or conservationist.
Zion’s rangers aren’t just visiting classrooms—they’re planting seeds of stewardship and opportunity in the hearts of the next generation.
