Junior Keepers are all about exploring and learning about waterfalls and streams. We play in the water, learn about critters, explore waterfalls, and identify mushrooms, wildflowers, and other plants. We focus a lot on safety and good habits around a waterfall. We clean up trash at waterfalls and learn about how litter affects wildlife and water quality. There is so much to learn and do!

Sign up to become a Junior Waterfall Keeper and we’ll send you a special Junior Keeper patch and sticker!

Junior Waterfall Keeper Signup Form

Become a Member of Waterfall Keepers


Badge Challenges

Our two challenges are for you to earn Junior Keeper BADGES. We want to see the critters and plants you find along the way to waterfalls. We want to hear about how you are working hard for conservation, how you improve the quality of the trail, and how you concentrate on safety for animals and fellow waterfallers. New badges will be announced each year so work hard to earn them ALL!

Click the badges to visit the challenge pages.


Junior Keepers Curriculum

We are excited to share a curriculum that parents can use with their kids or homeschool group. These may be used as a standalone adventure with kids and they are wonderful to combine with a kid’s outing to earn Junior Keeper badges.

Link to Creek Critters Curriculum
Link to Junior Conservationist Curriculum


Junior Keepers Partners

Chimney Rock State Park
ecoEXPLORE
Gorges State Park
Hanging Rock State Park
Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
South Mountains State Park