ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Weedon Island Preserve is looking for high school students interested in the environment to join the Ranger Naturalist program.

Students ages 15 to 18 can take part in nature hikes, guided canoe trips, invasive plant removal days and coastal cleanups. Participants will also receive training to assist guests visiting the education center and using the trails, as well as develop individual projects that support the center's mission. The program requires a two day per week commitment, on Thursdays and Fridays from June 9 to Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Eligible students can apply their service hours to Florida Bright Futures scholarship. Students who need 100 service hours may be required to participate in some Saturday shifts as well. The program costs $100 with need-based scholarships available. Interested students and parents can attend the Ranger Naturalist program overview on Tuesday, April 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg.

Applications are due by Monday, May 9. Students who are accepted into the Ranger Naturalist program will be notified by Friday, May 20. For more information about the program or to download an application, see the Ranger Naturalist section at www.weedonislandpreserve.org/summer-camps.htm; or e-mail lcarnahan@pinellascounty.org or call (727) 453-6522.

To learn more about Weedon Island Preserve and its upcoming programs and events, call (727) 453-6500. To register for programs and events, visit www.weedonislandpreserve.org.