Interview with an Earth Ranger: Charlotte's Helping Bring Back the Wild
Friday July 4, 2014
It's natural for kids to want to get involved in causes they care about, but sometimes it's rough going it alone. That's why I'm always excited to see ads for Bring Back the Wild, an ongoing campaign from the GTA-based organization Earth Rangers. By signing up with Bring Back the Wild online, kids can safely raise money and awareness to support animals who are threatened by habitat loss. Every year, Earth Rangers identifies four species that are in danger, providing information on the challenges the animal faces and how fundraising* can help. Kids can choose the animal they'd like to campaign for, create a goal, and start spreading the word!
At eight years old, Charlotte has just finished Grade 3 here in Ontario. She also recently became a Protector of the Western bumble bee, after raising $140 in her first Bring Back the Wild campaign. Charlotte was kind enough to answer some emailed questions about her Earth Rangers experience so far:
How did you first learn about the Earth Rangers? Why did you decide to join?
Charlotte: I first heard about Earth Rangers when they came to visit my school. They came in grade 1, and then again this year. I joined because I wanted to help save animals and the planet too.
There are four animal missions to choose from - why did you pick the Western bumble bee for your Bring Back the Wild campaign [over the Beluga whale, the Barn swallow, or the Blanding's turtle]?
Charlotte: I chose the Western Bumblebee for my Bring Back the Wild campaign because bees are really important for making sure plants grow. Also, I just love bugs!
Do you have any ideas for what you'd like to do next as an Earth Ranger? Or are there other things you're already doing?
Charlotte: Right now, I'm cleaning up garbage in my community to help with the Spring Green Up Challenge. Last year I started a club called "Cleaning up the Earth Crew" at my school. We go around the school yard at lunch and recess picking up any garbage that we find.
What would you say to someone your age who was thinking about joining the Earth Rangers but hadn't made up their mind?
Charlotte: I would tell them that they should join Earth Rangers so that they can help the Earth too!
And finally, a question for Mom. Have you done anything as parents to encourage Charlotte's interest in nature and the environment?
Charlotte's Mom: Charlotte's an amazing kid. She's very passionate and curious, so we try to make sure we support her and give her every opportunity to find out more about the things that catch her interest.
We make sure that we find answers to her questions, we talk to her about things like conservation and recycling, and why those things are important... but really, it's all her.
Congratulations, Charlotte! Thanks for your time, and for helping the Earth.
Do you know an amazing kid like Charlotte who'd like to become an Earth Ranger? Visit EarthRangers.com, which is full of information and activities.
For adults, more information about the organization is available at EarthRangers.org, and there's lots to learn on there, too. Bring Back the Wild is a relatively new addition to the Earth Rangers slate of programs. For many years this non-profit has been educating and raising awareness about animals, habitats, and the importance of protecting biodiversity through presentations made with live Animal Ambassadors. Trainers and animals visit schools and take part in special events - there's even a permanent Earth Rangers Studio offering regular presentations in the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity at the Royal Ontario Museum. You can also read about the Earth Rangers Centre for Sustainable Technology in Woodbridge, which serves as both Earth Rangers HQ and as a practical demonstration of conservation ideals in action.
* According to the Earth Rangers website, 50% of funds raised go to habitat conservation projects and the other 50% goes to support Earth Rangers education programs.
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I must have been around nine years old when I grabbed a coffee can and my friend from next door and, clutching a newspaper article about efforts to save the Peregrine falcon, went door-to-door seeking donations. I have no idea how much money we raised that day, but I do remember being intimidated by a barking dog and discouraged by some ill-tempered neighbours.
It's natural for kids to want to get involved in causes they care about, but sometimes it's rough going it alone. That's why I'm always excited to see ads for Bring Back the Wild, an ongoing campaign from the GTA-based organization Earth Rangers. By signing up with Bring Back the Wild online, kids can safely raise money and awareness to support animals who are threatened by habitat loss. Every year, Earth Rangers identifies four species that are in danger, providing information on the challenges the animal faces and how fundraising* can help. Kids can choose the animal they'd like to campaign for, create a goal, and start spreading the word!
Earth Rangers discourages the kind of door-to-door canvassing I attempted, but they do suggest that parents share Bring Back the Wild campaigns with friends and colleagues. That's how I had the honour of recently contributing to one girl's efforts to save the Western bumble bee...
Charlotte Wants to Help Save Animals and the Planet
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| Charlotte, Earth Ranger and Protector of the Western bumble bee. |
How did you first learn about the Earth Rangers? Why did you decide to join?
Charlotte: I first heard about Earth Rangers when they came to visit my school. They came in grade 1, and then again this year. I joined because I wanted to help save animals and the planet too.
There are four animal missions to choose from - why did you pick the Western bumble bee for your Bring Back the Wild campaign [over the Beluga whale, the Barn swallow, or the Blanding's turtle]?
Charlotte: I chose the Western Bumblebee for my Bring Back the Wild campaign because bees are really important for making sure plants grow. Also, I just love bugs!
Do you have any ideas for what you'd like to do next as an Earth Ranger? Or are there other things you're already doing?
Charlotte: Right now, I'm cleaning up garbage in my community to help with the Spring Green Up Challenge. Last year I started a club called "Cleaning up the Earth Crew" at my school. We go around the school yard at lunch and recess picking up any garbage that we find.
What would you say to someone your age who was thinking about joining the Earth Rangers but hadn't made up their mind?
Charlotte: I would tell them that they should join Earth Rangers so that they can help the Earth too!
And finally, a question for Mom. Have you done anything as parents to encourage Charlotte's interest in nature and the environment?
Charlotte's Mom: Charlotte's an amazing kid. She's very passionate and curious, so we try to make sure we support her and give her every opportunity to find out more about the things that catch her interest.
We make sure that we find answers to her questions, we talk to her about things like conservation and recycling, and why those things are important... but really, it's all her.
Congratulations, Charlotte! Thanks for your time, and for helping the Earth.
More About the Earth Rangers
Do you know an amazing kid like Charlotte who'd like to become an Earth Ranger? Visit EarthRangers.com, which is full of information and activities.
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| Earth Ranger Andy introduces Animal Ambassador Sonic the barn owl to an audience at the Royal Ontario Museum. |
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