It’s April, and you know what that means! Sure spring is here and summer is right around the corner but more importantly it’s Earth Month!
The planet has been waiting all year for April 22 and now it’s time to start celebrating and show the world how much we care about the environment! To get started, take the Earth Month Challenge Quiz and see how sharp your Eco-hero skills are.
a) Water
b) Bees
c) Flowers
d) Grass
Find the answer here by highlighting the next three lines with your mouse… a) Water! By turning on the tap at night instead of when it is hot out, like in the middle of the day, less water will be evaporated or wasted, leaving more H2O for your thirsty plants!
a) Leave your electronics on
b) Unplug your electronics
c) Service your electronics
d) Turn your electronics on and off several times.
Find the answer here by highlighting with your mouse… b) Unplug your electronics. Lots of devices like computers, TVs, microwaves, and videogame consoles still use power when they are turned off so the best way to stop this wasteful energy usage is to pull the plug!
a) Make your lunch litterless by using reusable containers
b) Include local and/or organically grown food
c) Compost any leftover organics like apple cores and orange peels
d) All of the above
Find the answer here by highlighting the next three lines with your mouse… d)All of the above! This one was sneaky because by thinking about every part of your lunch time routine, from how it is packed to what food you take, you can make the Earth Saver Champion of lunches!
a) Kitchen
b) Bathroom
c) Basement
d) Living Room
Find the answer here by highlighting the next three lines with your mouse… b) The Bathroom! This is the spot where you can conserve tons of water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaking taps and turning the water off when you brush your teeth.
a) Walking
b) Skateboarding
c) Biking
d) All of the above
Find the answer here by highlighting the next three lines with your mouse… d)All of the above! These are all totally environmentally friendly. Remember if you have to drive to school, buddy up and start a carpool!
Fill in the blanks
a) Flowers, trees, birds
b) Mammals, reptiles, amphibians
c) Videogames, MP3 players, movies
d) Paper products, plastic bottles, automobiles
Find the answer here by highlighting the next three lines with your mouse… b) Mammals, reptiles, amphibians. Sad but true. There are lots of animals at risk of extinction.
a) Buy products with cat pictures on them
b) Draw lots of cat pictures
c) Practice making meow noises
d) Don’t buy products made with fur
Find the answer here by highlighting the next three lines with your mouse… d) Don’t by products made with fur
a) Tall plants
b) Local plants
c) Small plants
d) Multi-coloured plants
Find the answer here by highlighting the next three lines with your mouse… b) Local plants! Not only will these plants grow better in your garden, they will also attract animals that live in your area. After all we like things we are familiar with.
a) Shark fin soup
b) Clam Chowder
c) Lobster Bisque
d) Sardine stew
Find the answer here by highlighting the next three lines with your mouse… a) Shark fin soup! This dish, commonly served at some traditional weddings, poses a major threat to sharks. By saying ‘no’ to shark fin soup you can help protect our oceans and keep the animals that live there safe.
Thanks for taking the Earth Day Trivia Challenge! Post your score in the comments below.
This past holiday season Earth Rangers kicked off the Save the Real Reindeer campaign. We called on kids to join together to protect the Woodland caribou, a species that once roamed all across Ontario but today lives only in the northern half of the province. Through the Save the Real Reindeer campaign, Earth Rangers and the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada teamed up to raise awareness about the Woodland caribou and support conservation efforts.
Alex and his best friend, Ryder the golden retriever
All of this caribou protecting would not be possible without the support of a whole team of Earth Rangers! Who are these kid eco-heroes who have taken up the call for planet protection? Well, they are kids like Earth Ranger Alex. Listen up for what he has to say about animals, caribou and yes, even cookies!
Alex sneaking a cookie from his Save the Caribou fundraising campaign
My name is Alex and I am an Earth Ranger. I love animals – all kinds of animals. That’s why I became an Earth Ranger. When I grow up I hope to be a veterinarian or a zoo keeper. I chose to protect the Woodland Caribou because it was Christmas and Santa needs his reindeer. Because it was Christmas, my Grandma and Grandpa donated. So did my mom and my dad. Then I made and sold chocolate chip cookies. Canada has so many awesome animals. When I grow up I don’t want all our amazing animals to be gone. I think more kids should become Earth Rangers because it is up to us to save the wild animals of Canada. My name is Alex and I love animals.
Thanks to Earth Rangers just like Alex we have helped protect the Real Reindeer! To find out more about how your Bring Back the Wild campaign is making a difference check in with the Woodland caribou in this update from the field.
It’s not everyday that we meet a 9 year old so passionate about helping animals, but according to Ethan he is just a typical boy, who loves Lego, video games and birds. However, this kid’s dislikes are just as important as his likes – he gives a big thumbs-down to pollution. Ethan doesn’t like plastic bags being dumped on the ground and in the ocean because, as he pointed out to us, it kills birds that are going fishing for food. Ethan loves all kinds of animals, like the puppy he fosters and the eagles he helps monitor through his volunteer work, but his favourite species is the Desert hawk.
How it all began…
Ethan saw an Earth Rangers’ public service announcement on TV and decided to sign-up, choosing to protect the Spotted turtle. With his account created and his avatar made, Ethan headed out on an epic adventure to help save the Spotted turtle!
Making a difference!
Ethan visited local businesses to collect donations for his Bring Back the Wild™ campaign. The store owners Ethan visited were really supportive, offering donations for the Spotted turtle and even giving him some candy and a toy! Next Ethan sold some of his old toys and reached out to his teachers for support. He even got his family involved by asking his parents to share his campaign on Facebook. All this effort paid off and Ethan was able to spread awareness about animals that are at risk while raising donations to help protect the Spotted turtle. As an added bonus Ethan reached the Global Guardian fundraising level on EarthRangers.com, scoring some sweet Earth Rangers’ buttons, a t-shirt and a hoody.
Words of wisdom
Ethan wanted to share with everyone how great it felt to help the Spotted turtle, saying that becoming involved with Bring Back the Wild™ wasn’t that difficult and it was worth it. But his most important message, which you should totally show your parents, is that we should all…“Remember TV can inspire stuff!”
When someone says the word “SHARK” most people think of a massive, grey, toothy, underwater animal; basically they are imagining a Great White. In fact sharks come in all shapes, sizes and even colours! That’s why we’ve made a top ten list with some of the planet’s most amazing sharks, featuring everything from hammerheads to species with horns, saws and even frills.
Angel Sharks (Squatina squatina)
Angel sharks easily blend into the rocks. Photo Credit: Philippe Guillaume
Location: North-eastern Atlantic
Size: up to 2.4m (3 feet 11 inches)
Status: Critically Endangered
What makes it unique? Their flat, wide bodies!
These sharks look more like a ray than a member of its own species. They have large flat bodies with big pectoral fins. This shape allows them to hide under mud or sand and wait for prey to come close. When it is the perfect time, these sharks shoot out of their hiding spot and catch their lunch.
You can easily see the horns on this Horn Shark. Photo Credit: Cymothoa exigua
Location: Along the Western Coasts of the Americas
Size: Around 1.2m
Status: Not Yet Evaluated
What makes it unique? The two large spines on their backs!
If a predator attempts to gobble up one of these sharks, it is certainly in for a surprise. As the predator bites down, the spines on the Horn shark’s back will stick into the predator’s mouth and the Horn shark can make its get away.
Size: up to 6.1m, making them the largest of the Hammerhead species (20 feet)
Status: Endangered
What makes it unique?Their heads!
It is easy to spot a Hammerhead because their heads are, well, shaped like a hammer. Their eyes are placed on either side of the hammer which allows them to see a much larger area than other sharks. Once they’ve spotted their prey of choice, stingrays, they use their heads to pin them down so they can’t get away.
There are three species of filter feeding sharks (Whale shark, Basking shark, and the Megamouth shark) but Basking sharks are unique among them. Where the other two suck in water and filter to collect their prey, Basking sharks leave their mouths open as they swim, filtering water passively.
Japanese Sawshark. Photo Credit: OpencageShortnose sawshark
Location: Indo-pacific and Atlantic oceans
Size: Can grow to 1.5m long (about 5 feet)
Status: Least concern to Near Threatened
What makes it unique?Their snouts!
Their snouts are long and lined with teeth which they use to slash their prey. About half way down their snouts are very sensitive catfish-like whiskers called barbels that Sawsharks use to find prey hiding out on the bottom of the sea floor.
Interesting fact: There is only one other fish that has long blade-like snouts: the saw fish. These two fish look very similar but you can tell the difference because sawsharks have barbels and the saw fish does not.
These sharks are big! But what makes them so big is the fact that about half of their size is made up by their tail. They use it as a whip to disorient, stun and even kill their prey!
What makes it unique?Their appearance and the way they catch their food!
When Wobbegongs lay on the sea floor they look just like seaweed-covered rocks, which comes in handy for catching food. They lay still, waiting for some prey to swim by, then they pounce! Wobbegongs have special gills that allow them to stay still, while other sharks need to move in order to breathe.
Maurice Burton and Robert Burton, The International Wildlife Encyclopedia: Volume 1. New York:Marshall Cavendish, 1970: Page 2954.
Location: Tropical and Subtropical parts of Atlantic and Pacific
Size: Up to 3m (about 9 feet 10 inches)
Status: Vulnerable in Brazil, Colombia and US waters
What makes it unique?The way they eat!
Nurse sharks spend their days sleeping on the bottom of the sea but when the sun goes down, they go searching for food. Hunting at night allows them to sneak up unsuspecting sea creatures that are fast asleep. Like the Saw shark, they have barbels that they use to feel around on the sea floor to find the prefect snack. Nurse sharks’ can literally suck their prey out of their hiding spots because they can hoover around the floor like a vacuum.
Model of a Goblin Shark with its jaw extended. Photo Credit: Peter Halasz
Location: Parts of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans but very rare
Size: about 3.8m (over 12 feet and 5 inches)
Status: Least Concern
What makes it unique?Their protruding jaws!
When swimming casually, these sharks look pretty much like any other shark. All that changes when they go to take a bite… their jaw shoots out and they snap up their prey with their long sharp teeth. With their jaws fully extended, they truly look like monsters from the deep.
Photo From FlickrDrawing of a Frilled Shark's Tooth
Location: Found in most of the world’s oceans but it is very rare
Size: Up to 1.5m (4 feet 11 inches)
Status: Near Threatened
What makes it unique? Their bodies!
Frilled sharks have lizard-like features and snake-like bodies. Their gills meet on the underside of their throats so it looks like they have frills. Inside their wide mouths there are over 300 sharp three-pronged teeth. These definitely aren’t sharks you would want taking a bite out of you!
What colour do you think Polar bear fur is? That might seem like a silly question but the answer might surprise you. HINT: it’s not white! Polar bear fur is actually clear! That’s right! CLEAR!
But if the Polar bear’s skin is black, how come they don’t look black in colour? Well, each of the longer guard hairs on the Polar bear’s body is hollow and reflects visible light, much like snow. So when the sun is shining brightly, Polar bears appear bright white.
This polar bear has algae growing in its hair. Photo Credit: Steven Pierson
Since these hairs are hollow, the Polar bears’ diet and environment can affect their colour. Polar bears whose diet has a lot of seals in it can look light yellow because of the seal oils. Polar bears that live in warmer climates (like in zoos) can have algae growing in their hair, which can make them look green! Don’t worry, being green doesn’t cause the Polar bear any harm and a bath with special salt solution turns them white again.
Join Earth Ranger Emma as she travels the world on a quest to solve some of nature’s greatest mysteries! With top ten countdowns, animal guessing games and epic animal showdowns, this is a journey you won’t want to miss!
Living way down south, past the tropical parts of the globe and deep in the freezing cold waters of Antarctica, are some pretty amazing fish. Temperatures of -1.8°C should be enough to freeze a fish, but species in Antarctica avoid this fate of becoming a fish-icicle. These fish have an antifreeze protein, called antifreeze glycoprotein (or AFGP) that prevents their body fluids from freezing. These natural antifreeze proteins are not only fascinating because they help fish live in icy waters they could also help humans tackle the tough challenge of frost burnt frozen food. But don’t go running to the frozen food section of the grocery store just yet, there is still a lot more research that needs to be done before you can find fish antifreeze protein in your ice cream!
During the cold winter months many of Canada’s birds travel south to warmer climates – many, but not all…There are some birds that stay right where they are, surviving through the bitter cold and gusty winds of the great Canadian winter! The Gray Jay is one of these incredible birds that stick around all year long.
Photo Credit: Dan Strickland
Gray Jays laugh in the face of winter. Not only do they stay in the boreal forest throughout the year, they actually start to breed during February, when temperatures are below freezing.
But how can they survive in temperatures that other birds fly far to get away from? That’s where the trees save the day; the forest helps this bird thrive throughout the winter. During the summer and fall, Gray Jays stock up on berries, fungi, insects and other bird snacks and hide them in tree crevices throughout the forest. Then, when winter comes around, Gray Jays have lots of food to eat. Coniferous trees are the best because they have special antibacterial properties that make food last longer.
The boreal forest is important for tons of different animals that call this area home. Now that you know Gray Jays use these trees as their personal refrigerator we have another great reason to protect this forest.
Put away the jack-o-lantern carving and the spooktacular costume planning for a second because it is time for a very special Top Ten. This countdown is filled with plants that put the orange, black, freaky and frightening back into Halloween.
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna)
Deadly Nightshade. Photo Credit: wildlifegardena
Fact: This plant is a member of the same family as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants and peppers. This may not seem like a scary family of plants but the Deadly Nightshade also has some very poisonous relatives like Herbane, Jimsonweed and European Mandrake.
How it reminds us of Halloween: In the Middle Ages, Deadly Nightshade was believed to be the devil’s favourite plant. Witches and Sorcerers would use the plant’s juices in many of their ointments and brews. Even though this plant has been used in medicine be sure to stay away, it is so toxic that even touching it can poison you!
Claire Kowalchik, William H. Hylton and Anna Carr Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, Inc., 1987: 158-159
Devil’s Claw (Proboscidea louisianica)
Devil's Claws Seed Pods. Photo Credit: Susan E AdamsDevil's Claws. Photo Credit: Kibuyu
Fact: This plant shares its scientific name with an unlikely species– proboscidea is also an order of elephants! Proboscidea comes from the word proboscis, which means trunk or horn.
How it reminds us of Halloween: As this plant matures, its seed pods dry out and turn grey or brown. Eventually the pods split down the middle and begin to look like sharp hooks (or horns). Imagine having one of those stuck to you. Scary! Plus, it probably doesn’t help that it’s named after the devil…
Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross, Bizarre Botanicals. Portland, OR: Timber Press, Inc., 2010: 184-185
Wolfsbane (Aconitum)
Wolfsbane. Photo Credit: Randi Hausken
Fact: Some wolfsbane species are used in traditional medicines, while others are extremely toxic and can be deadly.
How it reminds us of Halloween: Wolfsbane has long been associated with werewolves. In most stories, wolfsbane has been known to keep werewolves away. However, if you ask the writer of Harry Potter, it also prevents a person from turning into a werewolf during a full moon. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=100300
Purple Devil (Solanum atropurpureum)
Purple Devil. Photo Credit: Carstor
Fact: This relative of the Deadly Nightshade makes a very good barrier hedge. It’s not a big surprise that if you plant a few purple devils around your yard, unwanted visitors will stay away!
How it reminds us of Halloween: What’s Halloween without a few spikes? The sight of the Purple Devil’s deadly spikes would certainly make us jump in the night.
Scott D. Appell Brooklyn Botanic Garden All-Region Guides: Annuals for Every Garden. Brooklyn, NY: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Inc., 2003: Page 35
Chinese Lanterns (Physalis alkekengi)
Young Chinese Lantern. Photo Credit: H ZellMature Chinese Lantern. Photo Credit: Rasbak
Fact: Chinese Lanterns produce edible berries, which have been used in medicine to reduce fevers.
How it reminds us of Halloween: The bright orange berries of the Chinese Lanterns are protected by an orange covering that looks a little like a pumpkin. Once this cover begins to waste away it leaves behind a skeleton that looks like a spooky cage trapping the berry. http://eol.org/pages/581063/details
Cockscomb (Celosia cristata)
Cockscomb. Photo Credit: Liz West
Fact: Although all members of the Celosia genus have fuzzy flowers, the waviness of the cockscomb’s flowers is pretty unique. It is caused by fasciation, which develops due to infections, certain insects or growing mutations. This isn’t just a cockscomb’s problem – any other plant can develop this way.
How it reminds us of Halloween: It may be just us, but this flowering plant looks a lot like a fuzzy brain, especially when the flower is yellow. This plant would make a perfect treat for Zombies. Yum! Brains!
Larry Mellichamp and Paula Gross, Bizarre Botanicals. Portland, OR: Timber Press, Inc., 2010: 172-173
H. Peter Loewer, Jefferson’s Garden. Mechanicburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 2004: Page 63
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
Silhouette of Witch Hazel. Photo Credit: BelgianchocolateWitch Hazel. Photo Credit: London Looks
Fact: Not only is this plant interesting because it blooms in the fall, it also has some pretty cool seed pods. When the seeds are ready, the pods pop and the seeds shoot outwards. In fact, this pop is so powerful that you can actually hear it!
How it reminds us of Halloween: Witch Hazel plants produce thin yellow petals that look wild and stringy. Take a look at its silhouette and you’ll know what we mean. Very creepy! http://eol.org/pages/589817/details
Doll’s eyes (Actaea pachypoda)
Doll's Eyes. Photo Credit: beautifulcatayaClose up of Doll's Eyes. Photo Credit: Diane Cordell
Fact: This plant is pretty toxic so most herbivores avoid them. However, birds appear to be immune. By carrying the berries, birds help spread the Doll’s eyes’ seeds to new places.
How it reminds us of Halloween: This plant is named after its white berries, which look like old-fashioned china doll eyes. Sure, they are berries, but we wouldn’t want to be walking alone in a forest filled with doll’s eyes on a scary night. Hundreds of little eyes watching you? Ah…no thank you! http://eol.org/pages/595010/details
Fact: Dracula orchids smell like mushrooms and look a little like them too (the “tongue”). This is done on purpose to trick fruit flies that pollinate mushrooms into pollinating them as well.
Fact: This plant has a symbiotic (both benefit) or parasitic (Ghost plant benefits at the other’s expense) relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. It can only exist where this fungi is present, which makes it very difficult to grow in gardens.
How it reminds us of Halloween: This plant’s name is very fitting. Not only are Ghost plants white but they also live in the dark. Unlike most plants, they don’t rely on light (photosynthesis) to grow. All that time in the dark is awfully ghostly. http://eol.org/pages/583541/details
EXTRA Octopus Stinkhorn (Clathrus archeri)
Octopus Stinkhorn. Photo Credit: Francois Van der Biest
Yes, yes, yes, we know – this is a fungus and doesn’t belong on a plant list. But that’s why it’s a bonus. Fact: According to some brave souls, the Octopus Stinkhorn is edible in its egg stage. However, it is not something we would recommend. Apparently, the taste and texture isn’t really appealing.
How it reminds us of Halloween: The octopus stinkhorn looks like something out of a horror tale. It “hatches” from eggs and grows four to eight tentacles. On top of that, it has a stinky gleba (flesh) that smells like decaying flesh…gross. http://www.kew.org/plants-fungi/Clathrus-archeri.htm
Have you stumbled across other spooky plants? Tell us about it in the comments section and let us know why this plant reminds you of Halloween.
If you come across a young Bleeding Tooth fungus (Hydnellum peckii) you might be surprised by its appearance. Oozing out of pores on the top of this fungus is a gooey red liquid. Although you may think it has been damaged or hurt, don’t worry because it isn’t really bleeding.
Young Bleeding Tooth Fungus. Photo Credit: Alan RockefellerMature Bleeding Tooth Fungus. Photo Credit: Ryane Snow
The red liquid that seeps out of the top of the Bleeding Tooth fungus is perfectly normal. This red sap emerges from the fungus because of high root pressure, something known as guttation. As the fungus grows older, the pressure eases and the Bleeding Tooth fungus will turn brown.
There are over 150 species of Sundews (Drosera) found around the world. These plants typically live in bogs and they have a special quality that makes them OMG worthy: they are carnivorous.
Close up of the hairs on a round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia). Photo Credit: Petr Dlouhý
Sundews live off the insects that they trap in their hairs. These long hairs produce sticky goo that when an insect touches them, it will get stuck! Once the plant senses that it has trapped some prey, it rolls up the edges of its leaves and slowly releases digestive juices. The insect starts to decompose and the Sundew gets a tasty snack.
a) Water
a) Leave your electronics on
a) Make your lunch litterless by using reusable containers
a) Kitchen
a) Walking
Fill in the blanks
a) Buy products with cat pictures on them
a) Tall plants
a) Shark fin soup
