Hello, Earth Rangers! My name is Katie Florko. I am a research scientist who studies Arctic marine mammal movement patterns and behaviour. I recently finished my PhD at the University of British Columbia. Most of my work takes place in Hudson Bay, in the far north of Canada. This year, when you adopt a ringed seal from Earth Rangers, you’re supporting me and my research! You can learn more about ringed seals and adopt one in the Earth Rangers App.

Since September, I’ve been busy analyzing ringed seal movement patterns. These seals wore tags that recorded their movement and diving patterns. From this, we’re able to see where seals forage for food and what areas might be important to protect. This is a tricky project!

On one hand, we think the most important areas to protect are the areas the seals are spending the most time. But these tend to be the areas with the least fish, where it takes the seals longer to look for food. My research helps to measure seals’ movements through fish populations. That way, we can better understand which areas we need to protect to help seals.

And that’s not all! I’m also involved in projects on harbour seals and narwhals. This past summer, I was able to help out with tagging harbour seals in western Hudson Bay. I also went on aerial surveys in the high Arctic, where we saw walrus, narwhals, and lots of seals!

Fieldwork for tagging seals typically happens from the ice edge in the spring, or from the shore in the summer. This is the most exciting part of the job! But an equally important and almost as fun part is spending the fall and winter uncovering the secret lives of seals through the data we collect from their tags. My fellow scientists and I use this data to piece together the story. Then we share our insights with each other and with folks who work to protect seals. Before we know it, we’re planning next spring’s fieldwork!

Hey Earth Rangers, it’s our fave time of the year again! April is a special time…It’s Earth Month! Things are about to get WILD at Earth Rangers HQ!

Earth Month celebrates how we’ve been taking care of nature. It started in 1970 by US Senator Gaylord Nelson after a huge oil spill in California and has been doing good things for 54 years. We can all help make a difference for animals and the planet by learning and spreading awareness!

Earth Month is like a big party for our planet! It’s a time when we all come together to show our love and care for the Earth. After all, at Earth Rangers, Earth Month is for the animals. We focus on helping animals, especially those facing challenges like climate change, pollution, and deforestation.

What can YOU do to help animals that need our support?

Want to celebrate Earth Month? Ask your parents to check for local events. If there aren’t any, no problem! You can do things at home:

• Plant a tree or some flowers: Dig a little hole, put a small tree or plant in, and watch it grow.
• Clean up: Pick up trash around your neighborhood or a park. Keep it clean!
• Recycle art: Make cool art using things you’d normally throw away. Get creative!
• Nature scavenger hunt: Find and collect cool things like leaves, rocks, or flowers.
• Save energy: Turn off lights and appliances when you’re not using them.
• Save water: Limit your water waste
• Spread the word: Talk about Earth Month, and share with others how they can help protect animals and the environment!

These activities can be found on the Earth Rangers app as missions, challenges, or creative corners. Pick the ones you like and go for it!

Symbolic Adoptions:

Earth Rangers’ Wildlife Adoptions Program directly supports animal conservation work in the field. To celebrate Earth Month, everyone who buys a plush adoption kit receives a super special amulet!

What makes it special? It’s like the ultimate hero badge for helping to protect animals! It unleashes the powers you’ve had all along… and guess what? YOU ALL GET TO GIVE IT A NAME!

THE AMULET VOTE

Here at Earth Rangers, everyone has been going wild for these special amulets. But here’s the thing: we’re stumped on what to call them! Can you help us out? Drop your favorite name in the comments below!

Got any better ideas? We’re all ears for more fun names. Help us get our Earth Month celebrations started today!