This Red Panda Update is Pandastic!

Earth Rangers

-

March 1, 2023

Namastē Earth Rangers! That’s how you say “hello” in Nepal, and that’s where our next update from the field is coming to us from. Today, we’re talking about red pandas!

But first, let’s talk about YOU! Over 500 Earth Rangers kids helped the red panda through a wildlife adoption. Fantastic job! Let’s take a look at how those adoptions are supporting the Red Panda Network and helping to protect real red pandas in Nepal!

More Trees!

You can’t have red pandas without trees! The Red Panda Network have planted an amazing 32,000 saplings so far, which will grow into trees that red pandas can live in and eat from. You know what’s even better? These trees are protected from logging. That means they won’t be cut down for timber, so they’ll be able to keep red pandas safe for a long time!

Figure 1: Tree planters in Nepal hard at work.

Spread the Word!

The Red Panda Network is working to stop poaching, too! They have had two crime control workshops so far, and lots of people came, like government officials, members of the media, and forest guardians (more about them soon). They learned all about red pandas and worked on ways to protect them.

All of this hard work is paying off! Three cities in Nepal have made protecting red pandas part of their budget (the money they spend during the year). Wahoo!

Figure 2: One of six boards set up with information about red pandas and why it’s important to protect them.

Smile for the Camera!

So, who are the Forest Guardians? They’re regular people, like you, who live near the forest and keep an eye on red panda habitat. They’ve even set up cameras to keep watch on what’s happening in the forest. The bonus? We’ll get lots of cute new photos of these adorable animals! We can’t wait to see them.

Lots of amazing work has been done, but it’s just the beginning. There’s still lots to do. Adopt your very own red panda to help protect these awesome animals!

Head to the Adoptions Section in the Earth Rangers App or visit the Earth Rangers Shop to get your Adoption Kit and help make a difference today!

Animation Magic in the Works

Earth Rangers

-

February 28, 2023

0

Earth Rangers is thrilled to be working in partnership with the award-winning animation studio 9 Story Media Group on a new comedy TV series for kids six-to-nine. The show in development is designed to empower kids and their families in the face of growing anxiety over the state of the planet. In addition to the series, the teams are also working on a six-episode serialized podcast.

Attached to the project are head writer Mark Steinberg (Hotel Transylvania, Big Blue, Numb Chucks) and story consultant Nelu Handa (Run the Burbs, Baroness von Sketch Show, Odd Squad), who was recently selected as a participant of the CBC-BIPOC TV & Film Showrunner Catalyst program. Development is being led by 9 Story VP of Development Karen Fowler (Rosie’s Rules, The Electric Company, Scout and the Gumboot Kids, Dot) out of the Toronto studio.

“I am a big believer in the Earth Rangers’ mission to create new generations of conservationists,” said Vince Commisso, President & CEO of 9 Story Media Group and board member of Earth Rangers. “We have a responsibility to future generations to fix what is happening with our planet. We also know from our experience working on Wild Kratts over the last decade, that kids are inherently passionate about the environment from an early age. Our goal with this partnership is to reach a slightly older audience and help maintain this passion for animals and the environment.”

“Earth Rangers has always strived to meet kids where they are – our live school assemblies, award-winning podcast and mobile app have successfully done that and we see this series as the next big piece of the puzzle,” said Tovah Barocas, President of Earth Rangers. “The passion and commitment of kids for protecting the environment never ceases to amaze me – creating a series that mirrors those qualities back to them through compelling characters and humour is guaranteed to resonate.”

“Partnering with Earth Rangers to build and activate a global community of engaged kids is thrilling,” said Karen Fowler, VP of Development for 9 Story. “It’s a blast developing this animated workplace comedy as part of that vision. Our podcast mini-series will be an appetizer for the show and capitalizes on Earth Rangers’ already significant and dedicated audience. Entertaining kids and amplifying the mission with actionable, connected takeaways is super satisfying and we are excited to find the right partners to take this out to global audiences.”

A little nudge out the front door

Earth Rangers

-

February 28, 2023

0

I was always amazed no one ever looked up. Every day, I’d climb my favourite tree in a wooded area beside a railroad track. This forest behind my grandparents’ house was my summer playground when I was kid, and oh did I love to climb trees. The higher the better! A towering oak gave me a perfect view of the commuters who departed from the train each afternoon. They would bustle along, hurrying to get home after a long day of work. I was well hidden behind the thick branches full of leaves but I hoped, that one day, someone would look up. I’d wave and congratulate them for catching me. Getting caught meant I’d have a new challenge. The hunt would begin to find another hiding spot in the sky, where once again, I’d find the prefect perch to conduct my daily scouting mission.

For me, playing outside didn’t take any planning or intention. Parenting experts are quick to point out that every generation has its own unique challenges. One issue for today’s kids is a dramatic drop in outdoor play. Thought leaders examining the reasons behind this societal change point to technology, structured activities like organized sports, and parental fears of letting their kids play outside.

Technology is immersed in our culture. It’s become a fundamental part of our lives. It’s requiring us to be more intentional about how we spend our “off hours.” It’s the same for children. Many parents are starting to introduce mandatory outdoor time. One parenting blogger suggests getting outside should be considered a necessity for kids, like a meal or good night’s sleep.

We have loads of ideas here at Earth Rangers to help. One of our new Eco-Activities has me particularly excited. Sense Scouting is a wonderful way to help kids to connect with nature. All it requires is a notepad, pencil, and the power of observation. You and the kids can head to your favourite outdoor space and fire up the five senses. Focus on one or two to start. Once your senses start tingling, talk about what you see or smell, for example. The kids can write it down in a notebook or make a little sketch. Considering my love affair with trees, not surprisingly, I think the Find a Tree Game is a fantastic way to intentionally connect with nature. This fun game involves taking turns being blindfolded and guided towards a tree. Then you’re led away and spun around a few times to make it challenging before your blindfold is removed. The adventure begins by trying to find your tree! How about creating your own Outdoor Orchestra? This Eco-Activity requires loads of creativity and teamwork. Head to your favourite outside space and take some time to look around for instruments. Anything is fair game. A pinecone xylophone or two rocks as cymbals perhaps? Our Creative Corner feature in the app is constantly adding new and fresh ideas to keep kids busy outside. (and loads of crafts too)!

Parenting is never a one-size fits all approach. My eldest son was not big on outdoor adventures. He’d often say to me, “Mom, I know you love hiking, exploring, and climbing trees, but I’m more of an indoor kinda’ person.” Totally fair! I still mandated outdoor time, but if he wanted to take a pass on a traipse through the forest or yet another bike ride by the lake, I learned to honour his need for being outside in his own way. Connecting with nature may not be intuitive for everyone, but with a little intention and a gentle shift in family priorities, a whole new world of possibilities could open up for your child. Striking a balance between technology, structured activities, and fresh air is the ticket. Getting outside together is even better!

Would you Rather #34

Earth Rangers

-

February 27, 2023

305

Would you rather run into…

A hissing snake or a hairy spider?

Tell us which one you pick in the comments!

More “Would You Rather” Questions!

Pixel Puzzler #21: The Great Reveal

Earth Rangers

-

February 24, 2023

64

We’ve gotten tons of great guesses on Part 1 of this Pixel Puzzler and now it’s time for the answer. Are you ready for the great reveal? Find out if you got it right!

The answer to this Pixel Puzzler is (drum roll please) a Canada Goose! How did you do? Tell us in the comments!

Tap here for more cool stuff like this!

Fact or Fiction? Animal Myths

Earth Rangers

-

February 23, 2023

1,387

Fact or Fiction? Animal Myths

Time:5 min

Difficulty:Easy

Animals appear in many stories and tall tales. But what truly is real? Take this quiz to find out what is fact and what is fiction!

Post your results in the comments below to let us know how you did!

A Freezing Cold Frog

Earth Rangers

-

February 22, 2023

54

Did you know that some frogs, like the grey tree frog, can survive freezing temperatures? Their body makes a chemical that protects their organs and stops ice from forming. This neat trick can help humans too. We can study these frogs and use what we learn to help store people’s organs for transplants.

Would you Rather #33

Earth Rangers

-

February 20, 2023

297

Would you rather be able to…

See in the dark like an owl or see really far like an eagle?

Tell us which one you pick in the comments!

More “Would You Rather” Questions!

Pixel Puzzler #21: Part 1

Earth Rangers

-

February 17, 2023

177

Let’s put your identification skills to the test! Can you figure out what is hidden in this picture? Make your guess in the comments.

Check back next week for the answer!

Tap here for more cool stuff like this!

Paper Roll Koala

Creative Corner

Earth Rangers

-

February 16, 2023

200

Time:15 min

Difficulty:Easy

Is it pawsible to find a cuter way to upcycle paper rolls? We don’t think so! Join us in making this adorable koala buddy!

Here’s what you need:

2 toilet paper rolls
Scissors
Paper
Tip: Upcycle an old piece of paper or newspaper instead of using something new
Glue
A marker

Here’s how you make it:

Step 1: Cut out two squares and two rectangles from one of the paper rolls. Next, cut them into the shape you want for your koala’s ears and arms.

Step 2: Cut out your koala’s belly from a piece of paper. Make sure it fits on the paper roll you’re using.

Step 3: Time to put your koala together! Glue the belly, arms, and ears onto your second tube.

TIP: Want your koala to be a different colour? Paint it before you glue it on your pieces.

Step 4: Finish everything off by drawing on eyes, a nose, some ear fluff, and some paws.

TIP: Koalas loooove eucalyptus! Cut some leaves out of a piece of paper and glue them onto the koala’s hands to give it a tasty treat.

This Red Panda Update is Pandastic!

More Trees!

Spread the Word!

Smile for the Camera!

Animation Magic in the Works

A little nudge out the front door

Would you Rather #34

Would you rather run into…

A hissing snake or a hairy spider?

Tell us which one you pick in the comments!

More “Would You Rather” Questions!

Pixel Puzzler #21: The Great Reveal

Tap here for more cool stuff like this!

Fact or Fiction? Animal Myths

Fact or Fiction? Animal Myths

Post your results in the comments below to let us know how you did!

A Freezing Cold Frog

Would you Rather #33

Would you rather be able to…

See in the dark like an owl or see really far like an eagle?

Tell us which one you pick in the comments!

More “Would You Rather” Questions!

Pixel Puzzler #21: Part 1

Check back next week for the answer!

Tap here for more cool stuff like this!

Paper Roll Koala

Here’s what you need:

Here’s how you make it:

**That’s it! You’ve got yourself a koalaty koala!**

Families

The App

Educators

Podcasts

About

Support Us