Every year, monarch butterflies make the incredible migration from Canada to Mexico, where you can see thousands of them rest on a single tree! Lots of butterflies absolutely love our trees in Canada too! They are the perfect place to get a snack, lay eggs, hide from bad weather and, of course, to rest. 

For today’s Eco-Activity, we’ll be talking tree planting tips that will help you make an amazing butterfly habitat right in your own backyard!

Trees need lots of space, light and water. Make sure you pick a spot with all of these and room for your tree to grow. 

Trees need to be planted in the spring or the fall when it’s not too hot or too cold.

Look up native tree species in your area. This will help you make the best possible habitat for butterflies and all the other animals that will be hanging out in your tree. Some butterfly favourites are oaks, elms, cherries, and hackberries

1. Dig a hole 3 times as wide as the root ball of your baby tree and only as deep as the top of the roots. 

2. Carefully remove any container and loosen the root ball by squeezing it and pulling it apart with your hands.

3. Place the tree in the hole.

4. Fill the hole back in with the dirt and add some water!

5. Starting 5 centimeters from the trunk, add lots of mulch all around your tree, more is better. Now your tree is good to go!

Water every day for the first two weeks then continue to water frequently after. Watch it grow into a perfect home for butterflies!

Now that spring has sprung, we’re starting to see all sorts of incredible insects, like beetles, bees and of course butterflies! Bring that spring feeling inside with these cool butterfly crafts. For today’s Eco-Activity, let’s make some beautiful butterflies that really do flutter and fly!

We want to see your butterfly crafts!
Share a photo with us on social media or send an email to membership@earthrangers.com!

Unleash your inner bighorn sheep! Get outside and explore by hiking with your family and friends! For today’s Eco-Activity, we’re going to take a hike inspired by bighorn sheep!

Layer Up!

Bighorn sheep have thick wool that keeps them warm in the chilly temperatures on the mountain! Make sure you bring a sweater during your hike so that you can layer up or take it off!

Bring Snacks!

Bighorn sheep are foragers and graze on grasses and shrubs as they move through their habitat! Make sure you pack some trail mix, fruits and other snacks in case you get hungry!

Wear Comfortable, Sturdy Shoes!

Bighorn sheep have strong hooves that help them to balance on the steep, rocky terrain. Wear sturdy running shoes, sneakers or hiking boots to protect your feet and help you balance! In the winter, you can wear snow shoes or winter boots!

Stick Together!

Bighorn sheep travel in herds and are always on the lookout for one another. Make sure you stay with your hiking buddies.

Bring Along Supplies!

A notebook, binoculars, and an animal tracking guide are great hiking companions. They can help you discover the nature you see along the way! Bighorn sheep are always alert and on the lookout for things around them.

We want to see your adventure!
Share a photo with us on social media or send an email to membership@earthrangers.com!

Don’t miss our Earth Week Deals!

The Earth Rangers App is where kids go to save animals! It’s free to join and you’ll have access to real-world Missions like this one. Plus, you can adopt an animal to support conservation projects, and learn all about animals in the Wild Wire Blog. Find activities like this, and so much more in the App!