Every Earth Ranger knows that Earth Month is for the animals, which makes now the perfect time to highlight our animal adoption program, and the work our awesome conservation partners are doing to protect the future of the species. Each week we’ll feature one of our amazing project animals and share fun facts, project details, and of course exciting activities for you and your family to enjoy!

This week: Meet the Grizzly Bear!

Grizzly bears are one of the most epic creatures in Canada’s wilderness, found in the cool climates of the North all the way down into the U.S.. They’re mostly solitary with big territories, where they hunt salmon and forage berries to fuel up for their long hibernation. In the Yukon, a population of grizzlies living in the Beaver River Watershed is under threat due to a 65 km mining road that’s scheduled to be built right through their habitat. The road will cross 73 rivers and streams and many hectares of berry patches, which are important habitat and food sources for the grizzly bear. 

That’s why Earth Rangers has teamed up with Wildlife Conservation Society Canada as they work with the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun First Nation to protect this important area. By collecting grizzly bear hair samples, they’ll be able to figure out things like population size, habitat use, and distribution of the grizzlies in the watershed. More importantly, they hope to learn more about how the bears use the habitat so they can avoid some of the potential effects of the mining road.

You can help support this important research by purchasing a grizzly bear adoption kit! Your kit includes an adorable plushie plus an adoption certificate and a poster, and when you make your purchase through the Earth Rangers App your child will also earn points to help them level up on their Earth Rangers journey—plus a set of virtual rewards they can show off!

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!

Wildlife At Home!

Ever wonder what pandas get up to when no one’s watching? Do polar bears play out on the tundra? Are honeybee hives really all abuzz with activity?

Your challenge today is to solve these animal mysteries and more by tuning in to these live animal cams! 

Using Explore.org you’ll get up close and personal with some of your favourite animals, right from home! Live cameras are set up to watch different species around the world, showcasing the animal kingdom in ways you’ve never seen! Discover what’s happening right now on each animal cam, watch highlight videos, find fun facts and comment on the latest action!

Here’s a checklist of some wild moments to look out for:

• Spot an animal sleeping in the shade
• Find a baby animal
• Go underwater and see one fish chasing another
• Scout out an herbivore 
• Find an animal that can survive both in water and on land 
• See a flight of the fastest wings on earth (who could that be?) 
• Watch an animal eat
• Spot a camouflaged animal in their habitat 
• Post a photo of your family watching these wild animals with the hashtag #EarthMonthforAnimals 

Visit these 3 awesome animals that Earth Rangers is currently working hard to protect: polar bears, otters, and osprey

Plus, if after watching you decide you’d like to help out wild polar bears, otters, and osprey, check out the adoptions program in our app! Digital adoptions are now 50% off in celebration of Earth Month

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!

For the birds!
#EarthMonthforAnimals

Have you started to notice more birds in your neighbourhood? Maybe if your family created a bird nest supply shop last week, you’ve even seen some more around your home!

Did you know that birds turn food into energy at a faster rate than most other animals? This means they get hungry faster! Unfortunately, there are times when some birds can’t get enough to eat. That means even a little extra food can go a long way to feed them and their babies that should be hatching very soon! 

Let’s help them out and upcycle some otherwise single-use plastics you’ve got lying around the house! Hunt through your recycling for things like plastic water bottles, yogurt containers, or other plastic containers that have a lid that would otherwise be on their way out your door. Here are a few other things you’ll need for this activity:

• 3 wooden skewers/dowels (about 30cm long)
• Measuring tape
• Nyjer seeds (These are safest! Putting larger seeds out this time of year can be risky for baby birds.)
• Rope to hang the feeder with (No trees? No problem! Use a pole to hold the feeder off the ground instead)
• Cutting tool

Guess what?? It’s Earth Month!
#EarthMonthforAnimals

The snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and the buds are blooming… it must be April, otherwise known as Earth Month! 

For over a decade now, Earth Rangers has made April all about animals, and this year we’ve got more conservation projects, content and activities for you and your family than ever before!  Whether they’re flying, pollinating, burrowing, hunting, or foraging, these animals all play important roles in our Canadian ecosystems.  So join us this Earth Month, as we learn about and help preserve species and habitats across the country and beyond!

Meet our amazing project animals:

Your challenge for today: 

Pick your favourite animal from the list above and make some awesome animal art! Help us raise awareness for #EarthMonthforAnimals by posting your creature creations and don’t forget to tag our page along with #EarthMonthforAnimals. We’ll feature some of our favourites on our channels, so get creative!

Want to do more for animals this Earth Month? You can help support important research and conservation efforts by participating in our Wildlife Adoptions Program for any of the species listed above.  You can purchase a Plush Package for $40 or a Digital Package for $10.

And this Earth Month, we are offering 50% off all digital packages, available only in the Earth Rangers App! They include: 

• A virtual badge
• A virtual animal to accompany your avatar on the home screen in the app
• A cool bonus item for your avatar
• A virtual adoption certificate

Hey Earth Ranger families, are you ready for a super scavenger hunt? You won’t even need to leave your living room or change out of your pajamas for this one, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t a challenging quest. It requires a sharp eye, sharper wit, and an Earth Rangers can-do attitude! Ready? On your mark, get set, scavenge!!! 
Step 1: Download the Earth Rangers App here:

Step 2: Sign in to the App with your username and password. Or, if you’re new to our program, sign up for a free membership.

Step 3: Once you’re in the App, use the clues on the treasure map to decipher the secret code.

Step 4: Enter the secret code in the code vault to receive 25 bonus points!

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!

Meatless Monday
Bacon, burgers, fried chicken… we humans munch on delicious carnivorous meals regularly. But did you know that when we fill up on different meat products, we are actually contributing to greenhouse gasses being released into our atmosphere?! The more greenhouse gas emissions we release, the more extreme climate change becomes. What does that have to do with what is on your plate? It’s actually the process of raising livestock that makes meat super greenhouse gass-y!  

The largest greenhouse gas emissions come from:

• Electricity and fuel used to power machines that keep the farms running.
• Animal poop (and gas!)
• Water being pumped to farms for cleaning and drinking water for animals.

It’s surprisingly simple to find alternatives for protein and iron! Here are some delicious ideas for a marvelous #MeatlessMonday meal:

• Oatmeal with lots of fruit, seeds, and nuts
• Cheesy omelets
• Veggie pizza
• Quinoa salad with your favourite veggies (get creative!)
• Black bean and sweet potato tacos
• Polenta or eggplant parmesan with spinach
• Greek chickpea pasta salad
• Pea & lentil soup
• Sesame stir-fried tofu
• Roasted butternut squash tostadas
• Slow-cooked pulled jackfruit with BBQ sauce
• Tempeh sloppy Joes

Try running a contest with your family to see who can find the most mouth-watering recipe on the web! Can’t decide on just one? Try doing veggie dinners for the whole week!

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!

Germination Station!

It’s still a bit chilly outside, but why not soak in the little bit of spring we’ve got! The most “spring thing” possible has got to be planting flowers and nurturing seedlings. Since we aren’t quite past the overnight frost, why not get started with a little growing fun inside? That way, once all the super important pollinators start waking up and buzzing about, they will have a head start thanks to your family!! 

Added challenge: let’s be as #zerowaste as possible! See if you have any packs of seeds lying around from last season – and if you don’t, check your fridge! You can use seeds from tomatoes, cucumbers or various other fruits and vegetables and try planting those. What a great way to upcycle possible food waste!! 

Alternatively, you can check online stores to see what can be shipped right to you. As a family you can browse through seed options online and decide together what you should grow. You can use the time in between placing your order and receiving your package to plan where in your garden you may eventually plant your seedlings outside, or maybe even decorate your germination station in preparation! Click here to check out these handy guides to figure out what pollinator-friendly plants grow best where you live!

To set up your germination station, all you need are seeds, soil, and something to put them in! Don’t fret if you don’t have any pots available for gardening! You can use almost any container to start seedlings in. Did you know that most egg cartons are biodegradable? They are a perfect early-spring gardening hack since you can just plant the whole thing afterwards and not worry about complicated transplanting! Another awesome upcycle possibility to reduce waste in your home! Win, WIN!

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!

Plug in & Chill out!
Want some quiet time indoors but don’t want to go totally radio silent? Looking for company while you take a stroll around the neighbourhood? Discover these two awesome podcasts and take Earth Rangers with you wherever you go! 

Earth Rangers Podcast

Join Earth Ranger Emma, a wildlife biologist and roaming reporter for our kids podcast. This award-winning show is great for families who love to explore the mysteries of nature. Listen along as she explores the deep jungle, the frozen Arctic and splashes around wetlands, all in the name of science! Listen carefully because Emma has a bonus code to share to unlock something awesome in the Earth Rangers App! We suggest starting with episode 1 and working your way through the whole library over the weeks ahead! Kids can leave a message for Earth Ranger Emma here to request topics or enter the new contest by sharing a real life animal encounter story. Find this podcast in our Earth Rangers App or anywhere you get your podcasts. Click here to learn more!

The Big Melt

Teenagers these days know that climate change is altering everything… and Sarah has something to say about that! Join her as she breaks down the what’s, when’s, how’s and why’s of climate change. Whether she’s reaching out to teens that are changing the world, discovering brilliant minds that are reimagining the future or getting down to business with eco-entrepreneurs, she’s not afraid to ask the tough questions! Episodes 1-6 are available now and more will be released in the coming weeks! Plus, take a quick survey for a chance to win a custom T-shirt. Start with episode 1 for some key background information. Click here to learn more!

Listen and subscribe to either (or both!!) through any of your favourite podcast services, so you’ll be one of the first to hear new episodes as they are released!

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!

Did you know that animals can get hurt by our household waste and recycling? If we aren’t careful about how we dispose of our containers, bags, cleaners, food, and other waste, it can mean real danger for the animals in our neighbourhoods. In order to help your family remember to recycle and dispose of waste responsibly, we challenge you to have the Best Bins on the Block! Decorate your garbage and recycling bins with nature-themed art so everyone will remember to think of our outdoor friends when saying see-ya to our household waste!

BUT WAIT! If you’re planning to decorate the recycling bin that goes on the curb, check with your city or town first to make sure you’re allowed. Otherwise, you can decorate the area where you keep your recycling bins instead.

Tip: Make sure you wash your hands before and after this activity! For more information on the benefits of proper handwashing, please click here to view the recommendations by the Government of Canada.

Get a preview of the full RAWR mission here or find it on the Earth Rangers App!

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!

When we do things to change the outdoor landscape, like build houses and roads, it gets harder for animals to find the safe habitats they need to survive. It’s important that urban wildlife can find food, eat, sleep and nest! Can your family help them by becoming habitat heroes? 
For birds, building a nest can take anywhere from a few days up to about 2 weeks! Let’s help our winged friends out by giving them quick access to some nest-building materials!

You’ll probably be able to find the things they need close to home! Collect some of these easy to carry supplies and put them out in piles or shallow bowls in one area of your yard:

Tip 1: Do your best to make sure your shop is sheltered from the wind!
Tip 2: Make sure you wash your hands before and after this activity! For more information on the benefits of proper hand-washing, please click here to check out the recommendations by the Government of Canada. 
Tip 3: If you put your shop in view from a window, you can watch from inside to see your happy shoppers!

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!