Abigail
Written by Megan Solberg
Earth Rangers is a Canada-wide, 200,000 members strong kids’ conservation organization. They are committed to instilling environmental knowledge, positivity, and the confidence to take action in children across Canada. In pursuit of this mission, Earth Rangers offers a variety of free and engaging education programs that children can participate in at home, at school, and in their communities. Most importantly, Earth Rangers’ programs show children that it’s not too late to help the planet and teach kids that their actions can have a positive impact in their communities today, and those actions will continue to impact the future of our planet.
Abigail Hynes, age 8, joined Earth Rangers two and a half years ago and has reached Super Ranger status, appearing on the Wild Wire Wall of Fame for the work she has done with the organization. She loves animals, and she enjoys spending lots of time outdoors. Her favourite activities are the swing, golf, basketball, water fights with her mom, and exploring nature. She was kind enough to share her thoughts about her experience with Earth Rangers, and she offered some advice for people when it comes to taking care of the environment.
Q: What do you like about Earth Rangers?
A: I like that you get to save creatures that are in danger. The missions are a lot of fun, and I love helping animals, going out in nature, and exploring.
Q: What has been your favourite activity?
A: I have enjoyed all of my Earth Rangers activities, but some of the ones I liked the most include the times Earth Rangers visited my school and my Dad’s office with some animal ambassadors, cleaning up a beach in Newfoundland (Shore Line Saver Mission), exploring a conservation area (Scavenger Hunt Showdown), planting wildflowers for bees (Pollinator Power Mission), and planting a seedling in our backyard (Just One Tree Mission) and watching it grow.
Q: What is one cool fact you have learned about the environment?
A: I have learned so many interesting facts from the Wild Wire Blog on the Earth Rangers’ website, and from researching the animals I raised funds to help. I even did speeches about those animals at my school. This year’s speech was about the gray fox, which is the only canid that climbs trees and has retractable claws!
Q: What is your favourite thing about the environment?
A: My favourite thing about the environment is the way being in nature makes me feel peaceful and calm, although I also like watching thunderstorms and waves on the ocean. I also love learning about all the different kinds of adorable and amazing creatures.
Q: Why do you think it is important to care for the environment?
A: It is important to care about the environment because animals, plants, and even people need clean air and water to survive and be healthy.
Q: What is your favourite animal?
A: I don’t have a favourite animal because I love all animals.
Q: What would you like to be when you grow up?
A: I’m not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but sometimes I think I would like to own a farm. My Mom thinks I should be a veterinarian because I love animals so much.
Q: Do you have advice for people when it comes to taking care of the environment?
A: To take care of the environment, it is important to use less energy by turning off lights and appliances you are not using and turning down the heat or air conditioning, plant trees and flowers, use less plastic, clean up litter when you see it, use more natural products and less harsh chemicals, re-use and recycle. Those are all things that Earth Rangers missions teach you to do.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share about your time with Earth Rangers?
A: I would like to say thank you to all the other Earth Rangers who help to protect animals.
Q: Would you tell your friends to take part in Earth Ranger?
A: Yes, I have told all my friends about Earth Rangers because if they join Earth Rangers, they can help protect the environment and the animals that live in it.
Participating in Earth Rangers has given Abigail unique opportunities to engage with and learn more about the diverse wildlife she is so passionate about. This excitement for learning and active engagement in solutions to environmental issues will continue to have a positive impact in her life, her community, and her future.
K+S Potash Canada proudly partners with Earth Rangers as they continue to bring engaging, inspiring, and educational experiences to elementary school students across Saskatchewan.