Meet Our 2025-2026 ARC Wild Rangers

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ARC Wild Rangers aren't just learning about wildlife—they're getting their hands dirty, trying new things, building confidence and discovering how they can make a difference right in their own backyards. This year's Rangers come have already:

• Built birdhouses from recycled materials
• Spent time outdoors exploring and learning through hands-on activities
• Discovered careers in wildlife, conservation and animal care
• Learned why algebra really does matter in real life (yes, we said it!)
• Practiced public speaking and communication skills
• Had opportunities to teach other kids their own age
• Traveled beyond the classroom for unique conservation experiences
• Gotten hands-on with wildlife and learned more about the animals living right here in Kansas

And they're just getting started. This fall they will be tagging monarchs, going creeking, geocaching and more!

MORE THAN A WILDLIFE PROGRAM

Our Ranger program is designed for youth in 4th–8th grades who are curious about wildlife, love being outdoors or are interested in a future career involving animals, science or conservation. Rangers meet monthly for up-close, hands-on adventures that combine wildlife, conservation, citizen science, leadership and career exploration.  Since it's beginning in 2022, more than 100 youth in 4th-8th grades have participated and several have since graduated and are actively working in scientific fields.

Throughout the year, Rangers may conduct citizen-science projects, create enrichment for ARC Wild's animal ambassadors, assist with ARC Wild events, travel on behind-the-scenes field trips and explore careers they may never have known existed. But one of the most important things they learn is how to take what they've discovered and share it with others.

Our Rangers have opportunities to become the teachers—building confidence, practicing public speaking and helping other young people discover just how amazing Kansas wildlife really is.

And sometimes their teaching partners have four legs. Wildlife ambassadors like Penelope the skunk and Chiclet the opossum help turn those lessons into experiences kids won't soon forget.

GROWING TOMORROW'S CHANGEMAKERS

We want our Rangers to leave the program with more than wildlife facts. We want them to ask questions. Try things that challenge them. Get outside. Speak up. Discover what they're good at. Explore careers. Become leaders. And understand that they don't have to wait until they're adults to make a difference. They're becoming changemakers for wildlife, conservation and their communities right now. It's the wildest adventure in town.