A nature-loving 10-year-old from Cochrane is capturing national attention as he closes in on the title of 2025 Junior Ranger.
Nathan has made it into the top five finalists for the Ranger Rick Jr. Ranger competition, a contest designed to get kids excited about the environment, wildlife, and the great outdoors. If he wins, Nathan will be featured in Ranger Rick magazine, learn from renowned wildlife expert Jeff Corwin, and receive a $20,000 cash prize.
Cassandra Riches, a family friend, says Nathan has worked hard throughout the competition by completing weekly challenges like spotting wildlife and showcasing local trails.
“It’s to get kids interested in the environment and in hiking and getting outdoors,” Riches explains. “They’ve been posting about their activities and uploading them to the website each week.”
And Nathan already has a plan for the prize money. “He just made a video yesterday talking about what he would do if he won,” said Riches. “Part of it includes donating to Team Trees and Team Seas, organizations focused on planting trees and cleaning up the ocean.”
Nathan, a local Cochrane student, is also looking into volunteering with Creek Watch, a group that monitors local lakes and rivers, showing his commitment to environmental causes goes well beyond the contest.
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Voting wraps up in just two days, and Nathan is currently in first place. Supporters can help by casting a free daily vote online using a Facebook account. Donations to the World Wildlife Fund through the contest page also help boost his vote count.
“He just needs that final push of support,” says Riches. “Anyone can vote, once a day, and every click counts.”
To support Nathan, visit the Ranger Rick Jr. Ranger contest website and get your vote in before the deadline.