A Calgary kindergarten student with a deep love for nature and wildlife is currently sitting in second place across North America in the National Wildlife Federation’s Jr. Ranger competition. Five-year-old Jack Laanstra spends his free time hiking through the woods, climbing trees, learning animal facts and helping clean up garbage in local parks and natural areas. While walking through Griffith Woods Park in southwest Calgary, one of Jack’s favourite places in the city, the five-year-old talked with CTV News about trees, animals and why he feels so connected to nature. “I think about my grandpa,” Jack said. “Because he liked trees, and then my mom liked trees, and then I liked trees.” The National Wildlife Federation is one of the largest conservation and environmental education organizations in North America. Founded in 1936, the group works to protect wildlife, habitats and outdoor spaces, while also encouraging children to connect with nature through programs like Ranger Rick magazine and the Jr. Ranger competition hosted by wildlife expert Jeff Corwin. The program recognizes children who show leadership, curiosity and a commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. Jack’s mother Brooklyn Glaser Laanstra says her son has always felt most at home outdoors. “Jack’s always loved nature,” she said. “He’s most himself when he’s outside amongst the trees especially, but [also when] looking for little insects and animals. He just calms right down and he’s most himself; it’s really great to watch.” Laanstra says the family introduced Jack to the program through Ranger Rick magazine and other wildlife publications. “We told him – not about the competition – but that there was a chance to be part of a group of kids around the world who care about protecting nature and the wild spaces,” she said. “He got really excited about that.” At five years old, Jack’s interests can shift quickly from day to day, but he currently loves big cats, scorpions and bee hummingbirds. “It’s a hummingbird that is almost the size of a bee,” Jack explained while describing the tiny bird. “And its nest is as big as a golf ball, and its eggs are the size of a coffee bean.” Jack says he also enjoys learning facts about animals through Ranger Rick magazine. His mother says Jack often reminds the rest of the family to slow down and appreciate the outdoors. “He’ll say, ‘Mom, look up, take a deep breath. Do you smell that?’” she said. “He’s so great at making us all ground and focus on what’s important.” Jack also regularly helps pick up litter while hiking with family members. “Me and my grandma were walking, and when we were walking, we decided to get a garbage bag,” he said. “So, we got a garbage bag, and then went for a walk, and we got lots of garbage.” Jack’s family says even naming his younger brother reflected his connection to nature. His brother’s name is Arbor, which means trees. The Jr. Ranger competition encourages children to act as ambassadors for conservation by exploring nature, learning about wildlife and helping protect natural spaces. Winners can receive prizes including scholarship money, wildlife experiences with Jeff Corwin and appearances in Ranger Rick magazine. Jack is currently the highest-ranking Canadian child remaining in the competition. To cast a ballot for Jack head to his junior ranger competition page.
