Xander is a true all-weather outdoorsman and has the unique ability to communicate with animals - his mantra is “go adventuring!”
Thank you for generously supporting Xander in this year’s competition. Your participation helps empower the National Wildlife Federation in their mission to protect wildlife, restore habitats, and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
What is Jr. Ranger?
Learn moreXander has a really quiet nature and has the keen ability to be comfortable around domestic and wild animals. Walking on the prairie, wetlands or forest and seeing animals wild there is his favorite thing about nature. Stopping the walk through the wild to be there, observing animals, is a highlight to any adventure he goes on. When animals are caged, he knows sometimes it’s necessary for their safety, but making that comfortable and a partnership between animal and man is valuable to him
Whitetail deer because of their beauty, elusiveness and the babies are so cute. Xander says, “it’s rare to walk up to a whitetail and see them for long, but if you sit and do a quiet activity like braiding or building something in an area you know they feel comfortable in you might see them walk by. One time, my mom and I watched a whitetail give birth. It was cool. The babies jumped up almost immediately and wandered off on pretty strong legs”.
“I love fishing off my kayak in a lake. I use barbless hooks and release my catches. Someday I would love to be part of a science job so I can catch and release in an even more harmless way.” When he fishes, he learns a lot about what fish are eating and wether or not the fish were born in the lake or planted by fish and game. Xander loves that he doesn’t have to say much to be understood or to understand in nature, most communication is read in our actions and intent.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Jr. Ranger, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
